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2011/12 Season

Calne Eagles 2-5 (aet) Boomsbury

Division 2 Cup Final - Thursday 3rd May 2012

Division Two champions Boomsbury completed a League and cup double when they won the Division Two Cup 5:2 in extra time at Warminster Town on Thursday evening. But those who were privileged to have watched this thrilling final know that valiant play from Calne Eagles made this an unexpectedly hard-won contest, forcing Boomsbury to come back from two down with eight minutes left and to secure their win during extra-time.

Full credit must go to the Eagles who were massive underdogs ahead of the game, yet they made Boomsbury work for their success and at one stage looked as if they were on course to produce one of the biggest ever cup final upsets. They will also be left wondering if their unequivocal sportsmanship on the day may have been a costly handicap. Shaun Jefferies was brought down when clean through on goal in extra-time but no card was produced, while both John Baker (continual foul-mouthed dissent towards the referee) and Ali Bradley (reckless challenge on Shaun Jefferies when already cautioned) were both shown extreme leniency by the referee.

The match itself was as good as any of the finals staged by the league in the last few years and for Boomsbury’s Carl Davies it will was one to remember. His team looked set to lose with time running out, but his virtuoso performance single-handily turned the game around and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for Ben Howe’s men, leaving a Calne Eagles side, who for 82 minutes matched or bettered their illustrious opponents in every department, more than a little deflated.

As expected Boomsbury, who had already beaten Calne twice this season, started the stronger of the two teams and in the opening quarter had the largest share of the play. It was during this spell that Scott Askew went close on two occasions. John Baker and Mike Grieve also had near misses. At this stage, Boomsbury were on top and one could sense a goal, but Calne’s defence were on top form as they were able to keep the cup favourites at bay.

With 10 minutes remaining in the half, Calne put together their best spell, Stuart Windsor and Sam Rogers testing keeper Mayne before the former broke clear of his marker Matt Jones, who was holding him back. But after a good advantage from referee Steve Higgins, he was able to get a shot off, his effort flying wide of the upright. The first half drew to a close with Boomsbury’s Grieve and Askew trying their luck from distance but neither able to give their team the goal that the first half efforts deserved.

The second half began with Boomsbury on the front foot, but Ali Bradley could only watch as keeper Andy Windsor denied him the opener with a great save, the ball falling to Steve Jackson who saw his follow-up cleared to safety by Tom Evans.

Calne looked a more attack-minded side in the opening stages and a Bewley cross picked out the head of Stuart Windsor who in turn planted a header into the hands of keeper Mayne. On 55 minutes, it was the turn of Bewley to miss with a header, which went over from close range failing to test the keeper.

Two minutes later, the deadlock was broken, keeper Mayne raced out of his area but he was beaten to the ball by Bewley who produced a fantastic strike from out near to the touchline, curling the ball in from 30 yards out to give Calne Eagles a 1-0 lead. Boomsbury then made their first change of the game and substitute Reuben Spong went close to making it one apiece, but his header from an Ali Bradley cross went wide of the mark.

Calne doubled their advantage on 64 minutes, another error by keeper Mayne on the edge of the area gifted the ball to Bewley and with the keeper out of position he turned and fired the ball into the empty net from 20 yards out for another well taken goal to make it 2-0. Calne and Bewley missed out on a great chance to score a third on 68 minutes, a brilliant cross in by Karl Sharratt just missed the oncoming Stuart Windsor and Bewley where a touch from either of them would have given them a 3-0 lead.

Calne substitute Shaun Jefferies then had the chance to be a hero with his first touch but his effort was straight at the keeper. At the other end, Carl Davies who was on for captain Darren Jones was starting to make things work for Boomsbury, as manager Ben Howe looked to turn things around with one last throw of the dice. Playing two at the back, it was all out attack and having had one effort scrambled of the line by keeper Windsor, Davies blasted another shot over the bar from 10 yards.

After some heroic defending, Calne had looked as if they had weathered the storm, but Boomsbury got themselves back in the game on 82 minutes, an intended cross from Pete Spong found the back of the net, reducing the arrears to one goal.

It was all Boomsbury now as they went in search of an equaliser. Steve Jackson went very close to evening the scores before Ali Bradley picked out substitute Reuben Spong on 86 minutes and Spong took the game to extra time, heading past a helpless Windsor, who got a hand on the ball but was unable to keep it out.

Extra time produced a thrilling climax to an excellent game, but once Boomsbury got their noses in front it was always going to be hard for Calne to get back in the game. Roy Wenham’s side held out for 10 minutes. Keeper Windsor saved well from Davies before he set up Steve Jackson, who finished well to put Boomsbury 3-2 ahead.

Calne worked the ball up the opposite end and they had a big appeal for a penalty turned down when Shaun Jefferies went clean through on goal, but instead won a free kick on the edge of the area which was blasted over the bar. From the goal kick, the ball found Davies, who was causing a tired Calne no end of problems. Another excellent pass saw him play in Reuben Spong, whose shot cannoned off the post and across the face of goal. The ball broke kindly to Oli Howe, who from 35 yards out struck a wonder goal to make it 4-2, all but ending Calne’s cup dreams.

The second half of extra time saw Richard Bliha have what looked to be a perfectly good goal ruled out, Bliha’s effort was over the line before keeper Windsor clawed it out but the goal wasn’t given. There is no doubt that Carl Davies provided the spark to Boomsbury’s revival and it was fitting that another mazy run from him led to his team’s fifth of the night. After skipping past two defenders he laid the ball to Steve Jackson, who knocked home his second of the game and with the clock running down Jackson should have completed his hat trick but fired wide of the target when it looked easier to score.

After the match, credit was paid to both teams, officials and supporters by the league for making the final one to remember. Winning Captain Darren Jones received the Division two cup from League Assistant Referees Secretary Colin Kennerson and Boomsbury’s John Baker was given The League's Man-of-the-Match Award, this in spite of the fact that his aggressive conduct towards the referee was clearly visible to anyone watching the match.

 

Calne 2-1 Heytesbury

Second Division Cup, Semi-final - 14th April 2012

Calne Eagles and Heytesbury, who are two of the most sporting and settled squads in the Trowbridge League, met in the semi-final of The Second Division Cup. Calne Eagles came out on top with a well deserved 2-1 win thanks to first half goals from Adam Bewley and Stu Windsor.

Calne started the game on the front foot and looked the most confident side  throughout the first half. They controlled much of the possession and looked calm in defence.

Eagles took a deserved lead after 18 minutes when their in-form striker Adam Bewley scored his 21st goal of the season with a well struck free-kick from 20 yards out. At the other end Heytesbury were struggling to create chances from open play, but defender Kieron Edwards twice escaped from his marker at corner kicks, sending one shot wide and forcing a good save from keeper Andy Windsor with a well directed back-post header.

As the half progressed Calne continued to look dangerous and they doubled their lead shortly before the break when their captain Stu Windsor scored his 50th goal for the club with superb run and shot after he had dispossessed a Heytesbury defender just outside the box.

