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Match Reports 1st team

West Wratting 2 Gt Shelford 2 [9 May @ 12:57pm]

This was our last game of the 2010/11 season, a very busy season for us. We started the game in fifth place in the Kershaw Pre. League, a wind today would have moved us up to a finish in fourth place as the team above us, Littleport had already completed their games. If the very unlikely happened and we were to win by 10 goals we would move to third and above Fulbourn on goal difference. Actually, this turned out to be quite a strange game. I was almost stunned at the way we started. Two goals ahead in 11 minutes and, quite honestly, playing the best football I've ever seen in the Kershaw Prem. league by any team. Superb passing 15/20 passes at a time and turning the possession into goal scoring opportunities. Our first goal came on 9 minutes. Mark Kirby sent a free kick from the right into the Wratting penalty area, it was headed on by Robbie Farrington to Nick Baggaley who headed against the post but was sharp enough to head home the rebound. Two minutes later Sam Johnston crossed fro the left flank, Shane Roberts lept to volley the ball in for a great goal. Hang on, dare we think about that ten goals, it certainly looked possible now, the opposition was barely getting a touch of the ball. Suddenly, from a rare break, Phil Peachey was called upon to make a smart save to his right, then on 30 minutes West Wratting reduced the arrears with a goal against the run of play, and that was it. I don't know if we got complacent or nervous or if the number of games played over the last three weeks caught up with us. On 45 minutes we conceded from a corner. Half time 2-2. The second was just a scrappy affair, very little football played, Wratting had a player sent off, we failed to take advantage of that and the game petered out to a 2-2 draw. However, lets not dwell on that. Fifth place in the Kershaw Premier league, but we finished the season looking like the best team. League cup winners, Terry Willson memorial cup winners and also semi-finalists in the challenge cup. Saturday evening in the club room and a good crowd from our three teams turned out for the end of season celebration. First team honors were as follows. Players player of the year a very close vote. Nine players were voted for and the winner was Gareth Jones. Supporters player of the year went to Darren Bates votes were cast for six players in this one. Top goal scorer was Shane Roberts with 24, most coming in the second half of the season. Most appearances was quite interesting, the winner, by on game, was Nick Baggaley, but second place was shared by Mark Kirby, Matt Green, Rob Farrington and Phil Peachey. All of those were also the most appearances for any club in the league. Well done to all the winners. Equally well done to all the players, including those who have made the step up from the reserves. We look strong and I'm very hopeful that we can go on and win it during our centenary season.

Gt Shelford 4 Lakenheath 3 AET [1 May @ 11:00pm]

Anyone not at today's game should not be fooled into judging this Kershaw Premier league cup final by the scoreline and thinking it was close. Lakenheath maybe champions but they were nowhere near as good as us today, for the most part we absolutely took them apart. I just wish a few of their senior players could find it possible to admit that they lost to the better team today. Then again, maybe they failed to understand what was going on during the game. I find it difficult to believe that they accused us of playing a long ball game. In fact we mixed it up well and were certainly the only team who ever attempted to pass it around on a difficult surface. Possibly the major difference between the teams was heart! I mean that in two ways. At the heart of our defence our centre backs gave their central defenders a lesson in how to defend properly. We knew that Lakenheath are always strong in the air, Gareth Jones and Nick Baggaley won every header today. In central midfield both Matt Green and Robbie Farrington completely dominated their opponents. So the heart of the team was strong. Full backs Darren Bates and skipper Ricky Woodrow were to quick for the opposite numbers, they defended well and were always keen to get forward and add numbers to the attack. Calum Gawthrope just frightened the Lakenheath defence with his pace and Mark Kirby was as always so dangerous with his crosses into the box and set plays. Up front, Benny Murray showed some good touches and strength to hold the ball up well whilst Shane Roberts just took the Lakenheath central defenders apart. Peter Leete and Sam Johnston were used from the bench in extra time and made an immediate impact on the game. Gt Shelford got off to a perfect start when, after just two minutes when Shane Roberts just outpaced the sluggish Lakenheath defenders and lobbed the advancing 'keeper to make it 1-0. On the minutes Lakenheath threatened for the first time but Phil Peachey dived to his right to push the ball around the post. Shelford doubled thei lead on 15 minutes when that man Shane Roberts pounced on a poor header back to the 'keeper and hook the ball home. Gt Shelford were controlling the game for the most part although Phil Peachey was called on again after 44 minutes and maded a great diving save from a Lakenheath free kick. Two minutes into the second half Lakenheath reduced the arrears when a poor piece of defending cost us dear. A simple ball played across our six yard box was missed by everyone and went inside the far post. Lakenheath equalised on 72 minutes when they were awarded a really dodgy penalty. Gareth Jones lunged in to tackle, just outside the area, actually got his foot to the ball and everyone was amazed to see the referee award a penalty. I was high in the grandstand and I'm positive that the challenge was outside the area. I think the referee may have realised that he was wrong because Gareth was certainly the last man. If it was a foul he should have been red carded, but no card was shown. Needless to say Lakenheath equalised from the penalty. This is where the real heart of the Gt Shelford team began to show. This was real set back but this team just refused to accept anything but a win. On 72 minutes Calum Gawthrope completely outpace his opponent down the left, surged into the penalty area only to be crudely sythed down. Shane Roberte stepped up to take the penalty, hoping to complete his hat-trick, but he hit the post and the ball bounced clear. 90 minutes 2-2. Just three minutes into extra time Darern Bates also proved that this Lakenheath defence cannot compete with real pace, Darren sprinted into their penalty area and was hacked down, another penalty. This time Mark Kirby, taking the longest run I've ever seen, sent the ball just inside the post to make it 3-2. With just 5 minutes to go Lakenheath got lucky again, a long punt forward and a defensive mix up allowed yet another equaliser. In the last minute of extra time however Gt Shelford won a series of corners A corner from the right by Mark Kirby was met by Matt Green who headed it back and substitute Peter Leete rose to nod home the winner. A well deserved win for Gt Shelford if the score had been 5-0 it would have been atrue reflection of the play.

Hundon 0 Gt Shelford 3 [28 Apr @ 10:52pm]

With Hundon having been charged with playing unregistered player/players against us last week we went to the game in the knowledge that in this game they probably field a team of their own registered players. Having said that, due to unavailability and injury our management duo struggled to get a team together for this fixture. In the end they had to enlist the help of five young players who were in our reserve team line up yesterday evening, so it looked like being a tough task. As it happened the lads performed so well that it turned out to be romp. If we'd taken a fair percentage of our chances it should have been 6-0 by half time and 9-0 by the end. As an indication of our superiority in the game, it was 17 minutes before our 'keeper Phil Peachey touched the ball and around another 20 minutes before he touched it again. It was also 75 minutes before Hundon managed to win a corner. In between we watched a superb hat-trick from young Sam Johnston and some super football form the Gt Shelford players. All of the youngsters performed very well and proved that our squad is somewhat larger than we realised. If these lads stay with the club I'm sure that they will be in and out of the first team before maybe bagging a regular first team spot. The first goal came on 26 minutes when Mark Kirby crossed the ball into the far post, Sam did well to control the ball before spinning and lashing the ball home. A minute later a free kick on the right floated over, once again by Mark Kirby, and Sam rose to head home. On 55 minutes Sam received the ball in midfield and ran at the heart of the Hundon defence before slotting the ball home, a fine goal to make it 3-0. So we now move on to Mondays cup-final against champions Lakenheath. Yes they have beaten us twice this season and must be firm favorites, but it's a funny old game so who knows?

Gt Shelford 2 Somersham 0 [26 Apr @ 10:46pm]

It's proving to be a long old slog for the players as, for the third week running, we are expected to play three games a week. Somersham, are in a similar lowley position as last Thursdays opponents Hundon. It's really strange how these teams manage to strengthen at the end of the season! Today our manager rested Gareth Jones and Sam Johnston was unavailable. They were replaced by young reserve teamers Marcus Hall and Joshua Townshend. Early play was quite even with half chances at both ends. Somersham, without a doubt, were stronger than in our two previous meetings this season. Although they sort of huffed and puffed a bit throughout the game our back four ensured that they failed to create a real chance. I think it's fair to say that although the players must be very tired, today they produced a really strong team performance. As with all good teams the performance was based on a fine defence and that's four clean sheets in the last seven games. Today's midfield pairing of Robbie Farrington and Marcus Hall simply outplayed and outworked the opposition. With Mark Kirby, doing what he does best on the right and Calum Gawthrope having his best game since injury on the left we looked a good all around unit. Our first goal came on 18 minutes. A long ball forward from defence and Benny Murray lept to nod the ball on and into the path of Shane Roberts who outpaced the Somersham defence before picking his spot to make it 1-0. Somersham were always in the game but never looked capable of breaking us down unless we made a serious error. Half time came with the score at 1-0 to Gt Shelford. Sixteen year old Joshua Townshend replaced Darren Bates at half time and about half way through the half the managers took the opportunity to rest our front two Benny Murray and Shane Roberts. They were replaced by dad's army, Peter Leete and Neil Pope, totalling eighty years of age between them. On 84 minutes they combined to set up and score our second goal when Peter found himself on the right and crossed the ball into the area and there was Neil Pope rising to power home a header to make the final score 2-0. A good team performance and good to see a couple of reserve team players seizing their opportunity to impress.

Waterbeach 2 Gt Shelford 4 [23 Apr @ 6:20pm]

What a day for football, we kicked off in a temperature of 27 degrees. To be fair to the players of both teams they did remarkably well to keep the action going for 90 minutes. A 4-2 away win looks to be a good result but the truth is this was a game we could easily have won 8-0 or more. On a small bumpy pitch it was not easy to play to much passing football but any that there was came from Gt Shelford. Today's team was strengthened by the return of Gareth Jones from injury and also Ricky Woodrow who was available again. Mark Abbs was absent through injury and Manager Steve Holden was joined on the bench by Peter Leete, Sam Johnston and Paul Izzard. With the ball being difficult to control due to the hard bumpy ground the early stages saw little of the ball being passed around. Waterbeach just seemed intent on stopping Shelford from playing which I suppose is the best tactic against superior opposition. On 32 minutes of the visitors controlling the game they went ahed with a scruffy goal, an attempted pass back by a Waterbeach player was deflected home by Mark Kirby. The home team seemed to be totally disheartened by going behind and their work rate dropped noticeably. During this period Gt Shelford squandered two or three really good chances to increase and then on 44 minutes they paid the penalty when a long shot rebounded off Phil Peachey and was poked into the net. Half time 1-1. In the second half the visitors continued to completely dominate the game, missed chance after chance and had to wait until the 72nd minute to restore their lead. A cross from the right and Benny Murray half-turned in the box to volley home. Peter Leete and Sam Johnston then replaced Benny Murray and Shane Roberts. Peter almost had an immediate impact, hitting the post with his first touch and the smashing a header against the bar a couple of minutes later. Then on 86 minutes a corner on the left was half cleared to the edge of their penalty area by Waterbeach to be met by Skipper Ricky Woodrow who was in mid-air as he thundered the ball home. Just a couple of minutes later another cross from Mark Kirby was met by Calum Gawthrope who volleyed home. Then on 89 minutes the referee awarded a penalty to to the home side for a hand-ball. Final score 2-4 to Gt Shelford.

Gt Shelford 3 Hundon 2 [21 Apr @ 11:01pm]

This evening we entertained the league's bottom placed club. On paper an easy task but in reality that is seldom the case. As is often the case with teams from a little further afield we recognised their players names but not that many of the faces! Once again due to injury and unavailability there were a few changes to side that played so well against Eaton Socon on Tuesday. Our back line in front of Phil Peachey was Mark Kirby, Matt Green, Nick Baggaley and Darren Bates, across the midfield were Paul Izzard, Mark Abbs, Robbie Farrington and Sam Johnston and at the sharp end we had Benny Murray and Shane Roberts. On the bench were Calum Gawthrope, Steve Holden and having his first game since returning to the club was Neil Pope. Gt Shelford started brightly enough passing the ball around impressively but, as the minutes ticked away without scoring plus one or two attacks from Hundon we seemed to press the panic button. Gt Shelford opened the scoring after 25 minutes when Benny Murray suddenly burst into life, winning the ball in midfield Benny slid a pass to Shane Roberts on his left and Shane made no mistake when he smashed the ball home. After this it seemed as though the home side had lost their way a bit and the visitors never really found their way, and it deteriorated into a pretty poor game. Half time 1-0. Ten minutes into the second half Benny was brought down by the Hundon 'keeper and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Shane to smash the ball past the impressive visitors 'keeper to make it 2-0. A minute later Hundon reduced the deficit when a long shot, through a crowd of players deceived the unsighted Phil Peachey to make 2-1. Calum Gawthrope who had replaced Paul Izzard showed some pace down the left touchline but we were creating little. Then on 77 minutes Hundon were a awarded a free kick in a central area but about 25yards out. The kick was taken expertly and thundered into our net to make it 2-2 and Hundon with their tails up. Neil Pope had replaced Shane Roberts and was soon into the action when a ball into the Hundon penalty area was on by Neil and met by the head of Benny Murray who looped the ball over the keeper and inside the far post. Not the best of games but another 3 points and off we go to Waterbeach on Saturday.

