Blacks and Greens - 3rd Matchday of GFA WFL 24/25
With new signings, transfers and a few squad changes, CTWFC's Greens and Blacks gathered at Almondsbury for the last GFA WFL matchday of 2024, and as the drizzle dissipated... the challenge to earn points began.
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| Jeff D, Tony N, Rob S, Phil C, Paul W. Andy G, Graham N, Mark P. |
For the third matchday of the 60s GFA WFL, at Oaklands Park Stadium, the Calne Blacks was a strong one: Rob S in goal, Jeff D and Phil C in defence, debutant Mark P, Andy G and Graham N in midfield, Paul W sharing midfileld and attack and Tony N up front.
We started the day with a 3 v 0 awarded win vs old rivals Highworth for their no-show.
In our first match, against mid-table Bristol, we put out an attacking line up, dominated the game and won 2 v 0. Two goals from Tony, the first from an exquisite assist from Paul who opened up their defenders.
Next up high-flying Abbeymead and their many Gloucs County players. Even game. But unluckily lost 0 v 1 to one single defensive error.
We were then straight on to play high flying Keynsham Reds. In a tough even game Keynsham took the lead using physical power and speed, before we equalised shortly after. Graham hit a low shot that their goalkeeper parried but Tony was on hand to skilfully chip over the keeper. Keynsham then sprinted away and went 2 v 1 up despite appeals. But, with the last kick of the match, Graham equalised with a stunning volley after Tony’s free kick shot was parried strongly by their keeper. 2 v 2.
Last up our familiar foes, Swindon. We quickly went behind to a clever move before equalising via Tony from a tight angle that surprised and squeezed past John K in the Swindon goal. Our tails up, we got the precious win from a clever cross D pass from Tony to Mark who calmly tucked away the winner on his debut... 2 v 1. A major and long overdue win against local rivals.
10pts from the day; 6 goals scored (Tony 4, Graham 1, Mark 1), great assists (Paul 1, Mark 2, Tony 2, Graham 1), and some good all-round team play. Rob made many excellent saves in goal, and especially contributed to the Keynsham and Swindon results; Jeff and Phil were immense and tough in defence; Mark added real value, leadership and control in midfield on his debut, Andy locked up threats in left midfield; Graham worked hard up and down in midfield; Paul added menace and close control in midfield and attack, and Tony had his best series of play and best haul of goals to date.
Good team and individual efforts. Good day out.
Blacks results
Calne Town Blacks 3 v 0 Highworth Town (HW)*
Bristol Utd 0 v 2 Calne Town Blacks
Abbeymead Rovers 1 v 0 Calne Town Blacks
Calne Town Blacks 2 v 2 Keynsham Town
Calne Town Blacks 2 v 1 Swindon Town
* No show, Blacks awarded a 3 v 0 Home Walkover.
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| Andy B, Perry K, Geoff R, Chris W. Mark K, Jon H, Olli S. |
Calne Greens 60s team had a mixed set of results in this, the third round of Gloucester League fixtures.
It was always going to be a challenging set of fixtures, facing three of the top four teams at start of play.
The playing squad comprised of Jon H in goal, in place of Charlie who was away on his holidays, Geoff R, Andy B, Chris W, Mark K, Ollie S and Perry K
In the first game we had a narrow 1 v 2 defeat against Keynsham after taking an early lead through a close range effort from Mark after a shot by Perry was well saved . They scored two good goals in response but we were denied a deserved late equaliser by a great save by their goalie from a fine shot by Perry.
The reverse happened in the next game against Cirencester where we came back from a one goal deficit to win, courtesy of two well worked goals from Mark and Perry, with assists from Perry and Chris respectively.
What followed was the most frustrating of 0 v 1 defeats against a very physical Clevedon side. A very even contest was decided by a penalty correctly awarded against us for one of our players inadvertently entering the penalty area when defending. A momentary lapse of concentration, but Clevedon should have been a player down at this stage after a sliding challenge from behind by one of their players on Perry... DOGSO!
Our final game was a comprehensive 1 v 3 defeat at the hands of a very impressive Weston side, who thoroughly deserved their win. If it wasn’t for the heroics of Jon in goal the margin of defeat would have been far greater. The consolation goal was scored by Mark from the penalty spot right at the end of the game.
Although a disappointing points haul on the day, credit to all the players for their workrate, endeavour and at times some good passages of play. Probably 1 win, 2 draws and 1 defeat would have been a more equitable return for the overall performances.
Greens results
Calne Town Blacks 3 v 0 Highworth Town (HW)*
Balne Town Greens 1 v 3 Weston Super Mare AFC
Calne Town Greens 1 v 2 Keynsham Town
Calne Town Greens 2 v 1 Cirencester Phoenix
Calne Town Greens 0 v 1 Cevedon Town
* No show, Greens awarded a 3 v 0 Home Walkover.