The second half saw Heytesbury up their game, but they still found Calne’s back four in good form and struggled to create chances. Indeed, the home team continued to create the better openings. Adam Bewley hit the post with an improvised lob from distance, Karl Sharratt blazed the ball over the bar following a goalmouth scramble and Shaun Jefferies nearly scored within seconds of being on the pitch.

Heytesbury reduced the arrears with 15 minutes left with a hotly disputed penalty after defender Tom Evans was adjudged to have handled the ball. Declan Griffiths made no mistake with his spot kick, sending Andy Windsor the wrong way.

Despite being given a lift by the goal, Heytesbury still struggled to break Calne down and the home side comfortably held on to book a place in their first ever cup final.
 

Holt 2-4 Calne Eagles

Division Two Cup Quarterfinal - 17th March 2012

A third hat-trick in four games from in-form striker Adam Bewley secured Calne Eagles a place in the semi-final of the Division Two Cup with a hard fought 4-2 victory over Holt.

Calne took the lead after 12 minutes when Karl Sharratt forced the ball over the goal line, after Holt failed to clear Adam Bewley’s low-driven corner. The lead was short lived as Holt levelled moments later. A long kick up field from their keeper William Holt was allowed to bounce and livewire striker Lee Ridout got to the ball ahead of goalkeeper Andy Windsor to level the scores.

Despite the setback, Calne started to control the game and looked dangerous throughout the first half. Much of the away side’s threat came from their strong forward Brett Cullen whose physical strength and heading ability continuingly caused Holt problems throughout the game. Calne retook the lead after 24 minutes, when Brett Cullen set up Adam Bewley to score from the edge of the box.

Holt were forced to change their goalkeeper before half time, when William Holt suffered a head injury saving an Adam Bewley shot. Right winger Chris Stiles donned the gloves and his first touch as keeper was to fish the ball out of the net as Bewley scored his second goal with a superb turn and shot from 30 yards out.

Nonetheless, the game was far from comfortable for Calne as Holt’s strike force of Lance Davis and Lee Ridout always looked dangerous. Indeed, it took a good save from Andy Windsor and a brilliant goal-line clearance from left back Rob Docherty to deny Ridout adding to his goals tally.

In the second half the game opened up and both sides created numerous good chances. Andy Windsor once again denied Lee Ridout, Roy Wenham blocked a fierce shot from Lance Davis and Rob Docherty cleared another goal-bound effort off the line. Holt also appealed for about 10 penalties during the second half!

At the other end, Calne were incredibly wasteful and missed numerous gilt-edged chances to kill the game off. Adam Bewley was twice denied by Stiles, whose adventurous style of goalkeeping was proving effective. Bewley also headed a good chance over the bar and Karl Sharratt also shot wide of an unguarded goal from long distance, after he intercepted Stiles’ clearance up field. Brett Cullen also had a goal disallowed after he was adjudged to have fouled the keeper just outside the box.

With 15 minutes left, Calne’s misses looked as though they could prove costly as sub Jimmy Mead fired home Holt’s second after good work on the wing from Lance Davis. However, the goal seemed to galvanise Calne and they managed to see out the remainder of the game without any more major scares.

In the final minute, Adam Bewley completed his fourth hat-trick of the season when he beat the keeper just outside box and rolled the ball into the empty net.

 

 

North Bradley 3-1 Calne Eagles

League Match – 3rd March 2012
 
North Bradley moved a step closer to promotion with a hard fought 3-1 win over Calne Eagles. Despite North Bradley’s higher position in the league, in this match the telling difference between to two sides was the quality of Melksham Town regular Dave Percival who scored two of North Bradley’s goals and put in a superb all-round performance.

North Bradley were dominant in the early stages and it took them only 5 minutes to open the scoring when Guy Rowley reacted quickest to finish from close range after the ball had been returned back into the box following a cleared corner kick. After the goal the home side continued to control possession and the possibility of a landslide victory seemed on the cards.
 
However, The Eagles defended stubbornly and as North Bradley struggled to turn possession into chances the visitors started to grow in confidence. Nonetheless, Calne needed to help of their goalkeeper Andy Windsor during the half as he twice denied Dave Percival in one-on-one situations after the striker had used his skill to break away from his marker.

On the counter attack Calne looked dangerous; Brett Cullen saw an effort cleared off the line and Adam Bewley forced a good save out of Nathan Taylor.

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first half, with North Bradley dominating possession but finding it difficult to breakdown their stubborn visitors. Andy Windsor once again made two fine saves but apart from that Calne held firm and kept alive hope of getting back into the game.

On the counter attack Calne looked dangerous, especially through their box-to-box midfielder Stu Windsor, but they were also left frustrated as numerous good attacking opportunities were cynically thwarted by shirt pulling and holding from Bradley players.

The breakthrough that Calne were looking for came with 10 minutes left when a North Bradley defender was adjudged to have handled inside the penalty area. Adam Bewley dispatched the resulting penalty to score his tenth goal in four games and also give his battling team an unlikely equaliser.

However, moments later a poor defensive header was seized on by Dave Percival, who then set up strike partner Guy Rowley. Rowley’s shot beat Andy Windsor but not outfield player Rob Docherty, who tipped the ball around the post with a diving left handed save. Consequently, North Bradley was awarded a penalty and Docherty was sent off. Dave Percival took the penalty and his initial strike was parried away by keeper Andy Windsor, but Liam Richards reacted quickest to send the ball back across goal and Percival made amends by heading home from close range.

In the final minutes as Calne went in search of a second equaliser Dave Percival scored a superb second goal to secure his team the three points.
 

 

Calne Eagles 3-2 FC Northbridge

Division Two Cup - 25th February 2012

In an entertaining, end to end game, Calne Eagles secured a place in the quarterfinal of the Division Two Cup. But they had to endure a very nervy second half after taking a commanding 3-0 half time lead.

This was the second game running that The Eagles put on a superb first half display and it was also the second game running that their striker Adam Bewley reaped the rewards with a fine hat-trick.

Northbridge started the game on the ascendency and nearly scored inside 30 seconds. Striker Will Bailey latched onto Tom A‘Court’s cross but his back post effort was well blocked by right back Rich Maslen. Despite that early scare the home side soon settled and started the passing the ball with great confidence.

Calne opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Adam Bewley scored direct from a high in-swinging corner that flew in at the back post. Eagles continued to look the better side and they had Northbridge’s defence stretched on numerous occasions. However, at the other end Northbridge also had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Calne defender Roy Wenham sliced a clearance, which inadvertently spun up and hit his arm, but the referee quite rightly decided there was no intent:)
 
As the half progressed Calne continued to look the most dangerous side and they doubled their lead with 22 minutes gone when a superb left wing cross from Adam Moody picked out Adam Bewley who showed great composure to finish from 12 yards.

With 12 minutes remaining of the first half Northbridge conceded a needless penalty, which ultimately lost them the match. Centre back Nick James dived into a challenge on Calne winger Sam Rogers, clearly taking the man and not the ball. James had also already been lucky only a few minutes earlier when he had taken two or three kicks at Calne's target-man Brett Cullen inside penalty area. From the resulting penalty Adam Bewley completed his hat-trick, taking his tally for the season to 15 goals.