Gt Shelford 4 Eaton Socon 0 [19 Apr @ 10:28pm]

Once again the manager had to call on just about everybody who was able to walk when putting a team together for this fixture. Mark Kirby moved to right back with skipper Darren Bates once again moving over to the left. Nick Baggaley, although not really fit took his place at centre half alongside manager Steve Holden. In midfield Sam Johnston played on the right with Calum Gawthrope on the left with Mark Abbs and Robbie Farrington in the centre, the front two Shane Roberts and Peter Leete who made the journey back from London to play. On the bench were Paul Izzard and youngsters from Zab Townshend's reserve side Liam Burns and Josh Townshend. The earley stages of the game were fairly even but as time went on this new looking line up for Gt Shelford gradually began to jell and string some good looking passing moves together. Once again we looked strong at the back and were obviousley looking for another clean sheet. The home team went ahead on 18 minutes when Mark Kirby got forward on the right and whipped a good cross into the penalty area which was met by the impressive Peter Leete who stooped to power home a header.Just six minutes later Calum Gawthrope escaped down the left touchline and fired in another cross which found Shane Roberts racing in to volley home. Play settled down a bit for a period with the visitors attempting to get back into the game with the home team being equally not to let them reduce the deficit. On 44 minutes Gt Shelford went further ahead when Shane pounced on a ball played through the middle and outpaced the defenders before lobbing the 'keeper as he came out. Half time 0-3. Fairly early in the second half the manager started to make substitutions to give all of the lads a game and also to save legs for the busy timetable ahead. The players started playing some delightful passing football at times, as good as anything they have done during the season. At times it was just like watching the gunners! On 65 minutes a long ball was headed on by Peter Leete and and Shane Roberts pounced once again to complete his hat-trick. With the game won Shelford concentrated on keeping possession. In the latter stages Eaton Socon did break through the Shelford defences and on two occasions brought outstanding saves from Phil Peachey. Home again this Thursday against Hundon.

Gt Shelford 0 Foxton 0 [16 Apr @ 10:57pm]

Major problems with player availability today. Skipper Ricky Woodrow serving a one match suspension, influential central defender Gareth Jones resting an injury, Matt Green injured, Benny Murray injured, Olly Bell unavailable, Louie Farrington still injured, so it was a case that if you could walk then you played. Today's line up was as follows. Phil Peachey, Paul Hartley, Darren Battes (Captain), Nick Baggaley, Steve Holden, Mark Kirby, Mark Abbs, Robbie Farrington, Sam Johnston, Calum Gawthrope and Shane Roberts. On the bench were Leon Townshend and Peter Leete. This was a game that Gt Shelford completely dominated from start to finish. Even with such a depleted line-up we looked a different class to a poor Foxton side. We created many chances which were spurned by poor finishing. We defended well for the most part and on the odd occasion that our back line was breached then Phil Peachey was at his best. If we could look at the statistics we would see a game full of free kicks and a fair sprinkling of bookings, generally due to the strange behavior of a referee who seemed intent on being the centre of attention. I watched the same official in a game earlier this week when, again, he managed to get everybodys back up. He's certainly not up to this standard. The game are coming thick and fast now. On Tuesday we at home to Eaton Socon and Thursday home to Hundon and away to Waterbeach on Saturday. If we can find enough fit players!

Lakenheath 3 Gt Shelford 2 [13 Apr @ 11:00pm]

As we approach the end of the season each result has more meaning to the teams at each end of it's league, and so it was today. It looks as though Lakenheath will win the Kershaw Premier league as they have so many games in hand on everyone whilst Fulbourn, who sit at the top at the moment, just have two fixtures left, which they should win. Prior to today's game, we needed to win all of our remaining games to ensure that we finish above Fulbourn in second place, providing Over drop at least one point from their remaining games. Understand all that? In a nutshell it means that today's result was more important to us than it was to our opponents. A surprisingly slow start to the game, saw the game move from one end to the other with little purpose. After just a few minutes it started to become apparent that the home side were not to keen on getting the ball down to play but much preferred the more direct route. But football supporters will usually turn out to watch a team that wins most of the time. After just six minutes the home side were awarded a free kick just outside the Shelford penalty area, the kick was not struck especially well but somehow avoided the defensive wall and squeezed under Phil Peachey. Shelford soon seemed to be getting to grips with their opponents and Mark Kirby in particular was finding space on the right to control the ball and send in a series of real quality crosses. With Calum and Shane running at pace to get on the end of things the big Lakenheath defenders looked really uncomfortable. Our equaliser arrived on 28 minutes from an unexpected sauce. Skipper Ricky Woodrow, who's birthday it was today, won the ball on the left touchline about 20 yards out, looked up and unleashed an unstoppable shot that whizzed into the to corner of the net. Four minutes later we won a corner on our right Mark Kirby clipped a good ball into the area and Nick Baggaley arrived to acrobatically take off and while in a horizontal position volley the ball home to give Gt Shelford a well deserved lead. The lead could and possibly should have been increased before half time but the break came with the score at 1-2. It seemed that as the second half began the home side had come up with some answers to their defensive problems of the crosses raining into their area. It was nothing to scientific really just launch the ball higher, longer and more often and don't let it touch the ground if possible. I think also some of our players started to fade a bit after the two previous games this week which were both tough affairs. We fell into the trap of giving too many free kicks away in our own half especially around our own penalty area. For the most part we defended well enough but it was becoming difficult to get any respite and with the series of free kicks it was only a matter of time really. Then two mad minutes Free kick against us just outside the penalty, a mix up in defence and it was 2-2. Two minutes later another free kick fired in and the ball was headed home to put the hosts in the lead. Sam Johnston replaced Mark Kirby, just to change things a bit and we huffed and puffed a bit without threatening to much. Then a clash of heads involving Matt Green who ended the evening in Addenbrookes hospital to get a couple of stitches. Manager Steve Holden replace Matt for the last five minutes. Today we were without Benny Murray, Darren Bates, Mark Abbs and Olly Bell due to work commitments and we needed everyone there really. However it was a close and very competitive game against two well matched sides and that bodes well for the cup final on May 2nd.

Gt Shelford 5 Hardwick 0 [12 Apr @ 10:18pm]

This is no doubt that this was one of our better performances of this season. Against a physically big Hardwick side who have shown themselves quite capable of bullying teams, by playing to their strengths which are long balls into the penalty area, long throw ins etc our lads stood up as a team and in the end absolutely battered them. To be truthful we missed three golden opportunities to score in the first twenty minutes and Hardwick's best player was their goalkeeper who pulled off a string of very good saves. Straight from the kick off Hardwick showed their intent with a long ball deep into our half and then forced a throw in. This resulted in three or four similar situations in the early minutes. Each time the ball was thrown in to the near post and each time our magnificent defenders cleared the danger. During the first twenty minutes we had to defend for our lives as we found it difficult to release the pressure. Gradually though, Hardwick's tactics became a little predictable, and Calum Gawthrope, playing on the left today, found he was easily able to outpace those defending Hardwick's right side. Our midfield two of Robbie Farrington and Matt Green, although outnumbered, began to win the midfield battle while on the right Mark Kirby started to get forward and send a series of crosses into the Hardwick penalty area. Benny Murray and Shane Roberts at the front ran and caused havoc among the visiting defenders. Although Hardwick had six foot plus central defenders Benny and Shane continually out jumped them. On 35minutes Gt Shelford went ahead when a throw in on the right found Benny Murray who turned blasted the ball home. Gt Shelford were now starting to dominate and on 44 minutes deservedly increased their lead when yet another cross from the right was turned in by Robbie Farrington. Half time 2-0. Generally Gt Shelford dominated the second half. When Hardwick did threaten their efforts were snuffed out by a back line who were determined not to concede if possible. Other than the long ball into our area Hardwick posed little threat as they were unable to attack us down the flanks due to the quality of Darren Bates and skipper Ricky Woodrow. When the long ball was played in our centre backs refused to be pushed around and easily won the aerial battle. Then, on 77 minutes after good period of Shelford ball retention, passing the ball around Benny Murray suddenly turned on the edge of the 18 yard area to lob the visitors keeper and the flood gates were open. On 83 minutes a free kick on the left was fired across the Hardwick area and Shane Roberts ran in to glance a header just inside the far post. Finally on 90 minutes Shane got away on the right and from an acute angle fired an unstoppable shot just inside the far post, a fitting end to a great performance.

Over Sports 0 Gt Shelford 0 [9 Apr @ 5:55pm]

This game was played on the most awful surface imaginable. Yes, it's been dry for the last couple of weeks so we could expect the ground to be hard but it seemed as though the playing area had never been rolled all season. So, to try and get the ball down and pass would have been like committing suicide. Therefore we had a small bumpy pitch and a blazing hot day. The game started at a furious pace with the ball spending a lot of time in the air. Probably because of the fairly short pitch the ball often traveled from goalkeeper to goalkeeper without anyone else getting a touch. Gt Shelford created the first chance of note when one of many crosses played across the Over penalty area was headed wide at the far post with their 'keeper helpless. Over also had a good chance when the ball was played low across the Shelford goal, but the Over player about to pounce Phill Peachey managed to just touch the ball away. Half time 0-0. Gt Shelford did seem to dominate for periods of the second half but really the back lines dominated the game for the most part. Our centre backs were superb today, Both Gareth Jones and Nick Baggaley rarely if ever lost a header. Skipper Ricky Woodrow had a difficult time on the left but stood up well to the opposition players seeming to be attempting to get him sent off. Darren Bates was just terrific on the right. Mark Kirby put cross after cross into the opposition area and the central midfielders Rob and Matt played the conditions well. Up front Benny Murray showed some smart touches in the first half and Calum, as usual, just worked his socks off. Paul Hartley made his debut when he replaced Sam Johnston in the second half and fit again Shane Roberts replaced Benny Murray late on and almost won us the game on 88 minutes but just pulled his shot wide. As the game went on it looked as if anyone deserved to win it was Gt Shelford. A tough week coming up now, two mid-week evening games against Hardwich at home on Tuesdau and Lakenheath away on Thursday.

Eaton Socon 1 Gt Shelford 3 [2 Apr @ 11:08pm]

We never expect an easy game when we play Eaton Socon away. But two of the last three away games have been against Over and Littleport, none of which are easy and all of which are on very dodgy playing surfaces, so it's probably fair to say that we were quite well prepared for today's game. A couple of changes to the team today, Mark Kirby was unavailable and replaced by the fit again Mark Abbs on the right of midfield and Shane Roberts picked up an injury in the midweek representative game and was replaced by Benny Murray. A walk across the pitch before kick off gave a good indication that it was unlikely to be a day for passing football. The surface was hard and bumpy and looked as tho' it had never been rolled. A lively pace from the first whistle saw Gt Shelford create a couple of early chances. It was proving difficult for the players to attempt to play any one touch football because of the state of the pitch and taking the extra touch always ensured that a tackle was imminent. On 12 minutes, despite the conditions, Gt Shelford produced a move of the highest quality. A long diagonal ball from Gareth Jones in the back line had the home defence turning and chasing the lively Calum Gawthrope, Calum chased the ball and controlled it on the right touchline before turning and laying the ball off to the advancing Mark Abbs, Mark sent in a cross of real quality to the far post and Matt Green charging in from the half way line rose to meet the cross and power home a header. It's always certain that Eaton Socon will battle well and so it proved. Gt Shelford always looked the stronger side but were struggling to create any clear cut chances. Half time 1-0 Gt Shelford. Early in the second hald half Cambridge blue, Ross Broadway, replaced Sam Johnston and Olly Bell replaced Benny Murray. Ross made an immediate impact on 67 minutes when taking a corner from the right he sent in a cross at pace to find the impressive Matt Green heading home his second goal. At 2-0 Shelford looked to be comfortable. This comfort zone led to them creating problems of their own. Once again to many free kicks conceded, and from one of these an unstoppable shot was sent flying past Phil Peachey with just 12 minutes left. With 3 minutes to go our goal a game man Olly Bell scored through sheer persistence and refusal to lose the ball. Olly received the ball just outside the home penalty area and battled past three defenders without ever having the ball under control, Olly went to ground just inside the six yard box and from a sitting position managed to hook the ball home to make the final score 3-1. A good hard won and deserved three points.Good performances all through the team but personally I thought that Darren Bates and Matt Green were outstanding today.

