Page 3 - Cribbs FC v Andover New Street FA Vase 231021

Today’s Game

Firstly, Cribbs FC would like to extend a very warm welcome to the visiting players,
team management, supporters and officials of Andover New Street, together with
the match officials for today’s FA Vase match. We hope that you enjoy your visit to
the Lawns.

Match Reports
Tuesday evening saw a top of the table clash with second placed Bishop’s Cleeve
from just outside Cheltenham.
The game was played in extremely testing weather conditions with heavy rainfall
throughout the encounter. However, this did not stop the two sides laying on some
top-drawer entertainment.
Cribbs playing the first half with the driving rain behind them and the lion’s share
of it was spent in the Bishop’s Cleeve half. The possession led to plenty of chances
falling the home side’s way without much luck in front of goal.
A 25-yard Ross McErlain free kick brought a smart save from the keeper and
another good chance saw Jake Hodgson lay the ball off to George Kellow in the six-
yard box, but he somehow managed to miss the ball before sliding into the keeper.
The conditions had favoured us, but half-time was reached and the game remained
goal-less, so a tough second half was expected. Oddly, it didn’t start that way as
Kellow atoned for his first half miss with a smart finish after 30 seconds of the half.
The lead was extended from the penalty spot by Ross McErlain on 56 minutes
following a foul on Steve Murray.
Former Cribbs managerial favourite Simon Clark often described 2-nil as a
dangerous lead and this was to be reinforced by a Cleeve ten minute blitz. An
unopposed runner from a corner guided home their first, slick passing got their
forward in to slide home for the second and poor handling by the Kingston saw
Cleeve lead as they struck home the loose ball.
It felt like the game was up as Cleeve were dominating with a strong breeze behind
them and it looked to be the case as their number nine struck home a cross. A
reprieve was forthcoming as the assistant referee flagged for the ball going out of
play which infuriated the Cleeve winger who exchanged some choice words with
the official. We had already recommenced play, but at the next pause he was sent
off.
The game swung Cribbs way and after persistent pressure a Murray cross found
the head of Matt Spiller for an injury time equalizer.
What a game! Shame about the weather and hope you are all dried out now
……
This Afternoon’s Opponents
This is the first time that we have met Andover New Street who play in the Wessex
League Division One.
They have made a strong start to the season, currently sitting in fourth place after
winning seven of their ten league games, scoring thirty-five goals and conceding
sixteen.
As a former Wessex League manager with an encyclopaedic knowledge, Luffers
advises me that we are in for a stern test.
As always, get behind the boys!!! UTC
As always, get behind the boys!!! UTC