Reports 13th February 2010
Men's 1sts lose by the odd goal in 7 to local rivals Cambridge City
Men's 2nds win the local derby against Cambridge City 5
Men's 3rds are just edged out by one goal against Cambridge Nomads 3
Ladies' 1sts claim another 3 points against Cambridge Nomads 2
Ladies' 2nds v Ely 3 : Match Postponed
Cambridge South Men's I 3 - 4 Cambridge City IV
H/T: 1 - 1
Scorers: Chris Baker, Keith Hewitt (2)
MoM: Ron Oren, Matt Readman
Awaiting Report
Team played: Steve Parker, Ron Oren, Jim Thorpe, Manu Bhardwaj, Russell Johnson, Chris Baker, Matt Readman, Tristen Knight, Ali Ward, Mark Pears, James Cobbe, Keith Hewitt
Cambridge South Men's II 2 - 1 Cambridge City V
H/T: 0 - 0
Scorers: Rob Barton (2)
MoM: Rob Barton (Two excellent goals helped clinch victory)
LOM: George Wych (Short corner running out was simply not up to scratch this week!)
South pushed back on a wintery lunchtime, hoping to continue where they left off following a fine home win against Rutland the previous week.
The first half was a tense affair, with South unable to break through the home defence despite having a number of short corners. Up the other end, the defensive back four of Bristowe, Tomita, Aston and Glover rebuffed any City attacks when they arrived, and Ben Buckley was completely untested in the South goal. Tomita and Bristowe were doing their best to start free-flowing attacking moves from deep, but it seemed South were lacking a cutting edge in the final third.
After a goalless first half, South re-emerged after the break determined to translate their superior possession into goals. Nick Bristowe went close twice, once from a short corner where the keeper stood up to his shot, and then a drive from the edge of the D in open play was tipped expertly round the post. Goal king Rob Barton also saw a reverse stick special smothered by the keeper.
South were not to be denied however, and Lord Barton struck clinically into the corner with his trademark reverse sweep to give them a merited lead. Refusing to sit on their lead, South then doubled their advantage midway through the second half, when a sumptuous team move finished with a perfect cross from Kev Rowland being tucked away first time with aplomb by Barton to effectively seal the game. Further short corner attempts were snuffled out by the City keeper, before they had a chance of their own from a short corner to gain a consolation goal at the death. Whilst the first attempt was put behind by Ian Glover, City were not to be denied, as they capitalised on some slower than usual running out by George Wych (!) to deflect a low shot into the roof of the net. This was to be the last action of the game, and South march on to a crucial promotion match next week at home to Wisbech.
Team played: Ben Buckley, Leo Tomita, Ian Glover, Nick Bristowe, Bhavdeep Virdi, Rob Leigh, Kev Rowland, Jack Chalk, Dave Aston, Tim Clapp, John Hawkes, Rob Barton
Cambridge South Men's III 0 - 1 Cambridge Nomads III
H/T: 0 - 0
Scorers: None
MoM: Tim Dean (Heroic defending and supporting the attack; Inspirational and positive throughout.)
If this had been a 15 minute match, CSouth would probably have won. It wasn't; we didn't. One scrappy goal was enough for Nomads to clinch it.
In the first ten minutes, Cambridge South were the dominant side, keeping the ball in their opponents half. They had several chances. John Greaves had two great attempts, but both just skimmed the outside of the post. Andy Lewis had a couple of efforts, and Rupert Espley and James Hodge were pushing hard down their respective wings to offer the forwards a chance at goal. The Nomads side were rocking at this point and it is a pity Cambridge South could not capitalise. The defence kept its composure and stopped the Nomads forwards from getting through on goal, it was good to see John Benedikz back in the side. South and Nomads used substitutes well and ended the first half 0-0.
Almost immediately after the re-start Nomads took the ball forward and scored. David Bridge commented, tongue in cheek, that as a result of him not being on the pitch at this point, the defence was not quite so strong! Tom South had a couple of mazy runs, but was probably suffering form a hectic (sporting he claims) schedule. South the Elder was his usual combative self, and his mid-field partner, Stu Creed was also full of running and tried hard to provide the forwards with chances to score - as well as discussing the finer points of the game with the umpires. Once Man-of-Match Tim Dean, was given an opportunity to drive the team forward from defence, he did so with tenacity and verve.
In spite of some rejigging of the positions. CSouth were undone by a rejuvenated Nomads side who once they took the lead did not look like a side who would let it go easily. They had a nice blend of talented young players and some more experienced players.
A Nomads player commented afterwards that CSouth should have been more patient, and pay the ball across the pitch more. We had thought of this ... but somehow didnt actually implement such a cunning idea. He also admitted that the Nomads side included 2 or 3 players more used to a higher league. Sadly this didnt make us feel much better about failing to grab the points in a game that should have been a home win. It was encouraging afterwards that many members of the team engaged in urgent consideration of how to address the reasons why we didn't.
Market Deeping next week; a good time to learn from this game and get back to winning ways.
Written mainly by the 3rd team's loyal fan and special correspondent, Jake Davis
Team played: Steve Parker, Tim Dean, Shahbaz Ali, John Benedikz, David Bridge, Neil Sneade, Tom South, Stu Creed, James Hodge, Paul South, Andy Lewis, John Greaves, Rupert Espley
Cambridge South Ladies' I 4 - 0 Cambridge Nomads II
H/T: 0 - 0
Scorers: Kirsten Fairfax, Alice Hug, Tash Cox (2)
MoM: Tash Cox (Ror composure on the ball creating numerous opportunities and awesome finishing)
Awaiting Report
Team played: Louise Tonkin, Ellie Raffan, Caroline Dent, Julie Sadler, Kirsten Fairfax, Liles Dee, Breeshey Harkin, Georgie Hurford, Anne-Isabelle Richard-Picchi, Alice Hug, Tash Cox
Cambridge South Ladies' II OFF - OFF Ely III
H/T: ? - ?
Match Postponed