Littleport 1 Gt Shelford 2 [26 Mar @ 6:41pm]

A tough test for the players today, Littleport have suffered only one league defeat so far this season and a couple of weeks ago inflicted upon us our heaviest defeat for a few years. This is always one of the worst away fixtures of the season and today was no exception. After a week of beautiful weather we arrived at Littleport to find it cold and gray with about a 50mph wind blowing from end to end down the pitch, just what we'd expect. Manager Steve Holden encountered a few problems prior to the kick off with Benny Murray, who was due to start today, calling in sick. In the warm up Mark Abbs injured a knee but it was decided that he would come off the bench if necessary, Steve Holden was also down as a sub. Having won the toss Gt Shelford decided to play against the wind in the first half. Todays referee, possibly the worst I've seen for some time, made an impression early on with some decisions which dumbfounded players and officials from both sides. Calum Gawthrope, getting back to his busy best now and Shane Roberts were looking dangerious when we were able to get forward but it was hard work against the strong wind. On 6 minutes, against the run of play Gt Shelford went ahead from the penalty spot after the persistant Calum was felled in front of goal. Mark Kirby stepped forward to fire home a good spot kick. Littleport with the wind behind them powered forward but our back four stood firm with Gareth Jones and Nick Baggaley winning the aerial battles and skipper Ricky Woodrow looking strong on the right. Darren Bates playing at right back at the moment really looks to be a player born to play there. We had a bit of a disaster on 35 minutes when Gareth Jones had to leave the field with injury to be replaced by manager Steve Holden for a rare appearance. Littleport were still enjoying the best of the posession but the referee was still managing to upset players and officials from both sides with his general attitude and decision making. At least he was consistant. Consistantly bad that is. Littleports equaliser came just before half time. They were awarded a free kick which was fired in towards the far post where it was defended poorly to make it 1-1 at the break. It was easier going for the visitors in the second half with the wind in their favour. Yellow cards were starting to be issued by the referee, mostly it seemed because of his poor decision making earlier on playes of both sides were starting to get frustrated and question him as he awarded free kicks. Nick Baggley who had been injured making a goal line clearance in the first half also got a nasty kick on the knee but managed to battle on. Rob Farrington and Matt Green began to get more of a grip in midfield and Mark Kirby and Sam Johnston started to rain crosses into the Littleport penalty area. Gt Shelford took a deserved lead on 76 minutes. A Mark Kirby corner delivered from the left to the far post saw Nick Baggaley rise to power home a bullet header to make it 2-1. Theres a old saying that ' when the going gets tough, then the tough get going '. But we've seen last season and againg today that when the going gets tough then Littleport loose their discipline. Yes we had Ricky Woodrow sent of for two simple bookable offences. This was swiftly followed by two straight reds for Littleport players. Gt Shelford played out the last ten minutes with confidence mainly by keeping the ball. A good all round performance and a well deserved three points, shame about the ref!

Somersham 0 Gt Shelford 2 [19 Mar @ 7:48pm]

Any away win is a good win and a welcome 3 points. But this really was an odd game. Gt Shelford completely controlled the game from the first whistle to the last. Somersham played like a team who knew they had little chance of winning, they seemed to be time wasting from the start which was really annoying for those watching the game. Great Shelford started to dominate the game from very early on, keeping the ball for long periods with some good passing moves which always seemed to break down on the edge of the Somersham penalty area. Phil Peachey in the Shelford goal was virtually redundant today making just one save in the whole game. Whenever Somersham did manage to mount an attack they were thwarted by an impressive back line where GarethJones once again looked by far the best centre half in this league with his aerial dominance an well timed tough tackling. As the first half meandered on with no score, and it looked that maybe our first goal would open the floodgates, we feared the worst, maybe Somersham would break and grab an undeserved lead. Our worries were put away in the 42nd minute when Rob Farrington won the ball in midfield and hooked a fine pass over the Somersham back line to Calum Gawthrope who lobbed the keeper from 22 yards. Half time 0-1 Gt Shelford. After about 20 minutes of the second half the manager made a couple of changes bringing on Benny Murray and Olly Bell for Calum Gawthrope and Shane Roberts. Benny took just 7 minutes to make an impact. Mark Kirby, who had been raining crosses into the Somersham area all the game curled another quality ball into the danger area to find Benny rising to out jump the home defenders and power home a header. There is little doubt that the visitors should have been awarded a penalty when Matt Green was hauled down and several other chances went begging, but 3 points is 3 points so lets be satisfied with that.

Over Sports 1 Gt Shelford 3 [12 Mar @ 12:00am]

With our team experiencing an unusual poor run of form, this Premier League Cup Semi-Final away to Over Sports was always looking like being a difficult game, especially as Over themselves have only lost one game in their last thirteen. There were a few changes to our starting line up today. Gareth Jones took his place alongside Nick Baggaley at the centre of defence, with Mark Kirby resuming in the wide right position, Matt Green once again playing alongside Rob Farrington in midfield. At the front the manager decided to go with Calum Gawthrope who has been showing signs of getting back to his best after injury and Shane Roberts who looked very sharp during his substitute performance in our last game. Over were the first to attack but our back four, looking very solid, repelled anything that the home side came up with. Gt Shelford soon showed their intent to play their football at a pace which was to prove to hot for the home team. On 12 minutes, who were starting to dominate, opened the scoring with a goal straight from the drawing board. Goalkeeper Phil Peachey delivered to the right touchline about half way inside the Over half, the ball was controlled smartly by Mark Kirby who delivered a quality cross to the far post, Sam Johnson met the ball to head back across the Over six yard box where Calum Gawthrope was waiting to drive the ball home. By this time Gt Shelford really were playing well, all over the field. Both fullbacks, skipper Ricky Woodrow and the ever reliable Louie Farrington on the other side completely dominated the home wide players, whilst Nick Baggley and Gareth Jones were just to strong for their opponents in the middle. Across the midfield Sam Johnston is beginning to look like a really good player, Mark Kirby on the right produced a succession of penetrating balls forward, Matt Green and Rob Farrington were just to good for the rather slow moving Over engine room. Up front both Calum Gawthrope and Shane Roberts were frightening the Over defenders with their pace and ability. Make no mistake it was a tough game, a few hard tackles being made, but what would you expect it was a cup semi final that players of both teams wanted to win. Unfortunately todays referee was proving to be a little unpredictable, to say the least. He missed several offenses which were plain for all to see, and on several occasions got his decisions completely wrong awarding them to the team committing the foul!. On 37 minutes Over equalised to the disbelief of almost everyone. A blatant hand ball by an Over forward allowed them to retain possession before scoring the equaliser. But Shelford, in this mood, were not to be denied. Four minutes later the were in front again, with another goal from the drawing board. A superb corner fired into the near post area by Mark Kirby was flicked on by Gareth Jones for his centre back partner, Nick Baggaley to strike the ball home. Shane Roberts almost scored the goal of the season when another long, penetrating clearance by Phil Peachey dropped over the shoulder of Shane Roberts as he sprinted forward, as it dropped Shane hit it on the volley only to see it just clear the bar. Half time 2-1. In the second half Over huffed and puffed occasionally but never got behind our back four. Phil Peachey in goal had a good game catching long throws and the odd cross, always looking safe, but I can't remember one shot from Over in the entire 90 minutes. In fact in the 90th minute Gt Shelford broke at pace with a slick passing move and found themselves playing an impressive passing move in the Over penalty area, Benny Murray, Olly Bell and Shane Roberts swapping passes before Benny picked his spot to make the final score 1-3.

Gt Shelford 2 Littleport 5 [26 Feb @ 8:34pm]

I'm certain that I'm correct in saying that this scoreline in no way reflects the game. We are in a bad run at the moment, the worst we've experienced for quite a while. As stated in my previous report we are defending badly, especially from set pieces and we are not taking enough of our chances at the other end. Otherwise we are not playing that badly. Today's game started at a brisk pace on a lovely playing area, quite different from the field at Chatteris. Littleport & Gt Shelford seemed, once again, to be quite well matched. Early on Littleport created a couple of good chances and Phil Peachey had to be at his best to keep us on level terms. We also showed good attacking ideas and on 14 minutes we took the lead with a fine goal. Young Sam Johnston, improving by the game, received the ball on the left flank and drove a fine cross low across the visitors six yard box where Calum Gawthrope arrived to volley the ball home. Gt Shelford visibly rose in confidence and played some good strong attacking football until the fourteenth minute when we conceded a silly free kick near the edge of our area on the left. Phil Peachey asked for a three man wall, some people reckoned it should have been four. To be honest it could have been six in the wall, I don't think it would have made any difference, up stepped the Littleport player to tamely hit the kick through the wall and inside the post. Once again very poor defending from a set piece. However from the re-start the home team seemed to get straight back on top and I was really beginning to think that this bad spell was about to end. Half time 1-1. The second half began in the same fashion, Shelford generally on top in a really good game. On 69 minutes another free kick was floated into our penalty area and Littleport player was allowed time to win his header to put the visitors 2-1 in front (another set piece). Unfortunately the reliable and combative Louie Farrington had to leave the field with a back injury and this seemed the signal for the floodgates to open. Littleports wide left player, always their main outlet when they had been under pressure, was allowed to run down the left touchline, cut inside and send the ball beyond Phil Peachey. On 80 minutes it got worse when a long ball into our penalty area was met, unchallenged, by a Littleport player to make it 4-1. Five minutes later when today's excellent referee Mr Burridge awarded us a penalty after Calum Gawthrope was hauled down. Mark Kirby saw his shot scrambled clear but Shane Roberts who looked lively when he came on followed up to slide the ball home. On 88 minutes Littleport completed the rout by scoring from close range. Ok we have a week off next week. Then we have our second cup semi final against Over, our last chance to save what was a promising season. Hopefully this bad run of results will end here. A semi final win and then undefeated for the rest of the season, including Lakenheath away will see us finish in the top three. It's up to the players. Yes, they need support and guidance but, as they say, you don't become a bad team overnight. I think it's obvious that Lakenheath are a class above the rest of this league. Below them there is a group of teams who are all capable of beating each other, they are Fulbourn, Littleport, Gt Shelford, Over, Chatteris and Hardwick. As it happens our four most recent games have been against four of these teams, on other days we could win them all. In the semi final in two weeks we play Over, when we played them at home in the league we beat them 4-0. They've been on a good run of results but I cannot believe that they are actually any better than when we played them before.

Chatteris 2 Gt Shelford 1 [23 Feb @ 10:48am]

Once again we arrived at the game with a number of players missing. Manager Steve Holden was already aware that two players were unavailable due to suspension but two others made themselves unavailable prior to the game. One of those during our journey to Chatteris. The Chatteris ground has an end to end slope and must be among the worst playing surfaces in our league. Gt Shelford were hindered by having to kick up the slope in the first half and that certainly gave the home team a major advantage early on. Chatteris are a young side, full of running, and they made that count early in the game by penning Gt Shelford into their own half for long periods with the visitors finding it tough to get out, going up the hill. Pressure told when on 25 minutes Chatteris were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Shelford area. From the kick the ball was sent crashing into the top corner of Phil Peachey's goal. A great strike but I doubt that the scored will hit another as well as that for a while. Shelford continued to struggle and when we did get the ball forward the strikers were having trouble holding the ball so it came straight back again. On 37 minutes the poor surface played it's part when the ball suddenly spun up from a lump of turf in the penalty area and struck a defenders hand and from the resulting penalty Shelford found themselves 0-2 down, a score which remained until half time. As the second half began it became obvious to spectators just how large a part the slope was having on the game. For the most part the visitors dominated, going down the slope but often made the wrong decisions when presented with scoring chances. It has to be said that we did not get the luck of the whistle as Chatteris had. On 61 minutes however Shelford did reduce the deficit when the ball was kept alive in the Chatteris penalty area and Olly Bell rose to send home a header to make it 2-1. Once again, take away the two set piece goals from our opposition and we would have won the game 1-0. We are in an unusually bad run at the moment. We've lost three of the last four games. All of those defeats have been by a single goal. If we think about those games for a moment,the first was away to Hardwick, they scored twice, once from a corner and once from a free kick from the edge. Littleport scored once from the penalty spot and two goals from set plays last night. It would seem that we are defending ok in open play but giving to many free kicks (and penaltys) away in dangerous areas. We are not being helped by players being unavailable due to work commitments. I'm sure we all understand that work has to come first but we have one player in particular who travels miles to make himself available to play, last week travelling back from Wales for the game. Maybe we need to sign a couple of extra players to compensate for those who are unavailable.

Gt Shelford 0 Littleport 1 [12 Feb @ 7:35pm]

This was an especially important game to us today, semi final of the Cliff Bullen challenge cup, the same cup that we won last season by defeating Littleport in the final. Our managers had major problems before today's game in getting a group of players together who were eligible to play. As well as being without Gareth Jones and Darren Bates, both suspended, Mark Abbs was away, Olly Bell was stuck in London working although he did arrive just after the second half began, manager Steve Holden who normally names himself as sub was unable to do so today as he's only played one game for the club this season. Luckily our reserve team game was called off this morning so three young lads were called into the squad. The upshot of all this was a team containing names playing in some unusual positions. So we had Phil Peachey in goal, Mark Kirby moved to right back with skipper Ricky Woodrow returning at left back, the centre halves were Nick Baggaley and Louie Farrington. In midfield were Sam Johnston, Matt Green, Robbie Farrington and Calum Gawthrope and we had Benny Murray and Shane Roberts at the front. Early play was fairly even. Littleport have been showing some good form this season and look like finishing near the top, I think they have only lost one game. They had a couple of chances early on when they broke through our back line but on both occasions they were thwarted by the always impressive Phil Peachey. If those early chances gave Littleport the impression that they were in for another easy win they must have soon realised that was not to be the case. Gt Shelford worked their way into the game with some good spirited football. The the, so called, referee from a higher class of football took a hand in proceedings an virtually handed the game to the visitors. After a Littleport corned was cleared with little trouble the referee blew his whistle, I have to say I thought he was indicating a goal kick or free kick to Gt Shelford. Bu No, he awarded a penalty, much to the amazement of just about everybody in the ground. From the resulting kick Littleport went ahead. Gt Shelford continued to enjoy the better of the play but were hit by another major blow from this inadequate official when a corner from Mark Kirby whizzed across the face of the Littleport goall, Matt Green about to pounce at the far post was taken out by the Littleport 'keeper who got no where to the ball. I think we all thought, penalty and 'keeper sending off. But amazingly, the referee said play on. I said to their 'keeper as he left the field at half time ' you got away with one there', he obviously agreed. Half time 0-1 Littleport. It was actually a really good game with the teams quite evenly matched. But as well as the home side played in the first half, they were even better in the second. Phil Peachey in the home goal was virtually redundant. Our makeshift back line looked really solid, in fact Nick Baggaley won the man of the match award. Mark Kirby sent cross after cross into the Littleport area but we really did not look aggressive enough in our opponents penalty area, whenever there was a 50/50 ball in that area we were failing to win it. Benny Murray rose high to power a header from Calum Gawthrope cross on to the post and we had chances galore but it was not to be. But we played well today, I cannot say we were unlucky as we had chances to score enough goals to make the game safe. The referee was shocking and it seems that players from both sides agreed with that. However that kind of performance, consistently, will see us finishing in the top two I'm sure.