The second half started the same way as the first half with Will Bailey instantly getting a chance to score, but this time he was denied by Calne goalkeeper Andy Windsor. But unlike the first half Northbridge kept up the pressure and played the better football. They were given a route back into the game after 54 minutes when some indecisive defending let in Mike Cooks who’s rasping shot from 6 yards out was pushed onto the crossbar by Andy Windsor. However, the rebound struck defender Tom Evans from close range and bounced straight back over the unguarded goal line.

Soon after Will Bailey once again made a great run in behind Calne’s defence, but once again he was denied by keeper Andy Windsor. However, Bailey did finally get the goal that his performance deserved with 11 minutes left when Calne failed to deal with a long throw from Harry Hamlin, which left the pacy striker with a tap-in at the far post.

Despite pushing forward in numbers in an attempt to force extra time, Will Bailey’s goal proved to be Northbridge’s last chance to score. In fact, it was Calne who missed numerous gilt-edged chances to kill off the contest, especially through their sub Karl Sharratt who missed 2 open goals. The first of his chances was from close range when Sam Rogers, who was clean through on goal, chose to square the ball to Sharratt rather than shoot himself.

Karl Sharratt’s second chance was from much further out. Northbridge goalkeeper Mark Binns ventured forward into Calne’s penalty area for a corner kick and on the counterattack Sharratt had a chance to score from 40 yards, but his shot rolled agonisingly wide of the empty goal. Binns also brilliantly saved Adam Bewley’s 30 yard lobbed effort, tipping it onto the crossbar.
 
Despite the flurry of late chances, the score remained 3-2 and Calne Eagles will now face Holt in the quarterfinals on the 17th March.
 

Calne Eagles 3-1 Heytesbury

League Match - 28th January 2012

After last week’s 0-0 stalemate between Heytesbury and Calne Eagles the two sides met again and this time Calne came out on top with a 3-1 win. All three of their goals coming from striker Adam Bewley

Even though they have picked up some crucial league points since Christmas, The Eagles’ have found it difficult to find their best form recently. However, they started this match playing some impressive football and throughout the whole team they passed the ball with great pace and accuracy.

Nonetheless, despite the home team’s early dominance they opened the scoring in somewhat fortuitous circumstances. A through ball from Karl Sharratt found team mate Adam Moody who was flagged offside and did appear to be in an offside position, but the referee waved play on. Moody ran through on goal and saw his shot parried by keeper Henrique Da Silva straight into the path of Adam Bewley who tapped the ball into the empty net.

Calne still continued to control possession and doubled their lead after 20 minutes. However, Heytesbury will feel as disappointed with their defending with this goal as they were with the refereeing on the first goal. An Henrique Da Silva goal kick was powerfully headed back towards goal by Calne’s Brett Cullen. This caught Heytesbury’s defence square and Adam Bewley ran through to finish effortlessly past Da Silva who still hadn’t recovered his positioning after taking the goal kick.

Heytesbury’s Laurence Bartley nearly pulled a goal back when he broke through on goal but he saw his shot whistle just past the post.

With 31 minutes gone an injury to Adam Moody, who was playing a superb game, saw Sam Rogers come on as sub. Rogers, who hadn’t featured since December because of injury, duly set up Calne’s third goal with his first touch when he headed a bouncing ball past the last defender to once again release Adam Bewley to complete a first half hat-trick.

In the second half the game evened up and Heytesbury started to get their own passing game flowing. They had Calne stretched on numerous occasions and won several free kicks and corners. It was from one of those corners that they gave themselves hope of a comeback, when centre back Mark Hicketts placed a towering header into the very top corner of the goal with 30 minutes still left to play.

Soon after Heytesbury winger Chris Baker broke through Calne’s stubborn defence, but under pressure from the outrushing keeper Andy Windsor he lifted his shot just over the bar.

This was as close as Heytesbury came to scoring a second goal, as Calne showed good composure to see out their fifth win of the season, which ensures their survival in the division with still 3 games left to play. Indeed, Calne should have extended their lead further in the last 15 minutes with Sam Rogers, Adam Bewley and Karl Sharratt all having good chances to increase their side's margin of victory.

Heytesbury 0-0 Calne Eagles

League Match - 21st January 2012

Heytesbury played their first game of football since the tragic and heart-wrenching death of their Club Captain Niall Stewart. The highly popular 19 year old died suddenly on 4th January after suffering a triple brain haemorrhage shortly after arriving home from the bar where he had been watching his favourite team Newcastle United beat Manchester United.
 
Prior to the game, Heytesbury’s players all warmed-up in specially-made black Number 7 shirts to commemorate Niall’s life. They also presented his family with his own Number 7 club shirt, which had been beautifully framed.

On the pitch both teams played in a spirit that befitted the occasion. Heytesbury put in a strong proud performance as they generally had the better of the play. However, they came up against a stubborn defensive performance from their visitors Calne Eagles.

The first half was incredibly tight, with neither team creating any real clear chances to score. In the second half, Heytesbury upped their game another notch but still found chances hard to create. However, as the game entered its final quarter, things began to open up and both teams had the opportunity to steal the points. Calne keeper Andy Windsor saved brilliantly from Oli Thomas. The home side also nearly scored when Calne’s Adam Moody headed Sam Sweetman’s good effort off the goal line and Sweetman later fired over the bar from close range.

At the other end, Calne also created a couple of good chances themselves. Adam Bewley drew a good save from Heytesbury keeper Henrique Da Silva and centre back Ian Wilkinson sent a neat shot just wide of the goal after going forward for a corner kick.

However, the game finished goalless and perhaps it was fitting that on the day the only celebration was on behalf of a life so cruelly cut short.
 

Bratton 4-0 Calne Eagles

League Match - 14th January 2012

Mid-table Bratton eased past Calne Eagles with a worthy 4-0 home win. However, at half time there was little indication of the final score-line.

The first half was a tight affair with both sides showing plenty of guile and determination. Bratton goalkeeper Luke Dalton made two good saves from Adam Bewley and Stu Windsor respectively, while at the other end Eagles’ keeper Andy Windsor made a great reaction save to deny Darren Clements. Bratton opened the scoring moments before the half time whistle, when good work down the right wing from Shane Newman set-up Darren Clements who finished in fine style from 14 yards out.

In the second the half Calne’s attacking play became one dimensional. Consequently, Bratton slowly started to control the game. Calne still defended stubbornly but it seemed only a matter of time before Bratton’s superior knowhow in possession would begin creating chances. They doubled the score with 25 minutes remaining when Gary Davies’ shot from just outside the box took two deflections on its way into the back of the net, leaving Andy Windsor in goal no chance.

Calne brought on big target-man Brett Cullen and for a brief period they rallied, creating a few good chances to get back into the game. Centre back Roy Wenham headed a corner against the crossbar and Brett Cullen was unable to find the net with the rebound shooting narrowly over the bar. Cullen also had another good opportunity soon after but snatched at his shot, which presented Luke Dalton with an easy save.

