|
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.
last
season's match reports |
Match Reports & News 2011-12
News
League
A & B Cup
KO Cup
Wilts Junior Cup
Division2 Cup
Friendlies
|