Newmarket Town Res 0 Gt Shelford 1 [9 Feb @ 11:53pm]

Today was the second meeting between these teams in less than two weeks. As Newmarket are sitting just over the relegation places it was no surprise that, as their 1st team had no game, they took the opportunity to strengthen their Kershaw league team. The game started at a brisk pace and the play was fairly even. Gt Shelford started to try and play the ball around with some good brisk passing movements without really producing any emphatic finish. Newmarket, on the other hand, always looked dangerous early on when going forward. Newmarket's pacey young front players looked capable of causing problems but generally speaking our back line looked strong and well organised and snuffed out any threat that Newmarket produced. On 23 minutes a ball played into the Newmarket penalty area at some pace was met by a home defenders hand and the referee awarded a penalty. Now, we've missed the last two penalty's that we've been given. Mark Abbs stepped up, fired the spot kick right down the middle, and yes the 'keeper pushed the ball wide. However, on this occasion Mark was the first to follow up, and kept his cool as he fired the ball into the net. Newmarket seemed a little deflated for a while afterward but Gt Shelford, although playing some good football, failed to add to their lead. Half time Newmarket 0 Gt Shelford 1. At the beginning of the second half the game continued in the same style as the first. Played at a great pace with Shelford always looking the most likely to score. On 63 minutes they thought they had when from a corner on the right Calum Gawthrope rose to power home a header only to see it surprisingly disallowed by the otherwise very efficient referee. As the half wore on some of the Gt Shelford players started to tire, and by their failure to be able to get back into defensive positions when the ball was lost they allowed Newmarket to exert some pressure. The manager rang the changes bringing on his three substitutes and we did have a couple more chances to score. We must start putting away a percentage of the chances made especially as we play the better teams in our league.

Hardwick 2 Gt Shelford 1 [5 Feb @ 7:22pm]

We always knew that this was likely to be a tough game. Away to Hardwick on a small bumpy pitch which suits their direct style of play. Matters were made worse today, for both teams, by a gale force wind blowing diagonally across the pitch. Early play was quite even with Gt Shelford having the advantage of the wind early on. From a Shelford point of view, it seemed like we were conceding to many corners to easily, so it was ironic when we opened the scoring, from a corner of our own. Darren Bates swung in a corner from the left which was partly cleared, the ball was played back into the home 6 yard area, several players had a stab at it before the impressive Matt Green forced the ball home. It was tough work for all of the players even trying to control the ball was difficult in the conditions. Gt Shelford looked very comfortable defending their lead without too much trouble until the 45th minute when yet another Hardwick corner was bundled in for the equaliser after a defensive error. Half time 1-1. The referee seemed more incline to award free kicks to the home side as the game went on, especially around the Shelford penalty area. Hardwick went ahead from one of these dubious awards when a free kick, with the wind, was fired in, across the goal and inside the far post to put the home side ahead. On around 62 minutes Shane Roberts did some fine work before managing to get off a shot at goal which amazingly trickled along the Hardwick goal line before hitting a post and was then cleared. A few minutes later Gt Shelford were awarded a penalty for an obvious hand ball offence. Up stepped the usually reliable Darren Bates to hammer the ball against a post. Not our day to day. It was a game we really should have got points from but we don't always get what we deserve.

Gt Shelford 5 Newmarket Town Res 0 [29 Jan @ 8:35pm]

After last weeks shocker the players all seemed determined to put the memory of the Fulbourn game behind them. Skipper Ricky Woodrow was found to have broken three fingers during last weeks game when his hand was stepped on. His place at left back was taken by todays skipper Louie Farrington. Matt Green, who is fast becoming a real utility player moved to right back with Nick Baggaley and Gareth Jones filling the two central defensive positions. Young Sam Johnston made a deserved start on the left with Mark Kirby on the right of midfield. Rob Farrington played in a more central position alongside Mark Abbs, making his home debut. Benny Murray returned from holiday to play up front alongside Shane Roberts. On the bench were Darren Bates, Calum Gawthrope and available once again Paul Izzard. The home side started at a frantic pace and went a goal up in less than a minute. Newmarket were awarded a free kick on the half way line, Gt Shelford quickly won the ball back and it was played forward to Benny Murray who raced towards the Newmarket goal. One on one with the 'keeper Bennys shot was saved but the ball ran free and Mark Kirby was the first to react, side footing the ball home to open the scoring. Newmarket looked dangerous on a couple of occasions but any chance of them scoring was soon snuffed out by our defenders and 'keeper Phil Peachey. Mostly it was all Gt Shelford, playing good, controlled passing football which was appreciated by those watching. Chance after chance went begging but we had to wait until the thirty second minute for the next goal. Mark Abbs cut open the centre of the visitors defence with a through ball of pin point accuracy through to Shane Roberts, Shane picked his spot to make it 2-0. Three minutes later, the goal of the game. A good ball played into Benny Murray in a fairly central position just inside the Newmarket penalty area. Benny used his strength and skill to hold the ball up before passing to the onrushing Mark Abbs who fired home a vicious volley. Two minutes later Shane won a smart little header, turning the ball towards goal and then following up Shane beat the 'keeper with ease. Half time 4-0. Much the same story developed during the second half with the home side dominant. At this stage Newmarket rarely attacked at all. Manager Steve Holden began to ring the changes as the game developed into a bit of a fitness session for the home side. Darren Bates replaced the impressive Sam Johnston and it was not to long before Darren was scythed down inside the Newmarket area. Up stepped, man of the match Shane Roberts, hoping to complete his hat trick but he blazed the ball over the bar. Just two minutes later justice was done when a nice pass inside by Mark Abbs found Benny Murray who slotted home number five. Paul Izzard replaced Rob Farrington and Calum Gawthrope came on for Benny Murray. I have to say that Calum showed signs of getting back to his best by pressuring defenders before he finished the game by performing the most amazing trick shot I've seen in many a year! All in all, a very good performance. Ok so Newmarket were not the best, but they did keep going and as they say, you can only beat the opposition put in front of you and we won well today. I should also point out that this was much improved performance by this particular referee Mr Hancock.

Fulbourn 2 Gt Shelford 0 [30 Nov @ 12:00am]

Shelford v Fulbourn is always a fixture with a little bit of an extra edge to it. I think both sides were a little depleted from the norm today. Fulbourn have just lost their es Shelford centre half to Cambridge City and that was compensated by Gt Shelford's unavailability of attacking players for various reasons. Top goalscorer Oliver Bell pull a hamstring in last weeks game, Benny Murray is away and Calum Gawthrope is still serving a suspension. So, we have four quality front players and Shane Roberts was left to forage away on his own today. This also meant a change of role for Darren Bates who had to play more centrally. It's quite normal when we play away at Fulbourn that we are under considerable pressure for the first twenty minutes or so. It's important to survive that period by defending strongly, which we normally do, and then we expect to gradually play ourselves into the game. Today we were outplayed across the field for almost the whole 90 minutes. Fulbourn looked fitter, quicker, stronger and generally better than us as a team and man for man. Their first goal came on 14 minutes when a Fulbourn player found himself with the ball in yards of space and just picked his spot and drilled the ball home. On 21 minutes it was 2-0 and opinions seem divided as to the legitimacy of this goal. After a corner the ball was sent towards the Shelford goal but Mark Kirby seemed to have volleyed the ball clear only for the linesman to signal that the ball had crossed the line. our 'keeper Phil Peachey assures me that the ball never crossed the line. To be fair we were lucky to get to half time only 2-0 down. We started the second half with a bitter cold wind behind us but we did make a slightly better game of it early on. It seems strange really but we could easily have gone on to win this game as we had at least three golden opportunities to score early on. Then things went very badly wrong when Gareth Jones saw an opponent aiming a high tackle at him, in self defence Gareth did what you would expect and went a little higher. Unfortunately he jumped into the tackle and the referee, probably quite rightly showed him the red card. It was disappointing that the Fulbourn player concerned received no punishment at all, he should also have seen red. To make matters worse, shortly afterward Darren Bates was also shown a straight red car for comments made to the referee when a yellow should have sufficed. We did not play well today and we lost our discipline which is asking for trouble. However, it happens, and we cannot change it. We are still a good team we just had a bad day and the way to prove that to people is to go our for the next games and show just how good we are.

Foxton 2 Gt Shelford 3 [15 Jan @ 6:33pm]

This Cliff Bullen challenge cup second round match was played on a narrow pitch, with a strong cross wind ,which for the most part made if very difficult for either side to produce any flowing football. So, it developed into a game of strong mid-field challenges to attempt to win possession, but neither side found it easy to keep the ball when they had it. Gt Shelford were forced into a couple of changes today. Louis Farrington came in at right back and Olly Bell led the attack alongside Benny Murray. Skipper Ricky Woodrow, who was injured on Tuesday, dropped to the bench and Matt Green moved to left back with new boy Mark Abbs making his first start in midfield. With no points at stake, merely a place in the next round, the teams found themselves battling against each other, the windy conditions and a referee who seemed intent on booking players for speaking to him but was quite happy to let foul and dangerous play go ahead without penalty. The main event for Gt Shelford during the first half was having to see centre forward Olly Bell limp on after 28 minutes. Each team had a couple of chances to score during the first 45 minutes but some bad finishing on our part and some good goalkeeping from our Phil Peachey kept the scores level. It seemed the Great Shelford must have discussed the events of the first half during the break as they came out showing more intent in the second half, attempting to get their passing game going. However on 62 minutes and slightly against the run of play, Foxton took the lead. After half clearing the ball from their own penalty area Shelford defenders were slow to get forward allowing a Foxton player to run into the area unchallenged and drive the ball low and just inside the post. A few Shelford players found themselves getting a little frustrated today, at the way the game was going, but they soon equalised when Darren Bates twisted and turned just inside the Foxton area and fooled the defender into scything him down. Mark Abbs atepped up to drive the penalty just inside the home 'keepers right hand post. On 78 minutes a long lofted pass diagonally from the left touchline by Darren Bates found Benny Murray on the right, Benny knocked the ball down and Shane Roberts smashed home an unstoppable volley to put Gt Shelford in the lead. On 85 minutes some really sloppy defending allowed Foxton to help themselves to the equaliser. Just as it looked as though the game was heading to extra time Benny Murray was virtually the victim of an assult in the Foxton penalty area as he was brought down. I think everybody from both sides expected to see a penalty given, but 'Mr Play on' had other ideas, just showing Benny a yellow card for complaining! Justice was done a minute later when Matt Green won the ball on the right and whipped in a low cross for Benny to slot home the winner.

Mildenhall 3 Gt Shelford 1 [12 Jan @ 12:33am]

Having well beaten Ridgeons league 1 side Godmanchester in the last round we were looking forward to a sterner test today againg an in form Ridgeons Premier side Mildenhall. To be precise they are two divisions further up the pyramid than ourselves. With Louie Farrington absent due to work commitments and in form striker also having to work it gave a chance for Karl Metcalfe to come back into the starting line up and also Shane Roberts, recovering from injury, made his first start for some time. We found ourselves kicking up the steep slope on the Mildenhall pitch in the first half and it seems that this contributed largely to the way in which the first 20 minutes was played. We were under pressure right from the first whistle, failing to our opponents and allowing them to much space in which to play. We paid the penalty for consistently giving the ball away in these early exchanges when went a goal down after 8 minutes after some sloppy defending. Things got worse a minute later when a Mildenhall player was allowed time to pick his spot as we went two down. At that time a few people around the ground thought it was going to be a rout. It's true to say that a lot of teams could have caved in. Not this Gt Shelford side however. In fact the players rallied, showed some fine determination and gradually worked themselves back into the game. Our two centre backs began to dominate proceedings as Mildenhall attacked and we began to see more of the ball, in fact the home side did not threaten again fefore half time. So we kicked off the second hall going down the hill and we really began to dominate the possession. At times the home players were starting to argue among themselves as we passed the ball around them, I really think that we needed a little luck then but it was not to be. Mark Abbs came on to make his first appearance for the club and looked to be a fine acquisition. For all the good work we rarely threatened the Mildenhall goal, when we did test their 'keeper he was lucky enough to see most efforts go straight to him. But we proved that we can play at this level. Most of the home supporters seemed surprised at the quality of the football we played for most of the game. Mildenhalls 3rd goal came in the last minute when we had pushed most players forward and was really unimportant. So well played to all of the players today. I will not say we played above ourselves as I think we are capable of playing to a high standard every week.