In the last five minutes Bratton secured the points with goals through sub Jack Lenaghan and Shane Newman, who scored from a corner-kick in the very last minute.

Holt 2-3 Calne Eagles

League Match - 7th January 2012

Calne Eagles edged themselves five points clear of the Second Division relegation zone with a scrappy 3-2 win over fellow strugglers Holt. Calne’s victory owed much to the performance their keeper Andy Windsor who made a string of outstanding saves to keep his team in the contest. Holt will also be cursing their finishing, especially from crosses as they headed wide at least three clear-cut chances from close range.

Calne’s good fortune also stretched to their team selection as well. Initially manager Roy Wenham was expecting to field a much weakened side as four of his regular players for this match were unavailable. He was able to draft in the services of goal-poacher Shaun Jefferies for a rare appearance. However, his and his team’s luck improved even further on Friday evening when midfielder Aaron Hopkins and striker Ben Wickens – who were supposed to be playing against each other in the Wilts Premier Division – both made them self available after their game between FC Chippenham and Calne Reserves was called off.

Calne opened the scoring after only 10 minutes when Shaun Jeffries fired home from 10 yards out after being set up by Ben Wickens. Holt responded well, Andy Windsor saved well from Lance Davis and the keeper also brilliantly saved a stinging goal-bound free kick from 20 yards out. Nonetheless, Holt did get back on level terms before half time when Lance Davis finished superbly from a difficult angle after Calne’s defence had been caught out by a long ball up field.

Calne once again took the lead early in the second half when Aaron Hopkins’ stinging shot slipped past Holt keeper Kieran Powell. The home side showed good spirit and went in the search of an equaliser. They were twice denied by the in-form Andy Windsor in goal and also missed two other chances before Ashley Styles equalised from close range with 15 minutes left.

Despite not playing at their best, Calne showed dogged determination throughout and that spirit was rewarded with a winning goal five minutes from the end of normal time. A sliding tackle by one of Holt’s defenders inadvertently sent the tireless Aaron Hopkins clean through on goal to score the final goal of the game.

With seven minutes of injury time being played at the end of the match, Holt pushed hard for an equalising goal and Ashley Styles twice came close earning his side a point. However, Calne held on to claim all three points and make amends for the 6-1 hammering they received in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Calne Eagles 5-2 Worton & Cheverell

League Match - 17th December 2011

Calne Eagles claimed a valuable 3 points against Worton & Cheverell, who were only able to raise a team of 10 men for the game.

Mid-table Worton are currently going through a difficult period of transition. One of their players, Scott Clarke, has recently left the Club to manage Devizes Town Reserves and has subsequently been followed by numerous other team mates, leaving manager Paul Sperring short of regularly available players. Worton’s problems have also been hugely exacerbated by the untimely loss of goal-machine Myles Hickton through injury.

Calne Eagles' small squad also had injury problems for this match. Tireless midfielder Sam Rogers was unavailable after suffering a groin strain and striker Karl Sharratt was also struggling with a chest infection. They were also missing defenders Tom Evans and Gary Wootten. However, Eagles were boosted before the game with the fortuitous one-off appearance of last season’s top scorer Ben Wickens, which allowed Sharratt to drop to the bench.

Despite the numerical advantage, Calne started the game very much on the back foot. Worton & Cheverell dominated possession and the home team just couldn’t seem to pass the ball in the early stages.

Worton took a deserved lead after 14 minutes when player-maker Martin Dickinson struck an unstoppable shot from 25 yards out after a corner kick had only been half cleared. Five minutes later lone-striker Ben Mason scored his team’s second, when Calne’s backline was caught out by a fiercely deflected clearance from midfielder Matt Fleming. Mason ran through on goal and managed to score despite the best efforts of keeper Andy Windsor and defender Gareth Cook.

However, the momentum of the game swung when Eagles’ captain Stu Windsor pulled a goal back for his side after 23 minutes with a neatly taken finish. From that moment Calne gradually started to look the better team and slowly the one-man advantage started to tell.

Before half-time both Ben Wickens and Stu Windsor slipped in the muddy penalty area when they had good chances to score and Wickens also saw another effort go just wide of the post.

In the second half the pressure on Worton’s goal continued and it seemed it was just a case of whether they would be able to have the energy to holdout in the heavy conditions – something which was starting to look more likely as the game wore on.
 
Calne continued to create chances. Stu Windsor was denied by some great last-ditch defending and Phil Gay was unable to bundle the ball over the line from close range following a corner.

With 25 minutes remaining Calne finally got back on level terms when sub Karl Sharratt scored with his first touch of the game. Adam Bewley’s pass sent Adam Moody clean through on goal and the winger unselfishly squared the ball to Sharratt to tap into an empty net.

Worton still battled gallantly, but when Calne striker Ben Wickens broke the offside trap with 16 minutes left there was only going to be one outcome, and as the striker found the back of the net, Worton’s resistance faded.

In the last 10 minutes, Adam Moody scored from close range to crown a good performance and Karl Sharratt scored his second to seal a precious 5-2 win for the home team.

FC Northbridge 3-0 Calne Eagles

League Match - 3rd December 2011

FC Northbridge ended their 11 match winless run with an important victory in their Division two relegation battle at home to Calne Eagles whose 3-0 defeat has left them in a three way fight with both Northbridge and the inactive Trowbridge Wanderers Reserves as they all battle to stay in the division.

For manager Matt Rusling it was his first ever win in charge of Northbridge and he will be hoping that his team can now build on their success and start moving in the right direction. Northbridge took the lead on 15 minutes when a Joe Gooding cross was turned in by Will Browning despite Roy Wenham’s best efforts on the line to keep it out.

Joe Walker went close to adding a second for Northbridge early in the second half with an audacious overhead kick. Walker did find the target on 80 minutes when he made it 2-0 after good work from Tom A’Court and he put the icing on an outstanding personal performance and a fine all round display when he added his second and Wanderers third 10 minutes from time with a quality finish from 25 yards after setting himself up with the scoring chance.

Calne Eagles 0-1 Castle Combe

26th November 2011 - KO Cup 2nd Round

First division Castle Combe were given one almighty scare by second division Calne Eagles in a hugely competitive cup tie that saw Combe win 1-0, thanks to a second-half goal from Ben Pemberton.

The first half was real nip and tuck. Castle Combe had a couple of good chances blocked at close range by good Calne defending. At the other end, former Combe player Karl Sharratt saw a couple of good efforts fizz just wide of the target. Towards the end of the half, Castle Combe showed their extra quality and dominated possession for a 15 minute spell, but Calne were resolute in defence and kept their shape superbly.

The second half continued in much the same vein and it looked highly likely that the game was heading for extra time. However, Combe broke the deadlock with 22 minutes remaining when Ben Pemberton tapped home from close range after goalkeeper Andy Windsor had parried Liam Fullam’s stinging long-distance shot.

