Results 3 jan2009

The 1sts travelled to Shrewton, got changed and were about to go out for their warm-up, when the referee called the game off, due to the nearest 8 yards of the pitch to the changing rooms being frozen solid, and with the shadows going the wrong way, there was no prospect of any improvement. A quick change and drive home, allowed the whole team to watch the 2nds and 3rds, before some team bonding in the warmth of the Old Lane!

The 2nds entertained Swindon Irons, losing 1-2. The following was reported in the sunday independent:

"Frost bound pitches were the order of the day in the Wiltshire League with just one match surviving the wintery conditions. The referee in the Division 2 game between FC Chippenham Youth Reserves and Swindon Irons called both goalkeepers together before the match to look at the goalmouths to see if they were prepared to play and they agreed the pitch was playable. The Irons cashed in with a 2-1 win thanks to a double strike from Shane Spencer.

Both sides tooks time to get into their stride, the firts real action coming in the 15th minute when home goalkeeper Mat Spear pulled off a great save, getting his hand to an effort by Spencer that looked destined for the top corner.

Not to be denied, however, it was Spencer who finally broke the deadlock, scoring from the edhe of the box midway through the half to give the visitors the lead.

FCCY then ahd the better of the rest of the half as they pushed forward looking for an equaliser but failed to create any clear-cut chances.

The 2nd half continued in the same vein until a good cross to the far post by Mike Payne was headed into the net by Spencer. The home side were rewarded for their efforts when Brett Partner pulled a goal back and shortly after a good volley by Gary Lock hit the woodwork. The swindon side then came under a bit of pressure but managed to hold out to secure the points."


The 3rds also lost 1-2 at home to a much changed Westfield FC, despite missing a hatful of chances in the first 20 odd minutes. Mick Austin hit the post twice in the same move, and also mistimed a header when well placed, Tommy O'Cain missed twice, Tom Holbutt skied one, Dan Smith shot wide, Ben Pantry had a shot blocked on the line, Mark Kmiec had an effort blocked. However, as is often the case, if you dont take your chances you get punished and a long ball from a free-kick wasnt dealt with and the stand-in keeper Dan Tanner was beaten from close range to end the half 1 goal down. The 2nd half was much closer with few chances at either end, before a speculative volley from 40 yards sailed over Tanners head into the roof of the net. If the guy who hit it had a lottery ticket, I'm sure it was a winner!

FCCY pushed hard towards the end of the game to get back in, despite some very strong arm tactics from the visitors. Eventually Mick Austin headed a goal back from a Dan Smith cross. A few unsavoury incidents followed, all involving the visitors left-back, who somehow managed to stay on the park despite commiting as many as 4 seperate red card offences and FCCY huffed and puffed but failed to create a clear chance to earn a point.