Cottenham 2 Gt Shelford 4 [8 Jan @ 7:25pm]

After such a long lay off it was good to get back to football again today. I must say that after the heavy overnight rain I was really expecting a phone call this morning to tell me the match was off. However we arrived at Cottenham to find the surface in excellent condition. We were pretty well at full strength today with just Calum Gawthrope and new signing Mark Abbs missing due to suspensions. Our starting line up was as follows:- P Peachey, L Farrington, R Woodrow (capt.), N Baggaley, G Jones, M Kirby, R Farrington, M Green, D Bates, O Bell and B Murray. On the bench were S Roberts, S Johnston and S Holden. Gt Shelford started the game at a good pace and really threatened to overrun their opponents. Trying to play the game the right way by taking no chances at the back, clearing their lines when looking like getting under pressure and yet playing some good passing football when the opportunity arose. Shelford went in front on 9 minutes with a great goal, Robbie Farrington won the ball around the half way line and volleyed a fine pass out wide to Mark Kirby on the left, Mark controlled the ball before sending a fine pin point cross into the penalty area where the prolific Olly Bell volleyed home. Gt Shelford continued to dominate without having everything their own way, but when under pressure the back line looked solid whilst at the other end several chances went astray. On 33 minutes a free kick on the right found Matt Green rising to win a fine header at the Cottenham far post, Matts header was perfectly placed for that man again, Olly Bell to ram the ball home. On 45 minutes some sloppy defending by Shelford allowed Cottenham to reduce the deficit. Half time 1-2. Early in the second half the home side seemed to be encouraged by their goal and exerted some pressure on the Shelford back line, but they stood firm with 'keeper Phil Peachey largely untroubled. On 57 minutes a Shelford corner on the right was sent in at pace by Darren Bates, the ball was allowed to bounce and Benny Murray turned to smash the ball home to restore their two goal lead. A few minutes later Phil Peachey was called into action for the first time really when he dived low to his right to to push the ball away for a fine save. On 74 minutes another corner on the right saw Olly Bell rise to thunder another header against the bar but goal poacher Benny Murray was first to the rebound to nod the ball home. Another case of sloppy defending on 75 minutes cost us another goal to make the final score 2-4 to Gt Shelford, a win which send us up to fourth in the league. I'd say that was a pretty good performance by just about everybody. We looked quite capable of scoring more goals and the dodgy defending for the two we conceded can probibly be put down to lack of match practice.

Gt Shelford 3 Whittlesford 1 [20 Nov @ 7:27pm]

This local derby against Whittlesford looked like being a tough home fixture with Whitllesford looking for revenge for the defeat which we inflicted on them in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. At the first whistle the away team seemed quicker out of the blocks with their pace in the wide areas always causing concern to our back line, true to say that most of the first ten minutes were played in our half, but it was evident that although they were inserting pressure on the Gt Shelford defence at no time did they actually manage to get through and test Phil Peachey and we began to think that if we could get through the first 10 minutes unscathed the maybe we would start to inflict ourselves on the opposition. In fact this happened quicker than we thought when on 10 minutes a fine passing move saw the home team take the lead. Rob Farrington gathered the ball in the midfield and slipped a pass to Matt Green, Matt played a long crossfield pass to Mark Kirby on the right, as usual Mark played a delightful ball into the far post area and Benny Murray ran in to leap high and power home a header. On 21 minutes all of the hard work seemed to have been wasted when a defensive lapse, our only one of the game, allowed the visitors in to equalise. Half time 1-1. It seems to be becoming the normal for us to show a dramatic improvement after the break. Play was fairly even for a while but on 62 minutes we scored a truly brilliant goal which seemed to completely knock the stuffing out of Whittlesford. Man of the match Ricky Woodrow won the ball on the left flank and played a superb ball through to Olly Bel just inside the opposition penalty areal, we are all now beginning to realise that Olly does not usually miss from from those positions and he coolly placed the ball into the back of the net from about 16 yards. We then really started to dominate the play and one or two of the visitors started to lose their heads. Ricky Woodrow had come in for some rough treatment with the obvious intention of winding him up. But it was the Whittlesford winder that lost the plot getting himself sent off for a blatant elbowing offence. In the 82nd minute Gt Shelford really put the icing on the cake with some play of the highest quality. A super interpassing move down the left between Ricky Woodrow, Mark Kirby and Robbie Farrington ended wirh Ricky completely outpacing his marker on the side of the penalty area he looked up to see and hear Robbie arriving on the edge of the srea, pulled the ball back into Robbie's path and Rob just coolly picked his spot and slotted the ball home. Well done to one and all today, great team performance just right to give us confidence for a tough run of away games befor Xmas.

Gt Shelford2 West Wratting 1 [14 Nov @ 11:12am]

West Wratting are a bit of a bogy side for us. In our home league game against them a few weeks ago we had two players sent off which helped them secure an undeserved draw. Wratting showed their intent early on in this Cliff Bullen trophy game when in the third minute Phil Peachey, returning in goal after suspension, had to be at his best diving across to his left to keep the scores level. On 10 minutes Phil was called into action again when the pacey visiting forwards tested him again. Gradually. however, the impressive Rob Farrington took over in midfield and as the game went on West Wratting seemed more interested in not conceding and rarely attacked. When they did go forward they found the Gt Shelford back line just to strong for them, both Gareth Jones and Nick Baggaley were dominant in the centre half positions. Louie Farrington, charging down the right flank was always dangerous and and his opponents resorted to rough tactics on several occasions to stop him. Wratting had obviously done their homework and were set up to frustrate Ricky Woodrow and Darren Bates down our left flank by giving them little space to work in. For all of our pressure during the remainder of the first half we failed to make a goal scoring chance. Half time 0-0. The home team seemed to have had a good chat during half time and started the second half well. On 47 minutes young Sam Johnston, playing in place of the absent Mark Kirby, received the ball wide on the right, cut inside along the goal line and from an acute angle fired the ball home for a great opening goal, his first for the clubs senior team. That goal goal seemed to settle the home players and they went on to play some good football with Rob Farrington again prominent. On 75 minutes the home team were awarded a free kick wide on the right, a good delivery by Darren Bates saw Nick Baggaley rise at the far post to power home a classic header. A minute later Ricky Woodrow played the ball down the line to Darren Bates, Darren foun Louie Farrington who crossed to the onrushing Benny Murray who crashed a super header against the post. Peter Leete made his club debut in the last 15 minutes and did enough to show that he could be a valuable asset to the club. All in all a good win still in all three cups. Billy Kuper presented a deserved man of the match award to Robbie Farrington, but a good all round team performance.

Somersham 0 Gt Shelford 2 [6 Nov @ 9:03pm]

After two disappointing league results the team were back in cup action today with a potentially tricky trip to Somersham. With Phil Peachey serving a one match suspension we once again called on the services of young Lewis Fenney for his second game for the club. With Shane Roberts injured it meant that Oliver Bell who had to be content with a place on the bench over recent weeks was asked to start alongside Benny Murray who was making his first start for around two months due to suspension and illness. This meant that Calum Gawthrope had to be content with a place on the bench alongside Vinney Spina, Sam Johnston and manager Steve Holden. Since their promotion at the end of last season Somersham seem to have performed well in the higher league and they were not to be taken lightly. Our need for caution was confirmed straight from kick off when a ball over our back line found a Somersham attacker one on one with our 'keeper, but Lewis Fenney showed his quality by saving well. It soon became apparent that Benny Murray was in the mood after his lay off, playing with strength and ability the Somersham defenders found him impossible to cope with. Down our left flank Darren Bates, having his best game for some time, and combining well with skipper Ricky Woodrow, was beginning to give the opposition a torrid time, going past them at will. As early as the 5th minute a quality cross from Benny Murray found the impressive Matt Green at the far post, Matts header was cleared off the line. A minute later Darren Bates suddenly cut inside and unleashed a thunderbolt shot which rebounded off the bar, the ball was smashed home but ruled out for offside. A manage of a recent opposing team was heard to say during the week that Shelford play the long ball game and that we tried to kick his team off the park. What an idiot, I really don't know where he gained his football education. If he'd been here today he would have seen fast flowing passing football from Great Shelford and a team full of players playing as a good unit. On our right flank Mark Kirby was again getting crosses into the box on a regular basis, but for all this pressure as we approached half time we had once again failed to score. That changed in the 44th minute and what a goal we scored. Matt Green and Rob Farrington exchanged passes in midfield, the ball was played wide to the left flank where Mark Kirby, who had swapped sides with Darren Bates, sent a cross to the far post where Oliver Bell rose to head home. Half time 0-1 to Gt Shelford. As the second half began it became obvious the the visiting team were intent on showing that they could finish their opponents off, With Rob Farrington and Matt Green driving forward from the midfield and any occasional attacks from our opponents were soon broken up but our dominant back line. On 51 minutes the game was all but over when a free kick to the far post post once again found found Olly Bell heading home to make it 0-2. Everybody played well today and the experiment of playing the two big lads up front certainly worked well, Benny did well and Olly Bell just has the knack of scoring goals. His aerial ability just could not be matched by the Somersham defenders. All in all a terrific performance enjoyed by all of supporters who were there and of course we're still in all of the cups.

Gt Shelford 0 Lakenheath 2 [30 Oct @ 7:08pm]

This was always looking like being an important game for both teams, a real six pointer, and after last weeks defeat Gt Shelford were hoping to take all three points to put themselves back in contention. The home side started brightly, penning Lakenheath in their own half for the opening minutes. In fact Shelford could have gone ahead in the first minute when a chance went begging from a cross fired across the visitors goalmouth. Lakenheath also looked dangerous in attack and the game really did swing from end to end. There was no doubt that the tall centre halves of the away side were troubled by the pace of the Calum Gawthrope and Shane Roberts and they really seemed to panic at times when the ball was played into their goal area. With both teams needing some luck to create a real goalscoring chance it came in the 28th minute after a foul in the Shelford penalty area resulted in a penalty award. Phil Peachey dived to his left to pull off a fine save. However, he had no luck, when the ball rebounded from him and straight back to the penalty taker who made no mistake from his second chance. Half time with the score at 0-1. The second half continued in much the same way as the first. Mostly end to end stuff, quite a good even game really without ever being a classic from a footballing point of view. Our front two were replaced by Oliver Bell and Benny Murray. Benny's first game back after a six week lay off due to suspension and illness. As the half wore on the home side had to push more players forward to seek an equiliser and this was their undoing really. A long ball out to the Lakenheath left flank, in the 86th minute, found the home side short of defenders, an attacker got in one on one with Phil Peachey who pulled off a good save, only to see the ball once again bounce back to the forward who fired home off a defender to make the final score 0-2. OK, another defeat, but we did ourselves justice today and for the most part competed well. We defended much better than last week and looked quite solid. It's a long season, lots of points to be won and lost so don't write Gt Shelford off yet. This is a very determined group of players who will be looking to bounce back next week in a very important cup game.

Gt Shelford 3 Ely City Res.4 [27 Oct @ 4:49pm]

Sorry for the delay in getting this report on, I'm sure that some people will think it's because we lost a game we were expected to win, but that's not the case. Straight after Saturdays game I had to go away for a few days and I'm only just back. So, on to the game and I'd like to start with a question. How can a football team who have looked so good over recent weeks suddenly revert to the way they looked at the beginning of last season? Just a few weeks ago we had beaten Ely easily. It's always true to say that credit should be given to the opposition when they come out on top and I'm sure that Ely have made a few changes of personnel since we last played them, but I don't honestly believe that they were any better this time around. However we look at this performance it was poor. We can say that the front players don't take enough of their chances, but they scored three which should be enough to win any home game. We went from looking dominant at the back to looking like we'd concede every time Ely got into our half. I'm sure we will not admit it but we went into this game thinking that Ely were easy meat, we only had to turn up to win, it was a matter of how many we'd score. Hopefully, we've had a wake up call! After a fairly even start to the game the visitors went in front on 19 minutes when their impressive right winger whizzed a cross which was finished at the far post. As soon as we went behind in the first half we started to struggle. Our success so far has been built on team work, working together. But we started to argue with each other and dispute almost every decision the referee made. On occasions we were busy talking to the ref while the game was going on around us. We were offered a lifeline on 29 minutes when Calum Gawthrope burst through the Ely defence only to be up ended by the goalkeeper. Darren Bates stepped up to smash home the penalty. We managed to concede again after about another 60 seconds, to be fair it was a great goal volleyed home. Just on the half time whistle we got back into the game when Nick Baggaley slammed a loose ball home after a corner. Half time 2-2. We looked better at the start of the second half and went on to dominate the game completely but failed to turn our advantage into goals. Unbelievably, we went behind again after 82 minutes when a harmless looking long ball into our half caused chaos to our defenders and 3 minutes late it got worse when once again we conceded a sloppy goal to go further behind. OK we got one back in the last minute via an own goal. Yes, we did have a bit of a monsoon which may have spoiled the concentration of some of our players but apparently not Ely's. Anyway, that's behind us now, maybe it's a blessing in disguise and shows that there are no easy games in this league,at least we have plenty of time to put things right.