Calne finished the game strongly. Stu Windsor saw a good shot saved by Luke Jones. Karl Sharratt and sub Phil Gay were also both denied by good defending from Sam Rowe and Dan Gernonn. The home side also forced numerous corners and won 3 or 4 free kicks in dangerous positions but just couldn’t fashion a route back into the game.

Calne Eagles 3-1 Trowbridge Wanderers Res

19th November 2011 - League Match

Calne Eagles picked up their second league win of the season with a hard fought 3-1 victory over Trowbridge Wanderers Reserves.

Calne Eagles open the scoring after only 10 minutes, when their winger Sam Rogers skilfully beat his marker just inside the box before firing a superb shot into the bottom corner of the goal. Two minutes later Trowbridge were reduced to 10 men. Chris Brady was the unfortunate player, after he brought down Calne’s Karl Sharratt with a mistimed tackle when the striker was clean through on goal.

Calne used their one man advantage well and continued to press forward. Stu Windsor had a goal disallowed and also missed another good chance to double his side’s lead. Nonetheless, Calne’s pressure did reap rewards after 25 minutes. Goalkeeper Andy Windsor’s long kick up field was inadvertently flicked on by a Trowbridge defender, Calne striker Adam Bewley then ran onto the ball and just managed to knock it past outrushing keeper Liam Newbie, before finishing coolly from a difficult angle.

For the remainder of the half Trowbridge enjoyed a lot of possession and Calne had to defend well in order to keep the away side at bay. However, they were once again hit with a swift counter attack, when prolific midfielder Stu Windsor ran from deep, outpacing the Trowbridge’s defence, before rounding Liam Newbie to score his ninth goal of the season.

In the second half, with 35 minutes left and nothing to lose, Trowbridge changed their formation. They brought on subs Steve Lewin and Jack Parker, who both played upfront. This change had the desired effect, as with 28 minutes left Jack Parker scored with a looping finish. Moments later Trowbridge’s playmaker Gav Francis rattled a shot against the post and Jack Parker also blazed a great chance over the bar after he had raced clean through on goal.

Calne regrouped and defended well in the closing stages. Indeed, they should have further extended their lead, but inspired goalkeeping from Liam Newbie and some poor finishing saw the score remain at 3-1, securing Calne their first win since the opening day of the season.

 Calne Eagles 3-6 Broughton Gifford

12th November 2011 - A&B Cup 1st Round

First division Broughton Gifford progressed into the next round of the A&B cup winning 6-3 against Second Division Calne Eagles in an entertaining game at Priestley Grove. Sadly, the game was marred in the second half by an unreasonable and unnecessary sending off that left both players and spectators baffled.

In the first half, the game was very even in open play with both teams playing good attacking football. However, Calne were left to rue some basic defensive mistakes, which allowed the away side to gain a comfortable 3-0 half-time lead. Broughton’s goals came from Scott Boyd and a Rob O’Harrow brace.

Ten minutes into the second half, Calne raised hopes of a comeback when Adam Bewley broke Broughton’s offside trap, before beating keeper Nick Dibden to make the score 3-1. But Broughton regained their three goal advantage shortly after, when Rob O’Harrow’s scuffed shot fell fortuitously to Chris Turk, who slotted home from 12 yards out.

With 25 minutes still to play, Calne striker Karl Sharratt continued his recent good form when his neat run and finish made the score 4-2. But when Gary Turk scored from the penalty spot, after Calne’s Gareth Cook had felled Rob O’Harrow, Broughton knew their passage into the next round was assured.

With 10 minutes left, Calne’s hardworking midfielder Matt Fleming scored the best goal of the game with a superb strike from 30 yards out. However, within minutes of the re-start Broughton Gifford recovered their three goal advantage through sub Julian Putt.

Shortly after Julian Putt’s goal, Broughton’s Rob O’Harrow was sent off in farcical circumstances. O’Harrow had been cautioned for dissent after 70 minutes, for questioning a handball decision. This was in spite of the fact that he did not swear, act aggressively, or say anything insulting. Then with 8 minutes left, O’Harrow had a tongue-in-cheek exchange of words with Calne’s Club Assistant Referee (and substituted player) Brett Cullen. Once again, neither player swore or acted aggressively towards each other. Nonetheless both players were cautioned, which saw the experienced O’Harrow sent off for the very first time in his career.
 

Redlynch & Woodfalls 7-4 Calne Eagles

Wiltshire Junior Cup, 2nd Round - 5th November

Redlynch & Woodfalls progressed into the next round of the Wilts Junior Cup, 7-4, in a match that was much closer than the final score suggests. The away side undoubtedly came away disappointed to lose after coming back from 4-1 down to level at 4-4. But ultimately Redlynch’s pedigree shone through with three late goals to seal the win.

In the 48 hours prior to the match, Calne Eagles had three players pull out injured leaving them with only 12 available players. This situation was exacerbated further when three members of the squad got lost on the way to the ground and did not arrive until after the game had kicked off. Consequently, Calne played the first 10 minutes with only 9 men, which also included Club Chairman Tim Storer, who put in a sterling performance at left back despite not playing for over two years.

Not surprisingly, Redlynch dominated the start of the game and it took only five minutes for them to open the scoring when Dave Hatch headed home from a corner. On 10 minutes, Calne Eagles finally got back their full complement of players. However, this did little to ease the pressure and Redlynch doubled their lead two minutes later from another corner, with the final touch coming off the shoulder of the away side’s left back Tim Storer. Then after only 20 minutes played, the home side appeared to make the game safe when a Ben Britnell’s shot from just inside the box found the back of the net via a deflection off centre back Gareth Cook.

Calne were given a huge lift after 25 minutes when, against the run of play, their Captain Stu Windsor scored with a superb shot from 30 yards out. This goal seemed to settle the visitors and the game started to become more evenly balanced. Nonetheless, Redlynch restored their three goal lead soon after, when good forward play from Dave Hatch set up his strike partner Ben Read, who made no mistake from eight yards out.

Despite this setback, Calne still looked dangerous going forward. They won a penalty after 37 minutes when Karl Sharratt was brought down in the box and his strike partner Adam Bewley made no mistake from the spot to bring his team back into the game.

Just before half time, Redlynch won a penalty themselves when right back Kev Hamersley made what seemed to be a superb tackle inside the box, but was penalised instead. Striker Ben Read took the penalty but saw his shot well saved by Andy Windsor, who also superbly kept out the follow-up shot from Ben Britnell.

Calne started the second half as the better team and they pulled another goal back after 52 minutes through an absolutely unstoppable free kick struck from 25 yards out by Stu Windsor. They then completed their comeback when a great cross from Adam Bewley was forced home by at the back post by Sam Rogers.

Sadly, Calne Eagles’ gallant performance started to catch up with them, and with 10 minutes left, pacy striker Ben Read scored a quick fire brace to complete a hat-trick. Then in the final minute, centre back Julian Newman scored the game’s final goal after more good work from Ben Read.

Despite all the drama and quality play, probably the most outstanding aspect of this match was the great sportsmanship shown by both clubs throughout the entire afternoon... a great advert for amateur football. .
 

