More Ups Than Downs In 65s Wilts County WFL
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| Phil C, Steve P, John W, Laurence E, Perry K. Jeff D, Graham N, Andy G. |
The 65s started against Cirencester minus a number of key names but with Perry back, and new face (to us!) Steve in goal. Perry rattled all 3 structures of the goal as we threatened strongly, and we finally had to settle for a 1 v 0 win from a Perry pen, after one of their defenders had entered the D.
Next up, unbeaten Salisbury with a strong side. We got an early goal from Graham after a skilful pass from Perry opened them up. Shortly after, Perry put their goalie and ball in the net with a strong shot - 2 v 0 after 4 mins! We bossed the game until an unfortunate own goal, and had to ride out the last 2 mins with the help of Steve 'The Cat', some ferocious blocking/tackling by our defence, and a post. 2 v 1 to Calne and Salisburys first defeat of this league.
Swindon next. Numerous chances and good shots from Laurence and Perry, but we succumbed to clever play from Swindon and lost 1 v 0.
We played four straight games and last up were our “friends” from Highworth. The Battle of Devizes ensued, which surly will be reported on elsewhere and talked about in legends. No quarter given. Jeff took out their captain with a committed challenge (great theatricals ensued) and that set the tone. Graham scored shortly afterwards vs our own Charlie playing in goal for Highworth. Their players got confused by the lines on the pitch, started complaining and stopped defending, allowing Jeff to pass a precision assist for Graham to blast in. 1 v 0 Calne. Then we defended stoutly. Huge blocks and strong tackles from the whole team, combined with some great saves from Steve. A great win and one we haven’t done for a long time.
In summary, a good day with three wins. Steve was immense in goal with many great saves. Jeff and Phil were tenacious and committed in providing a strong defence. Laurence and John (on his welcome return) provided strong movement, attacking threat and stout defence; Andy and Graham worked hard in midfield; and Perry was 'a professional nuisance' (quoted straight from the Salisbury match report 😎) who gave us many openings with his selfless contribution upfront. 2 goals each for Perry and Graham.
RESULTS
Cirencester Phoenix 0 v 1 Calne Town
Highworth Town 0 v 0 Swindon Town
Swindon Town 2 v 1 Cirencester Phoenix
Highworth Town 0 v 0 Salisbury
Calne Town 0 v 1 Swindon Town
Salisbury 1 v 0 Cirencester Phoenix
Calne Town 1 v 0 Highworth Town
Cirencester Phoenix 0 v 2 Highworth Town
One more gameday left in the 65s and an opportunity to continue our upward projection - we could still win it!!