Gt Shelford 3 Milton 1 [16 Oct @ 7:51pm]

I made a mistake in my report last week. Today we played in the Cliff Bullen Challange Trophy, the cup we won last season. Milton FC arrived at Woollards with a growing reputation, top of Senior A, unbeaten and not having conceded a goal in their last five games. Once again our task was made even more difficult due to players being unavailable, we were without Gareth Jones, Robbie Farrington, Darren Bates and Benny Murray. Today's game started at a fast pace with the home team creating a very good chance to score after just 20 seconds but Calum managed to put the ball just the wrong side of the post. Although Gt Shelford were generally on top their ball retention was not as good as usual, giving the ball away after some good work and allowing a fairly useful Milton side to break quickly at times. On 14 minutes this proved to be disastrous to Gt Shelford when Milton broke down their right flank, the ball was crossed and despite a few effots the home defence failed to clear and the former Shelford player Buster Harradine was on hand to tap the ball home. Somehow, by a certain amount of last ditch defending and an awful lot of luck Milton managed to hang on to their lead. Half time 0-1 Milton. Gt Shelford came out for the second half and it was obvious that they had had a serious discussion about their first half performance and what they should do to put things right. The equaliser came on 50 minutes and what a good goal it was. Man of the match Mark Kirby, what a player he is proving to be, won the ball on the right flank and sent a pin point cross into the Milton area where it was met by Louie Farrington who volleyed the ball home. Gt Shelford created chance after chance to score but had to wait until the 78th minute to take the lead. The impressive young Sam Johnston ran at the Milton defence and was brought down on the edge of the penalty area, up stepped that man again, Mark Kirby who smashed the free kick around the wall and in at the far post. On 84 minutes a terrific pass between the centre backs found substitute Olly Bell unmarked, Olly ran on to draw the keeper before slotting the ball past him and inside the post. Well done to one and all another good team performance.

Godmanchester Rovers 2 Gt Shelford 3 [12 Oct @ 11:41pm]

I think that the final score line makes it look as tho this was a close game. Not so. To be fair, for any spectators who were unaware of the two teams colours I'm sure that they would have thought that the team from the higher league were the team playing in claret and blue. Manager Steve Holden had little trouble motivating his players for this game after remarks in this evenings Cambridge News indicated that the Godmanchester management saw this as a game they should win even though they would be playing some fringe players! Actually it was Gt Shelford who were forced into making changes prior to the kick off due to the unavailability of 4 regular first team players. We were without our key central defender Gareth Jones, full back Karl Metcalfe, winger Darren Bates and centre forward Benny Murray. So, on the bench today were Olly Bell, youngster Jake Hayden-Smith from the reserves and manager Steve Holden. But as we've seen over recent weeks it seems not to matter which 11 players are sent out to start the game they will give a good account of themselves. Due to circumstances today a new front pairing of Shane Roberts and (starting his first game of the season) Calum Gawthrope. Having heard our opposition having a team talk prior to kick off ordering them to 'get into this lot in the first 10 to 15 minutes and show them what kind of game they are in for' our lads must have been shaking in their boots. If so, it certainly did not show. The home side kicked off, promptly lost possession Shane Roberts and Calum Gawthrope exchanged quick fire passes which ended with Calum firing against a post after only two minutes. However, that attack set the tone for the first half. On the right flank Louie Farrington and Mark Kirby combined well time after time to get the ball into attacking areas. On the left flank the same was happening with skipper Ricky Woodrow and Sam Johnston. Our real threat today soon proved to be straight down the middle when the ponderous Godmanchester back line were no match for the skill and pace of Shane Roberts and Calum Gawthrope. Our first goal came on thirteen minutes when Louie Farrington won the ball once again and fed the ball down the right touchline to Mark Kirby who crossed the ball to Calum Gawthrope who slotted it just inside the post. Two minutes later it was Vinney Spina's turn to win the ball, this time in the midfield, he in turn fed the ball to Calum who played a delightful little ball in between and behind the home defenders for Shane to run on and thump the ball home off the post. Gt Shelford completely dominated the remainder of the half and really could have scored two or three more goals but had to make do with jus one on 44 minutes when Matt Green played another defence splitting pass over the centre halves for Calum to outpace the defence before lobbing the 'keeper from about 20 yards. Half time 0-3. Godmanchester just had to be better in the second half and so they were. Having said that Gt Shelford never really looked in any danger and, with one eye on a another tough cup tie on Saturday, they really took their foot off the peddle. After 56 minutes Olly Bell came on for the impressive Calum Gawthrope and Jake Hayden-Smith for Shane Roberts. On 65 minutes our defence was caught out for the first time and the home side rammed the ball home to score. Of course Godmanchester sent everyone forward late on but for the most part nevet really threatened. Then on 88 minutes from a corned they reduced the deficit further when a corner was headed home. That's how it ended with the minnows from the Kershaw league winners. Another great team performance.

Fulbourn Inst. 0 Gt Shelford 1 [9 Oct @ 10:50pm]

Every Gt Shelford player was a hero today in this great team performance. Against a very good Fulbourn side we had to defend in numbers for long periods of the game and everyone stood up to the task and were rewarded with a deserved win in this defence of the Cliff Bullen trophy which we won last year. With Oliver Bell still on holiday and Benny Murray finishing his suspension tomorrow our management trio decided to go with a similar line up to last week. Louie Farrington retained his place at right back in an otherwise unchanged back line. Mark Kirby was on the right with Darren Bates on the left, indide them were Robbie Farrington and Vinney Spina with Matt Green and then Shane Roberts at the front. Funbourn started the quicker of the two sides and attacked early on but Gt Shelford soon worked their way back into the game. After about 15 minutes the Fulbourn goalkeeper was injured after he was challenged for a high cross into the six yard area. I'm not sure what injury was received but after a period of treatment he was able to carry on. Chances were created at both ends and on 25 minutes Gt Shelford had a goal disallowed for an offence of some kind. Just two minutes Gareth Jones controlled the ball in the centre of defence and sent a well judged long pass forward, Matt Green rose to send a header in behind the Fulbourn centre backs and Shane Roberts was the quickest to react , out pace the defenders and drive the ball home. Great goal. Fulbourn played some good passing football and for a while dominated the midfield, but they found the Gt Shelford back line in dominating form with Nick Baggaley and Gareth Jones winning the aerial battle and Louie Farrington and skipper Ricky Woodrow dominating the Fulbourn wide players as well as their vocal supporters on the touch line. Half time 0-1. A single goal advantage never seems enough, and although the visitors looked dangerous on the break it was difficult to see where we'd get a second goal from. In the second half tackles were flying in and it was all good local derby cup football. As the half wore on, Fulbourn desperate to find the equaliser pushed Gt Shelford more and more onto the defensive. But our lads proved themselves up to the task, winning last ditch tackles and throwing themselves in front of point blank shots to keep our goal intact. When Fulbourn did breach our back line they found out why Phil Peachey is now the best 'keeper in the league, Phil made several good saves once making a superb flying save to his left, if he was beaten our defenders were in place to hack the ball off the line. Not lucky but good defending. Calum Gawthrope entered the Frey after 70 minutes for his first appearance of the season after injury. He could have scored after just a few minutes when Shane Roberts picked him out with a fine pass but Calum slipped when trying to turn. At the other end it was virtually the whole Shelford team defending at time and the were some real heroics, Robbie Farrington diving to his left to deflect the ball for a corner at one point. Karl Metcalfe replaced Louie Farrington at right back, that demonstrates the strength of this squad. Good performances all around today. Gareth Jones stood out in a very impressive back line. Mark Kirby's passing caught the eye and of course Shane Roberts finishing and work rate up front. This seems to be a very determined group of players now. Darren Bates was disappointed with his performance after the game but it was pointed out to him that it's a team game and today he was part of a very good team.

Gt Shelford 2 Chatteris 1 [1 Oct @ 11:00pm]

I know we have our own labeled wine for our man of the match presentations these days which is great and to add to that there seemed to be quite a bit of sour grapes coming from the opposition after today's game. This game turned out to be a six pointer as both teams were close together near the top of the Kershaw Prem. league. Add to that the fact that the home side were presented with enormous problems prior to the kick off with many players being unavailable for selection due to suspension, holidays or injury. Oliver Bell on holiday, Benny Murray suspended, Calum Gawthrope injured, that's three front players of real quality not available to us this week which meant that our managers were forced to change the shape of the team. But enough about those that were unable to play, what about those that did turn out. They were all great, everyone did their bit in a fine hard working team performance to gain a very well deserved three points. It has to be said that, for the most part, we were very disciplined whilst our opposition were more intent in arguing with the referee. Whilst they were quite happy to be very aggressive in their approach they were quick to moan when similar aggression was shown in return. The early part of the game was fairly even with chances being created at both ends. Phil Peachey was called into action fairly early in the game on a couple of occasions, once having to make a terrific double save first with his hands and then with his legs. After the game an opposition official accused Gt Shelford of playing the long ball game, more sour grapes I'd say, but he should remember our first goal. It came on 16 minutes. Mark Kirby seized on a poor pass by Chatteris on the right, passed forward to the hard working Shane Roberts, Shane looked up and hit a fine pass to, man of the match, Darren Bates on the left, Darren beat his opponent before crossing the ball low across the six yard box to find Matt Green powering in to slot the ball home. Gt Shelford retained their lead until just before half time. Another passing move broke down in the midfield area which resulted in Chatteris forcing a corner. For the only time in the game the home side failed to clear the ball well enough which allowed Chatteris to slam the ball home. Half time 1-1. Gt Shelford seemed to come out with renewed vigor in the second half. To be honest, although we did not really dominate the game, I really cannot remember Chatteris once getting behind our defence. Our winner came on 71 minutes. We were awarded a free kick about 23 yards from goal in a fairly central position. Up stepped Darren Bates to drill the ball home, around the wall beating the flay-ling goalkeeper just inside the post. It never really looked as though Chatteris would get back on terms after that, especially after they had a player sent off for stamping on Louie Farrington. A good win today, it really does show the strength in depth that we now have. A rest from the league games over the next couple of weeks as we now have three cup games.

Whittlesford 0 Gt Shelford 2 [25 Sep @ 9:24pm]

I honestly believe that this result proved the strength and quality of the squad we have got together this season. Today we were without Goalkeeper Phil Peachey, Defender Karl Metcalfe, midfieldersr Paul Izzard and Robbie Farrington as well as front runners Calum Gawthrope and Bennie Murray. Six players, all of whom who would expect to be playing if available. From time to time some will miss out, even when fit, but it's this strength in depth which will keep us challenging for the top throughout this season. Gt Shelford kicked off with a gusty and fairly strong wind behind them. With both teams in a good run of results it seemed that all of the players were frightened of making a mistake and for the most part it developed into a long ball game. Having said that, it was obvious that both teams were capable of playing a passing game but the importance of conceding the first goal was paramount. On occasions Whittlesford threatened but the Shelford debutant goalkeeper, 16 year old Lewis Fenney, was up to the task of keeping them at bay. Former Gt Shelford player Chris Hunter was always likely to be a danger with his speed and ability but he was well shackled by the impressive Louie Farrington. When he did escape he found himself out paced by the impressive Gareth Jones. Things looked to be heading towards a bit of a stalemate as we headed towards half time but on 43 minutes, Wednesdays hero, Shane Roberts, beat the offside to race away, after a long ball played over the centre of the home defence, and draw the home 'keeper off his line before slotting the ball past him. Half time Whittlesford 0 Gt Shelford 1. After half time the home team were seeming to gradually lose their discipline whilst Shelford kept their heads, a real sign of maturity within the team. Chris Hunter was sent off after a silly kick out at the experienced Louie Farrington and it became obvious the the home side were not going to get back on terms despite their huffing and puffing. Shelford defended well, all of the back four were outstanding today Gareth Jones winning everything in the air with Nick Baggaley quietly getting on with his work beside him. Full backs Louie Farrington and skipper Ricky Woodrow were totally dominent. Mark Kirby and Darren Bates on the flanks kept the home defence on their toes whilst the work rate of Matt Green (Wednesdays man of the match) and Vinney Spina dominated the central areas. Both front runners, Shane Roberts and Olly Bel,l scored agaainst their former club. Ollys goal came in the 78th minute after Matt Green won the ball in the middle of the field and played a fine ball between the centre backs to Olly who ran on to fire the ball past the advancing 'keeper. Well done chaps, up to third and looking good.

Ely City Res. 1 Gt Shelfore 4 [22 Sep @ 11:00pm]

As always, we went to Ely expecting a tough game. Before we set off I though that a point from today's game would not be a disaster. Benny Murray went sick during the day, Louie Farrington was unavailable due to work commitments and Calum Gawthrope remains on the sidelines but his injury is now mending. Manager Steve Holden included Vinney Spina and a couple of young reserve team players on the bench Sam Johnston and Marcus Hall. After the game, manager Steve Holden said " we looked like a proper team today, we were sharp and busy all over the field, we must now make this our standard performance and try to surpass it" Just two minutes into the game Gt Shelford were awarded a free kick on the right, about 20 yards from goal. Mark Kirby sent a great ball across the Ely goal, Matt Green dived in to rocket a header past the home 'keeper. A great start. The early goal seemed to rock the Ely players and Shelford started to play some fast attacking football. Things soon got better still for Shelfod when, after 11 minutes, a Darren Bates corner from the right was met at the near post by a skillful glancing header into the net by Shane Roberts. Today we looked a good side, everybody seemed to be working hard to help each other, our passing was good, we looked quicker and sharper than our opponents and whenever we did lose the ball we seemed to have two players challenging to get it back. On 14 minutes Shelford went further ahead on 14 minutes when a partially cleared corner was met by a tremendous volley from Matt Green around 25 yards out, I don't really know if the ball was going in the goal or not but Shane Roberts was taking no chances deflecting the ball home. Ely's back four must have been shell shocked and things could have got worse for them with terrific balls being played over or through their static back line. The impressive front running of Olly Green was a nightmare for the home team and he created a few opportunity's for himself to add to the tally. Just prior to half time Vinny Spina, who had replaced Rob Farrington after 4 minutes, was adjudged to have handled in the goal area, a penalty was awarded to the home side and they made the score 3-1 at the break. As the second half got under way it seemed that the instructions to the home players was to be tougher. Tackles were starting to fly in and a couple of Ely players were lucky to stay on the field. Shelford continued to dominate the game. Shelford sealed their victory in the 71st minute when Darren Bates broke down the left hand side, looked up and sent a great ball beyont the far post, Mark Kirby running in from the right met the ball on the volley and crashed it across the 'keeper and inside the far post.Our back four were solid and protected their goal very well. Matt Green was back to his best today, winning tackles and breaking up the oppositions play. Vinney Spina did really well as did both Darren Bates and Mark Kirby. Our front players were superb. Both of the young lads came on towards the end of the game and showed that they will both be assets to the team over the coming months. Well done to everyone today, the team were superb. It was also very noticeable that the normally loud locals were very quiet today!