Polenez Westbury 0-18 Calne Eagles

KO Cup 1st Round - 29th October 2011

Calne Eagles powered past Polenez Westbury 18-0 in the first round of the KO Cup. Star of the show was striker Karl Sharratt who scored ten of his side’s goals.

The home side are not as unskilled as their results so far this season suggest, but they could improve their score lines by playing percentage football, like other clubs at this level. In this match, they continually played themselves into trouble in their own third of the field with intricate, high-risk passes, especially from their own set-plays. This, combined with a real gung-ho style of play, sadly left them exposed defensively.

Polenez started the game brightly and clearly surprised Calne Eagles with the quality of some of their passing in the first 10 minutes. They won four rapid corners early on, forcing Eagles to defend deep. Nonetheless, once Karl Sharratt prodded home a superb Gary Wootten cross after 10 minutes, the floodgates opened. By half time, Sharratt had taken his tally to five, while a goal apiece from Sam Rogers, Adam Bewley and Stu Windsor made the interval score 8-0.

In the second half, Calne really dominated possession. Karl Sharratt was taking almost every chance that he got and duly scored another five goals, while Adam Bewley and Stu Windsor both completed hat-tricks. The remaining goal was scored by Adam Moody who scored with a sweet strike from just inside the box.
 

Calne Eagles 0-3 North Bradley

League Match - 22nd October 2011

North Bradley got back to winning ways with a hard fought 3-0 win against Calne Eagles.

Throughout the entire match North Bradley’s extra quality was evident as they dominated possession. However, not for the first time, Calne Eagles managed to raise their game against strong opposition and North Bradley found chances hard to create. Indeed, the best chance of the first half fell to the home side after 20 minutes. A loping cross from Adam Bewley found both Brett Cullen and Kev Hamersley unmarked in the six yard box, but unfortunately with the goal unguarded, they managed to get in each other’s way and somehow the ball was headed over the bar.

Shortly after, North Bradley took the lead when a free kick into Calne’s box caused confusion as centre back Roy Wenham and keeper Andy Windsor both waited for the other to clear the danger. In the scramble that followed, Craig Brown forced the ball over the line from close range.

North Bradley continued to press forward and Eagles’ keeper Andy Windsor made smart saves from both strikers Craig Brown and Liam Richards. Also Bradley’s veteran midfielder Tim Richards crashed a shot against the crossbar from ten yards following a great passing move.

Despite being under great pressure, Calne always looked dangerous on the break during the first half and their pacy striker Karl Sharratt often had the North Bradley backline stretched.

At half time, North Bradley brought on recent signing, prolific striker Jamie Young. Nonetheless, they still found chances difficult to create and when they did get shots on goal they found keeper Andy Windsor in fine form. Craig Brown came closest to doubling their lead after 65 minutes when his flicked shot from close range hit the post before being cleared to safety.

With 10 minutes left, Calne were forced to take risks in order to try for an equaliser. But they were punished almost instantly, as Jamie Young broke free on the right wing and crossed the ball for Craig Brown, who mashed the ball into the roof of the net.
 
Calne still pushed forward and Karl Sharratt and Stu Windsor both saw good shots blocked. In the final minute, with Calne running on fumes, Jamie Young scored his first goal for North Bradley when he fired home from 12 yards out to complete a hard earned 3-0 win.
 

Trowbridge Wanderers Res 2-2 Calne Eagles

League Match - 15th October 2011

Some inspired goalkeeping from Liam Newbie and two deflected goals secured Trowbridge Wanderers Reserves a point against Calne Eagles.

Calne looked the sharper side during the first half and always looked capable of creating chances. Their livewire striker Karl Sharratt was proving to be constant menace to the Wanderers defence and he might have opened the scoring early on when he went through on goal but saw his shot well-saved by Liam Newbie. Shortly after Calne’s Adam Bewley was also denied by Newbie after a superb cross from Sam Rogers left the striker unmarked at the back post.

After 20 minutes, Calne’s play was rewarded when the Wanderers’ defence tried to play offside against Adam Bewley, but while they stood appealing, Stu Windsor ran from deep to go clean through on goal and score for the third consecutive game.
However, Wanderers were soon back in the game when a Gavin Francis free-kick from 20 yards out took a wicked deflection off Stu Windsor, sending the ball into the opposite side of the goal and leaving his brother and goalkeeper Andy Windsor totally stranded.

At the start of the second half, both teams cancelled each other out, but Calne were prevented from going into lead after 65 minutes when Newbie pulled off another outstanding save to deny Matt Fleming. On great form throughout the game, Fleming thought he had scored with a superb volley from 30 yards out, but Newbie somehow managed to tip the ball onto the bar.

With 20 minutes left, Calne brought on sub Brett Cullen and his impact was immediate, putting his side into the lead within two minutes. Sam Rogers crossed the ball into the box and as Cullen challenged Liam Newbie at the back post, the ball ricocheted off the big striker into the empty net. Cullen continued to impress and probably should have scored again when he headed Karl Sharratt’s cross against the crossbar. Later Cullen’s flicked header sent Sharratt clean through on goal, but his lobbed effort fell just wide of the post. There was also time for Newbie to pull off another save from a Brett Cullen snap-shot.

In the last five minutes, Calne opened themselves up to pressure, and with 60 seconds left on the clock, they conceded an incredibly soft free-kick just outside their own box. From the resulting kick, Calne’s player manager Roy Wenham inadvertently directed Chris Penelhum’s strike past stranded keeper Andy Windsor who, apart from the two deflected goals, had had barely a shot to save all game.

Worton & Cheverell 9-4 Calne Eagles

League Match 8th October 2011

Worton & Cheverell continued their good form by beating Calne Eagles 9-4 after a bizarre first half that saw the home team take an unassailable 8-3 lead.

Worton took the lead after only five minutes when Myles Hickton peeled off his marker and fired an unstoppable shot from 20 yards out. They then doubled their lead only moments later with Ben Mason’s powerful shot from a corner kick finding the back of the net through a crowd of bodies. Myles Hickton got his second goal with only 14 minutes gone with another unstoppable shot from just outside box.

Despite being 3-0 down, Calne looked dangerous going forward. Their tricky striker Karl Sharratt was causing the home team’s defence real trouble and he started a potential comeback when his 15th minute shot cannoned back off the post and was tapped home by Sam Rogers. Sharratt then got on the score sheet himself when he tapped in from close range following good work from Adam Bewley.

However, under pressure from Worton’s incisive attacking play, Calne then conceded three quick-fire goals that owed more to hesitant defending than good attack play. After 20 minutes, centre back Roy Wenham was caught deeper than the rest of his back four, which played Myles Hickton onside, allowing the striker to run clean through on goal to complete his hat-trick. Then Gareth Cook scored a classic own goal from close range and keeper Andy Windsor also allowed a Tom Mason shot from outside the box slip under his body into the net.
 