Gt Shelford 2 Cottenham 1 [18 Sep @ 7:15pm]

Cottenham, home or away, is always a tough game. Today's game was probably made even more difficult than usual because of Cottenhams heavy defeat last week. From the first whistle it was obvious that the visitors were intent to stop our lads from playing by stringing five players across the midfield with only one up front. This made for a totally uninteresting first half with Gt Shelford finding it difficult to find a way through the massed defenses to create anything meaningful. To add to our problems we did not play well and typically after managing a movement of two or three passes we would then be wasteful and give the ball away. On 44 minutes we were careless again, giving the ball away in defence instead of playing to safety first rule. The ball was won by Cottenhams, Josh Bridgeman, the one player in their ranks who looked capable of breaking the deadlock and he made no mistake in firing the ball past the advancing Phil Peachey to keep up his goal a game, from midfield, record. Half time 0-1. Gt Shelford seemed to start the second half with a far more determined attitude and it soon paid off when Matt Green was brought down 20 yards from goal in a fairly central position. Up stepped Mar Kirby to smash the ball around the wall, giving their 'keeper no chance as it whizzed past him and in at the far post.Benny Murray, just back from holiday this morning entered the fray and had an immediate impact with his power, strength and ability to hold the ball. Gt Shelford went ahead after 56 minutes when a long ball into the Cottenham area was headed down by Nick Baggaley, the ball dropped to Shane Roberts with his back to goal, Shane spun and crashed the ball past the flailing arms of the goalkeeper who had no chance. Gt Shelford always looked dangerous after this and likely to score more goals. But it was not to be. Not the best game, but good or bad, 3 points is 3 points.

Gt Shelfore 3 Waterbeach 1 [11 Sep @ 8:00pm]

After last weeks farce it was good to get back to a little normality with the help of a referee who at least looked as though he new something about the game. Gt Shelford started strongly although against a fairly strong wind. Darren Bates and skipper Ricky Woodrow always looked dangerous along the left flank with their inter-passing and pace giving the Waterbeach full back a torrid time. Darren whipped in cross after cross but we failed to get on the end of the supply. Gt Shelford had the bulk of the possession, keeping the ball for long periods without really looking like scoring. With Benny Murray away our front two were having difficulty gelling and seemed often to be to far apart. In fact it was Waterbeach who created the best chances with their sporadic attacks. Things changed for the better for the home side a minute before half time when Shane Roberts found himself on the right flank, sent a cross to the penalty spot where Olly Bell rose to power home a header. Half time 1-0. Soon after the re-start Darren Bates was fouled yet again, and picked himself up to fire home a tremendous free kick from fully 35 yards. Shelford then started to really dominate the game and we all thought it was a case of how many goals they would score, but their next score was strangely disallowed and that decision seemed to disturb the home side, allowing the visitors back into the game. On 77 minutes after a mistake in midfield resulted in giving the ball away Waterbeach reduced the arrears and for a while at 2-1 things looked a bit dodgy. On 85minute a Mark Kirby cross from the right touchline was partially cleared and Robbie Farrington arriving from midfield volleyed the ball home from 20 yards. All in all a satisfactory result, a wll deserved 3 points.

Gt Shelford 1 West Wratting 1 [4 Sep @ 6:57pm]

Well, this really was a bit of a strange game and disappointing after the excellent performance in our last game. It has to be said that today's opponents West Wratting were really nowhere near as good as Over who we beat easily. We knew that Wratting are a fairly young side and for long periods would work hard to stop us playing, but as assistant manager Nick Baggaley said afterward 'we really should be beating sides like this'. But we did make things very difficult for ourselves. After a fairly even start things started to go wrong for Gt Shelford in the 11th minute when Benny Murray was sent of for retaliation after being crudely tackled from behind. We all know that retaliation is not acceptable, but I have trouble understanding how a player is still allowed to tackle from behind without being penalised. Salt was rubbed into the wound a few minutes later when Darren Bates was scythed down from behind without the necessary penalty being administered by today's official. The home side struggled to get to grips with being a man short and left poor Olly Bell isolated at the front for long periods. West Wratting should have taken the lead when they were through one on one with Phil Peachey, Phil saved the first effort but the ball bounce kindly to another Wratting player, who dithered on the ball and allowed our defenders to get back and deflect his shot for a corner which was cleared easily. Half time 0-0. The second half was played at much the same tempo with Gt Shelford keeping the ball for long periods without creating much but the visitors had chances to score on the break. In the 60th minute the referee seemed to make another bad mistake when he sent goalkeeper Phil Peachey from the field. Phil made a mistake with a throw out, dropping the ball at an opponents feet, when the Wratting player tried to go round him Phil brought him down and presumably sent him off for denying a goalscoring opportunity, but the referee did not seem to notice that centre half Gareth Jones was behind Phil and would have probibly cleared the ball. So, off went Phil, Nick Baggaley went in goal, faced the penalty awarded and we promptly went 0ne down. It appeared there was no way back, a goal down and only 9 players left to battle out the last 20 minutes. We all thought it was time for a bit of damage limitation. But no, a couple of substitutions and our opponents were caused a few different problems. The shape of the team was changed and went on the attack, and had a glorious last twenty minutes, getting the ball wide and making attack after attack, we took a chnce at the back and Wratting made a couple of chances on the break but were never good enough to score. In the 84th minute Darren Bates received the ball on the right flank, cut in along the by line, looked up and pulled the ball back where Matt Green arriving at pace met the ball on the volley and crashed it home. In the last five minutes we really should have notched the winner when a good chance went begging. But, 1-1 with nine men, we'll take that. Maybe we should start with nine next week.

Gt Shelford 4 Over 1 [24 Aug @ 9:55pm]

Wow. What a difference to last Saturday. Today, our team looked to be at their absolute best, this really was a terrific performance and we were still not at full strength. Skipper Ricky Woodrow was unable to play as he fractured a couple of fingers playing on Saturday and Shane Roberts also joined Calum Gawthrope on the injured list. Utility player Oliver Bell joined Benny Murray up front, Darren Bates, after the birth of his daughter, returned to the midfield and Gareth Jones came back alongside Nick Baggaley in the heart of the defence. We always expect a tough game against Over and, at the start, this game seemed to be no exception. It's true to say that we looked stronger in midfield than in our last game but the early play was fairly even. There was some good football being played by both sides and there were a few half chances at both ends with Phil Peachey having to be on his toes to keep a clean sheet on a couple occasions. Things started to change around the half hour mark, we started getting crosses into our opponents penalty area and sooner or later it looked that one would prove productive. On about 35 minutes another cross from Mark Kirby on the right found Benny Murray climbing high to power home a header. That's how it remained until half time 1-0. I don't know what was said at half time but the second half started in sensational style. After just 47 minutes Olly Bell found himself about 25 yards from goal in space in a central position, Olly looked up and smacked the ball past the visitors 'keeper before he could move. Two minutes later with the ball bobbling about in the Over penalty area Olly pounced again to force the ball home to make the score 3-0. Over mounted a little period of pressure when they could have scored, but this was proving to be one of Gt Shelford's best team performances for some time and the defence held firm. Some of the passing football played by the home side in the second half was really superb. More chances were created, with luck Benny Murray could have had a couple more as could have young Sam Johnston. Then in the 87th minute Darren Bates who had teased the visitors defence all evening was brought down in the penalty area. Darren, our regular penalty taker picked the ball up and gave it to Olly Bell who rifled the ball home to complete his hat-trick. A good team performance. In goal Phil Peachey was faultless, his kicking was good and he pulled of a couple of good saves when needed. Back line of Louie Farrington, Gareth Jones, Nick Baggaley and Karl Metcalfe defended well, proved by a clean sheet. Darren Bates tormented the opposition with his pace and skill, Mark Kirby really looks like a good effective player and a great asset to the team, Robbie Farrington had a really good game today and last Saturday's man of the match Matt Green playing in midfield today was immense. Benny Murray had his best game so far this season and he'll get better yet and Olly Bell just got better and better as the game went on. Sam Johnston when he came on had a couple of chances and looked keen to score and of course Vinney Spina looked very tidy at full back when he replaced Louie Farrington. Well done everyone lets hope this is the start of a good run for us.

Gt Shelford 1 Fulbourn 2 [21 Aug @ 7:50pm]

After a disappointing result on Tuesday in a game we deserved to have won we were all looking forward to this game against our old rivals Fulbourn. As it happened both teams were well below full strength and, oh, how it showed. I thought it was a shocking game really but Fulbourn just about deserved the 3 points. We can usually rely on our players to 'get stuck in' and battle when need be. Today, for some reason we seemed to show an alarming lack of fight. We allowed our opponents to dominate the midfield for almost the entire game and as a consequence we were unable to supply the service to our normally prolific front two. From the kick off Fulbourn dominated possession for a while without ever looking too dangerous although probing passes from their midfield kept our back four on their toes. Fulbourn opened the scoring on 27 minutes when after a scramble in the Shelford 6 yard box some poor defending allowed the ball to be first home. Half time 0-1. I don't know what was said at half time but the home side showed a little more purpose in the second half. After 61 minutes a high pass, played forward to Shane Roberts, a yard inside the penalty area, saw Shane flattened in a charge from behind, penalty. Up stepped new boy, Mark Kirby to stroke the ball home with a touch of class. Shelfor then went on to dominate for a period and it looked like they would pinch the winner but the visitors defended in numbers and made it difficult and always looked dangerous on the break. With about 15 minutes to go, Fulbourn made a rare excursion forward unleashed a shot which hit the crossbar, the ball rebounded, there was a scramble and the ball was hooked home past an unsighted Phil Peachey. We've to do better than this and show a little more spirit. It's a good competitive league this year anyone of about six clubs could win it,of which I'd like to think we are one, but we must not get left behind the top pack. Another tough game on Tuesday at Woollards lane against the so far unbeaten Over.

Foxton 1 Gt Shelford 1 [17 Aug @ 9:54pm]

Well, not the best start to the new season, but much better than last season when we were whipped by an ordinary Whittlesford side. With Asst. manager Nick Baggaley serving a one match suspension, Calum Gawthrope injured and Karl Metcalf on holiday manager Steve Holden seized the opportunity to start all three of his new signings. Mark Kirby came in at right back and Shane Roberts and Oliver Wilson took up attacking positions. Having already played Foxton in the pre season Terry Willson trophy the lads were fully aware of expecting a tough battle. So it proved, on a small pitch the home side made it very difficult for Shelford to get the ball down and play. However, it is true to say that Gt Shelford dominated most of the game scoring a good goal and missing several other good opportunities. The early stages were quite even although played mostly in the Foxton half. Gt Shelford had chances from crosses into the box but failed to take them, to be fair the home side defended well. On 31 Gt Shelford went into a well deserved lead when they were awarded a free kick in a central position about 20 yards out. Up stepped Shane Roberts to lash the ball home. A few minutes later the heavens opened and torrential rain spoiled the remainder of the first half. Soon after the second half got under way Gt Shelford broke after a rare Foxton attack got one on one with the home 'keeper only to see Shanes attempt rebound off the post. Phil Peachey was called into action on one occasion when he made a good diving save to his left. Shelford seemed, in the latter stages, to get themselves under pressure with some poor decisions and after failing to clear the ball from their area they were punished when a shot across goal found it's way inside Phil Peachey's far post. Two points dropped, a lesson learned, hopefully, we must kill games off when we are dominating.

Histon 'A' 0 Gt Shelford 3 [11 May @ 11:00pm]

This turned out to be a fine display from both teams, on a hard playing surface. It was an excellent way to sign off until we start the new season, with high hopes. As is becoming the norm Gt Shelford had to make a few changes for this game, with Robbie Farrington and Nick Baggaley both rested from the starting line up and Darren Bates unavailable. Louie Farrington came back into the side and a starting place, for the first time, was given to young Sam Johnston. The game started at a frantic pace on a very hard and bouncy surface with Histon forcing Shelford to defend in numbers. However, on just 5 minutes Shelfor broke out with some fast flowing passing football. Paul Hartley won the ball in midfield and drove forward before passing to Calum Gawthrope who played a one two with the impressive Paul Baird, Calum then drew the Histon 'keeper out before finding the net to give Shelford the advantage. Seven minutes later Sam Johnston collected the ball after it had broken loose after a Paul Baird run, Sam cut across the edge of the penalty area before smashing the ball just inside the post from 20 yards. Paul Baird completed the scoring six minutes later after another superb run forward, going around 3 defenders before finishing to make the score 3-0. It's a great shame that we look like losing Paul (Tino) Baird for next season as he's going traveling. Over the last few weeks Tino has improved immensely and earned his place in the team. He's no longer picked because of his potential but because he's well worth his place in the side. Half time 0-3 Gt Shelford. In the second half it really started to look like Gt Shelford players were running on very tired legs, not really surprising when we consider they have played 3 games a week for the last three weeks. What a way to finish the season with a nine game unbeaten run. More importantly some of the football the players have managed to produce belongs to a higher standard. All in all, a very good season. A new team put together at the start, a few adjustments made along the way, victorious in the major cup competition and fourth in the Kershaw Premier league. Add to that a tremendous team spirit, they really are a great bunch of lads and possibly a couple of new signings for next season and I'm sure we'll be even stronger. Most important is the hope that the present squad stay with us. Many thanks must go to the supporters who watch most of the games. If any of you chaps would like to join us on the committee then please contact me.