At the other end, Karl Sharratt scored his second with a superb run and shot to make the score 6-3. Nonetheless, Worton’s quality attacking play continued unabated. David Close scored his side’s seventh with a towering header and just before half time, Craig Campbell scored the best goal of the game with a rasping 30 yard strike straight into the top corner of the goal.

Calne Eagles came out in the second half and showed great pride and team spirit. Despite facing the prospect of conceding double figures in a game for the first time ever, they managed to ignore the score line and created the better chances. Indeed, if they had taken their opportunities they might well have reduced the deficit by at least a couple of goals.

Worton completed their scoring with half an hour left when Myles Hickton scored his fourth, tapping in at close range following another superb spell of passing and movement from his team. Soon after, Calne’s Stu Windsor pulled one back with a spirited run and shot from midfield, which saw him dribble past three Worton players. Also Windsor, Adam Bewley, Shaun Jefferies and Karl Sharratt all missed good chances for The Eagles, as they finished this rather extraordinary game as the stronger team.

Warminster Town Res 3-1 Calne Eagles

League Match - 1st October 2011

Prolific striker Louis Sparey scored a superb hat-trick for Warminster Town Reserves, which helps them to continue their recent impressive form with a 3-1 win over Calne Eagles. Sparey, who was playing his first game after nearly 12 months out injured, will be hoping that, on this form, a place back in Warminster’s first team will not be too far away.

Though losing their second consecutive game, Calne certainly played their part in a very competitive and sporting game. They will take encouragement from the fact they have had to cope for those two matches with an extremely depleted squad due to holidays and injuries. Indeed, three of the players that had been drafted in for this match - Chris Edes, Alphie Archer and Graham Stickley - all put in superb performances.
 
Warminster started the game in the ascendency and took the lead early on when some hesitant passing in defence was punished ruthlessly by Louis Sparey. Warminster then doubled their tally only seven minutes later when Andy Windsor parried a shot from distance and Sparey reacted quickest to poke the ball home from close range.

After last week’s collapse against Holt, Eagles clearly feared the worst and Warminster went on to totally dominate possession for the next 20 minutes. However, the away side dug deep, kept their shape and in the searing heat managed to claw their way back into the game. They got their reward towards half time when their captain Stu Windsor scored his first goal of the season with a speculative strike from 25 yards. They then probably should have equalised when Alec Wells went clean through on goal but blasted his shot wide.

At half-time, Calne brought on evergreen substitute Alphie Archer and his pace upfront gave them extra impetus. However, their chances of getting anything out of the game became considerably harder on the hour mark, when their winger Alec Wells was sent off for a misguided two-footed lunge on Warminster’s Daniel Dicks. Warminster then re-established their two goal lead five minutes later when a short back-pass was seized upon by Sparey, who completed his comeback with a well deserved hat-trick.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Calne still competed well and might have pulled a goal back with 10 minutes left when Alphie Archer raced clean through on goal but saw his shot well saved by Graham Kitley in goal. After that scare Warminster held firm to claim a 3-1 win, which sees them remain in third place in the table.
 

Calne Eagles 1-6 Holt

24th September 2011 - League Match

After a poor start to the season Holt showed glimpses of the form that saw them finish last term as the third division runners up with a convincing 6-1 victory away at Calne Eagles who were missing a number of key players including top scorer Shaun Jefferies for what should have been an evenly matched contest but in the end was a one sided affair as Holt came from behind to take maximum points.

Adam Bewley put Calne in front on 15 minutes but after that they capitulated as Holt hit back and levelled through David Gray who finished well from 25 yards to score his first goal on his return to the club.

Holt grabbed the lead before half time when Neil Grant was set up by Jonny Andrews to fire home his first on his return to the villagers after two years away.

The second half was all Holt and they took a three goal lead courtesy of Jonny Andrews who converted a pin point cross from Lance Davis. Left back Ashley Styles added a fourth when he converted a Grant corner.

Lance Davies maintained his record of scoring a goal a game since signing for the villagers to make it 5-0 and the scoring was completed by Sam Doveton who arrived from right back to fire home his teams sixth of the afternoon.

 

Calne Eagles 5-5 Warminster Town Reserves

17th September 2011 - League Match

Calne Eagles and Warminster Town Reserves drew 5-5 in a manic, end-to-end game, which saw the away side score three goals in the last ten minutes to secure a point. Star of the show was young striker Chikiah Selassie who scored four of Warminster’s goals.

Calne started brightly and took a deserved lead after 10 minutes when Adam Bewley fired a sweet strike past Rob Mead in Warminster’s goal. However, Warminster soon got themselves back into the game when Chikiah Selassie headed home at the far post. This goal then sparked a period of domination for the away side and it was no surprise when Selassie got his second after 25 minutes.

Calne levelled the game before half time, perhaps somewhat fortuitously, when Adam Bewley’s in-swinging corner deceived keeper Ben Mead and went straight into the back of the net.
 
In the early part of the second half, Calne took control of the game and scored three really well-worked goals. Shaun Jefferies, who was playing his 100th game for Calne Eagles, diverted Stu Windsor’s pass past Ben Mead in goal. Jefferies then took his impressive goals tally for the club to 62 when he latched onto a fine through-ball from Kev Hamersley to fire home from 10 yards out. With 20 minutes left, Sam Rogers appeared to make the game safe for Calne when he tapped in from close range following good work from Adam Bewley to make the score 5-2.

In the last fifteen minutes, Warminster really stepped up their game. Jason Stokes was denied a goal by a great save from Andy Windsor. Then when Chikiah Selassie completed his hat-trick with 10 minutes left, the comeback was suddenly on the cards. Jayson Stokes scored his side’s fourth goal with three minutes left, thanks largely to some nervous defending. Then in the final minute, Chikiah Selassie crowned his great individual performance when he scored his fourth of the game and earn his side a share of the points.

Despite Calne being naturally gutted with conceding three late goals, Warminster looked dangerous for long periods during the game and a draw was probably a fair reflection of the whole game.

 

 

Calne Eagles 1-3 Boomsbury

10th September 2011 - League Match

Boomsbury got back to winning ways after dropping points midweek, but they were made to fight hard by an athletic Calne Eagles side, who will wonder what might have been had they converted more of their chances.

The game was evenly balanced throughout. Boomsbury probably played the more patient passing football and they might have taken the lead after 15 minutes, when John Baker headed Dan Dominy’s inch-perfect cross just wide of the post from close range. However, on the break Calne always looked threatening and their very attacking front line often had Bloomsbury’s back three stretched. The away side’s keeper Luke Mayne made good saves from both Karl Sharratt and Sam Rogers before finally being beaten by prolific winger Shaun Jefferies, who coolly slotted home Stu Windsor’s fine through-ball at 25 minutes.

This goal sparked Boomsbury into life, and within five minutes of conceding they found themselves in the lead. John Baker began the turnaround when he scored from eight yards following a bout of ping-pong in Calne’s penalty area. Then Neil Hannaford tapped in from close range after Calne keeper Andy Windsor could only parry Rubeon Spong’s stinging shot.

The rest of game continued to be open and evenly balanced throughout. Former Boomsbury player Adam Bewley led the line well for Calne, and his clinical passing helped Sam Rogers to create some useful chances. At the other end Gary Wootten conceded a penalty after making a tired challenge inside the box. However, Rubeon Spong’s spot kick looped harmlessly over the bar.

Calne also nearly equalised from a long throw, when sub Brett Cullen flicked header found Shaun Jefferies, who was denied from close range with a last ditch tackle. Nevertheless, Boomsbury finally secured all the points with three minutes remaining, when sub Steve Jackson headed home at the far post.

Having come very close to securing a well-earned point Calne will probably feel that the 3-1 score line does not do them full justice. But they certainly played their part in a really entertaining match.

 

Calne Eagles 1-0 FC Northbridge

3rd September 2011 - League Match

Calne Eagles got their season up and running with a narrow 1-0 victory at home to FC Northbridge, thanks to an 85th minute strike from substitute Shaun Jefferies.

The game started off very evenly with both teams getting men forward and looking to score goals. As the game progressed, Calne started to get the better possession and managed to create numerous good chances. However, they lacked the killer instinct in front of goal, and when they did find the target they found goalkeeper Chase Johnson in great form.

At the other end, Northbridge always looked capable of scoring on the break.

With only 5 minutes remaining and the game seemingly heading for a draw, Shaun Jefferies finally got the breakthrough for his side. The lively winger nipped in front of his marker from a Karl Sharratt cross to poke the ball past Chase Johnson from eight yards out.

FC Northbridge responded well and twice came close to equalising. Liam Brown headed just wide of the goal and, with just moments left, Will Bailey saw his shot from a corner bounce off the post to safety. But Calne held on to open their season with a win

The Talbot 2-5 Calne Eagles

Friendly match – 28th August 2011

This was a final pre-season friendly for both teams who share the same home ground at youth centre in Calne.

The Talbot opened the scoring after only 5 minutes when Shaun Ward fired an unstoppable shot past Andy Windsor in goal, after latching onto a fine pass from Simon Vowden.

However, Calne soon got into their stride and enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession for the remainder of the first half. They equalised when Adam Bewley was fouled in the box and converted the subsequent penalty. Calne then doubled that lead when Kev Hamersley headed home from a corner kick. Adam Bewley then scored his second when he latched onto a long ball up field from Gary Wootten.

In the second half Calne continued to look more threatening. After 50 minutes they further extended their lead when club captain Stu Windsor capped a fine performance with a goal. Calne completed their scoring when sub Brett Cullen played a superb through-ball to Adam Bewley who completed his hat-trick.
 
The Talbot finished the game well and they reduced their arrears when Nathan West scored with a sharp left footed shot with 15 minutes left.
 

The Lamb 3-2 Calne Eagles

24th August 2011 - Friendly match

This friendly was hastily arranged thanks largely to the efforts of our opponents who approached us about playing this game on Monday, when they saw on our website that we had been letdown last Saturday. Our appreciation goes out to The Lamb for providing us with two very sporting pre-season matches and we wish them well for the season.

After another very shaky first 45 minutes, where we found ourselves 2-0 down, we improved vastly after the break.

The Lamb took the lead with a heavily deflected goal after only 8 minutes. They then doubled their lead after 25 minutes with a swift counterattack, following a very strong penalty appeal on our behalf. However, it has to be said that 2-0 was a fair reflection of the balance of play at half time.

Right at the start of the second half our right-back Kev Hamersley scored a rather comical own goal, that he will no doubt be reminded of time, and time again, by his team mates! However, both Kev and the team recovered exceptionally well and we played some great football during the second half. There were also numerous impressive performances from the six substitutes, which have certainly given me a lot of food for thought.

We pulled a goal back through impressive striker Adam Bewley on the hour and with 12 minutes remaining Karl Sharratt fired home a well-taken goal to make final score 3-2. We also missed numerous other good chances. Moreover, we defended much better in the second half, although The Lamb nearly extended their lead when they hit the post late on.

Author – Roy

 

Calne Eagles vs Polenez Westbury
 
Friendly match – 20th Aug 2011
 
Match cancelled

Sadly our frustrating pre-season continued when our opponents didn’t bother to show up. Polenez Westbury confirmed via text on Friday evening that the game would still go ahead. However, despite efforts to contact them, and leaving voicemails, they have given no explanation or apology for their no-show.

They did have one player who arrived at the ground for the game. Apparently his mobile phone was broken and presumably this is why he wasn’t told the game was off. It would have been nice if Polenez Westbury could have extended us the same courtesy that they clearly showed their own players!
 

Calne Eagles 1-5 The Lamb

Friendly Match - 13th August 2011

A typical first friendly!

We were missing some of last season’s key players (who will return once the cricket season finishes) and we also had a slightly experimental line-up. However, the score line had more to do with a lot of uncharacteristic mistakes, rather to than being dominated in possession. Moreover, The Lamb were playing their fourth pre-season match and their extra sharpness was apparent.

We were 3-1 down at half time, with all four goals owing more to poor defending than great attacking. We improved after half time and won a penalty after 60 minutes, when The Lamb’s Adam Stephens deliberately handled the ball in order to prevent Shaun Jefferies from scoring. In a competitive match he would almost definitely been sent off, but in the spirit of the game he remained on the pitch. Adam Moody saw his soft penalty saved, although he had probably been our best player throughout.

We struggled in the last half hour and conceded another two goals. Nonetheless, despite the defeat there were some positive performances and we know that as a team we were a long way off our usual level of performance.
 

Club picks up awards at League AGM

At the recent Trowbridge & District League AGM the club were joint winners of the Division 2 Fair Play Award with Heytesbury, and received a cheque for £87.50.

Sophie also picked up the Division 2 linesman award for the second year running.

At the AGM there was also a presentation by the Wilts FA, during which they explained the new disciplinary system which will operate from the start of next season.

From now on, player suspensions will be for a set number of games rather than a set period of time. Just like in the professional game.

Furthermore, Saturday and Sunday football will no longer be interlinked when it comes to disciplinary matters. E.g. A suspension for a Saturday League does apply to Sunday League matches, and vice versa. There are just a few possible scenarios where this will not be the case.

This system will require a little more diligence in terms of administration for club secretaries, but it certainly seems considerably fairer than its predecessor.

 

2011 Presentation Evening

At the club's Presentation evening on 18th June the following awards were presented.

Top Goal scorer Ben Wickens
Most Improved Player Sam Rogers
Players' Player of the Year Winner Stu Windsor
Players' Player of the Year Runner-up Andy Windsor
Manager's Player of the Year Winner Stu Windsor
Manager's Player of the Year Runner-up Ben Wickens
Clubman Award/Supporter of the Year Rich Maslin
Clubman Awards - 100 Appearances Kev Hamersley
Andy Windsor


 

last season's match reports

 

Match Reports & News   2011-12

News

League

A & B Cup

KO Cup

Wilts Junior Cup

Division2 Cup

Friendlies

 

Last updated 20/05/2012