Gt Shelford 1 West Wratting 1 [10 May @ 9:14pm]

I'll never know how we failed to win this game by at least five goals, such was the Gt Shelford domination from start to finish. It's true to say that West Wratting defended in numbers and bravely at times but the hole side played through them time and again only to see chance after chance go begging. The manager made many changes today. Midfielder Rob Farrington played at right back, and young Ashley Walter at left back. Nick Baggaley came back into the centre of the defence alongside midfielder Matt Green. Young Sam Johnston made his first start for the first team alongside 3 of our Cambridge blues, Mike Johnson, Ross Broadway and Paul Hartley with Darren Bates on the left and Calum Gawthrope leading the attack. Gt Shelford started the game at a brisk pace, keeping the ball for long periods with some crisp and confident passing. It looked to be only a matter of time before the W Wratting packed defence was forced open but for all the chances created in the first half the home side failed to test the visitors 'keeper. On 38 minutes Wratting won a rare corner, the ball was only partly cleared and the ball was forced home at the far post. Gt Shelford continued to press until half time but for all of their huffing and puffing they went in a goal down. As the second half started the game went continued in much the same way with the home side playing some fine football and completely dominating the game. As time progressed Shelford were beginning to look more dangerous in front of goal but the slightly built Wratting keeper pulled of three very good saves, bur he really should not have been allowed to do so. Two goals were ruled out for offside and the referee made one of his many strange decisions when awarding the 'keeper a free kick instead of awarding a goal claiming the 'keeper had been fowled. This caused amusement to the supporters and officials from both teams, one of many strange decisions. On 56 minutes however the 'keeper made a howler when trying to clear the ball and Calum Gawthrope pounced to run the ball back towards the goal before firing home for a good finish to end his lean spell. I think we all thought that Shelford would go on and win the game comfortably, but although they remained in control they failed to clinch the three points.

Gt Shelford 1 Over 0 [6 May @ 9:50pm]

We're getting there! Our win today, our 6th game without defeat secured 4th place in the Kershaw Premier league for this season and we still have two games to play. Today we were without any regular centre halves with Nick Baggaley unavailable and Louie Farrington working and of course Gareth Jones still injured. So the two spots at the heart of the defence were filled by skipper Ricky Woodrow and midfielder Matt Green, and how well they both played. But, to be fair, everyone had to play well today, it's always difficult against Over they play a style that it's not easy to combat and teams need to be at least as well organised as they are. And we were. When we think about today's performance just remember that Over have recently stormed up the league losing just once in their last 12 games, today I don't remember them having a serious shot at goal. Our work rate was superb, carrying on from the Hundon game on Tuesday. As well as the centre halves, both full backs had strong games. Karl Metcalfe moving across to the left and Ashley Walter coming in at right back to give a very polished performance. Darren Bates and Ross Broadway on the flanks showed both pace and skill and were always a danger. Mike Johnson came into midfield and once again looked a very good player alongside Robbie Farrington who also had a solid game. Tino Baird has grown in confidence over the last few weeks and is just full of running and not a little skill and of course our 'Player of the year' Calum Gawthrope worked tirelessly but today little went right for him. Phil Peachey in goal was redundant for most of the game but what little he had to do he did properly as we've come to expect. Our goal when it came was a very good set piece. We won a corner on the right, whilst everyone was expecting Darren Bates to send the ball high to the far post he once again did the unexpected by passing the ball to Ross Broarway who was on his own just outside the penalty area, Ross fired the ball first time through a ruck of players and just inside the far post. It's always difficult to play a passing game against Over but it was good to see Gt Shelford confidently keep the ball for long periods near the end of the game. Man of the match could have gone to almost anyone, but the centre halves were superb today especially as they were both playing out of position. The bottle was presented to Matt Green but it was jointly won so I owe Ricky Woodrow a bottle as well. Ricky, if you are reading this, then don't let me forget!

Hundon 1 Gt Shelford 4 [4 May @ 10:07pm]

Bad news and good news today. From my own point of view the bad news is that we had to go to Hundon. It really is one of the most horrible places to have to go and play/watch football. It's way out of the county, I'll never understand why they are in our league. Their playing area must be the smallest anywhere, it's on a steep slope, it's bumpy with deep dangerous ruts down the middle where I A*Sume new drains are installed and over the last couple of seasons we've never even got a point there. Good news today is that, despite the playing surface and conditions and our lack of available players, we played some marvelous football at times whilst giving our physical opponents a good hiding. Gt Shelford started the game playing down the slope and immediately put their opponents under such severe pressure that they hardly managed to escape from their own half. Crosses rained across the face of the Hundon goal from both flanks with Darren Bates on the left beginning to get back to his best and new boy Ross Broadway on the right showing lots of pace and quality.After 11 minutes on a rare break Hundon went ahead when the Shelford defence were found lacking and allowed a simple cross into the box to find an unmarked attacker netting the ball. Gt Shelford continued to press with Robbie Farrington in midfield particularly dominant. The continued pressure told when on 17 minutes Ross Broadway got away down the right flank, Ross played a nice little pA*S forward to the ever willing Calum Gawthrope who crossed along the six yard box where Paul (Tino) Baird ran in among the Hundon defenders ti bravely force the ball home. When the home side did get forward they found the Gt Shelford back line, simply to good for them. Full backs Karl Metcalfe and Ricky Woodrow were outstanding whilst centre halves Nick Baggaley and Louie Farrington were simply dominant. Calum Gawthrope was, as always, a willing runner continually hA*Sling the Hundon defenders into poor clearances. Behind him Tino Baird worked his socks off and won an amazing number of headers against much taller opponents. On 38 minutes Shelford took the lead from the penalty spot, Darren Bates smashed the ball home after the kick was awarded for hand ball. Half time 1-2 to Gt Shelford. It seemed possible that the visitors may find the second half more difficult as they were kicking up the slope. That was not the case, quite the opposite. The Gt Shelford work rate and team spirit was there in abundance today as the boys helped each other through in the difficult conditions. Shelford increased their lead after 66 minutes when the impressive Matt Green received a pA*S from his right, controlled the ball before picking his spot from about 20 yards. Ashley Walter took over in central midfield from Robbie Farrington and gave a very good account of himself once again. The goal of the game came on 83 minutes when Darren Bates won the ball near the left touchline on the half way line. We all expected Darren to play the ball up the line but instead he played a wonderful 40 yard diagonal pA*S across to Ross Broadway on the opposite touchline, Ross took the ball in his stride, raced towards goal and drilled the ball home. 4-1. A very good performance today simply outfought and outplayed our opponents and produced some lovely pA*Sing football at times. A great team performance.

Gt Shelford 5 Whittlesford 2 [1 May @ 10:39pm]

With neither side at full strength this was really a test for the depth of the squads and it has to be said that Gt Shelford came out on top in that department with flying colours. This was the return match from our first game of the season when we were well beaten away at Whittlesford. However, the dramatic improvement of this Gt Shelford side was there for all to see today. The game started fairly evenly with the possession being shared but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock on 14 minutes when a long ball into the Shelford goal area caused some confusion before a Whittlesford player prodded the ball home. Play continued to be fairly even until the 31st minute when a free kick from Nick Baggaley, just inside the Gt Shelford half, was delivered to the far post where Robbie Farrington rose to head home with style. Three minutes later the impressive Matt Green, back to his best now, sent a terrifice diagional pass to the far post and this time it was Nick Baggaley who planted a header past the visitors 'keeper. A very strange, non decision from today's inconsistent referee saw centre back blatantly pushed over in our penalty area, the free kick was not forthcoming and Whittlesford equalised. Just prior to half time a skirmish in front of the Whittlesford goal saw the almost prolific Robbie Farrington prod the ball home for his second. Half time 3-2. It seemed that Gt Shelford had talked at half time about their performance and they came out in a different mood, immediately getting the ball down and attempting to play a passing game and at times the visitors found this difficelt to live with. On 66 minute a free kick about 22 yards out saw Karl Metcalf step up to fire the ball home and 3 minutes later Gt Shelford were awarded a penalty. Rob Farrington, looking for his hat trick, stepped up and saw the 'keeper save his kick but Ashley Walter followed up and unselfishly squared the ball along the six yard box for Paul Baird to tap home.

Gt Shelford 3 Waterbeach 0 [29 Apr @ 11:07pm]

Once again the management were forced into making changes before the game. Goalkeeper Phil Peachey was not available due to sickness and was replaced by player/coach Nick Rust. Paul Baird came back came back to the starting line up in place of Louie Farrington. Gt Shelford got off to a flying start when after just two minutes a good first time baal over the visitors defence from Ricky Woodrow found the ever willing Calum Gawthrope latching on to the ball only to be crudely brought down by a defender. Up stepped Karl Metcalfe to rocket the ball into the top of the net. This early goal seemed to settle the home side as they started to play some delightful passing football. It often seemed that the home side had sneaked a couple of extra players on to the field as they were dominating the game so completely. Confidence seemed to grow with the back four in control and, in fact, starting off many of the passing moves. When called upon, goalkeeper Nick Rust was equal to the task coming off his line quickly on a few occasions to snuff out any danger. Our second goal came on 17 minutes when Darren Bates cut in from the right and drilled home a shot which was to hot for the visitors 'keeper to handle. Soon after wards Calum Gawthrope received the ball on the half way line in a wide position and surrounded by Waterbeach players. Somehow he wriggled between them before setting off into the opposing half, seeing off a couple of challenges before unleasing a shot from the edge of the penalty area which just bent wide of the post. Almost the goal of the season without a doubt. Half time 2-0. A couple of substitutions were made but the match continued in much the same format with Gt Shelford looking untroubled. On 62 minutes Darren Bates received the ball near the right touchline and sent in a superb cross to the far post where Nick Baggaley rose above all of the Waterbeach defenders to power home a header. To all intents and purposes the game was over but on 88 minutes Calum Gawthrope received the ball wide of the Waterbeach goal but right on the goal line, he turned and attempted to send a cross into the area only to see the ball stopped by the hand of a defender. Up stepped Calum to take the penalty only to see the 'keeper make a save low to his right.

Eaton Socon 1 Gt Shelford 1 [27 Apr @ 10:17pm]

A couple of weeks ago this is a game we would have expected to win easily. But, due to injury's due to so many games close together on the hard grounds and work commitments, our team has been robbed of many key players. The latest victim of course was the influential Gareth Jones with an ankle injury sustained last Saturday. So, all of this meant that we turned up at Eaton Socon wit just 12 players. Notice I did not say '12 fit players'. This short Eaton Socon pitch is never one of the best and today was no exception. It looked ok as it was covered in grass but underneath it was rock hard and bumpy. Todays line up was Phil Peachey (who had been ill all day, Ashley Walte, Steve Holden, Nick Baggaley, Ricky Woodrow (Capt), Karl Metcalfe, Robbie Farrington, Matt Green, James Charlwood, Louie Farrington and Calum Gawthrope with Vinney Spina on the bench. Eaton Socon were quick out of the blocks and soon began to put their visitors under pressure. This was not entirely unexpected as half of the Gt Shelford team had been caught in traffic on their way to the game and arrived just 15 minutes before kick off. Eaton Socon maintained their pressure for long periods in the first half of what was a very scrappy game and it was no surprise when they went ahead after about 25 minutes. Strangely enough, going a goal down seemed to spur the visitors into action and they were beginning to get into the game as half time approached missing 3 good chances before the half ended. Gt Shelford made a couple of positional changes at half time and the second half saw them in a more aggressive mood. Matt green started to have a bigger influence in midfield and it was no surprise when Gt Shelford equalised after 62 minutes. A long ball forward from Nick Baggaley at the back dropped into the Eaton Socon back line and was touched forward by Matt Green to Calum Gawthrope who outpaced a defender before slotting home the equaliser. From this stage Gt Shelford looked like the only winners until the inconsistent match official saw fit to show a second yellow card to Nick Baggaley for two minor offences. This Shelford team is full of fight however and the ten men battled on to the end for a well deserved point. Phil Peachey did have to keep them in the game with a point blank save from a good volley late on. So well done chaps, you now have a well earned 48 hour break before the next game v Waterbeach on Thursday!

Gt Shelford 3 Littleport 1 [24 Apr @ 8:05pm]

I suppose this was the first game of our massive 8 match run in, 3 games this week 3 games next week and 2 the week after. I also think that today our players could be forgiven if they looked a little weary at times after having played 3 games in the last 5 days. Gt Shelford started the game in fine style passing the ball around and keeping it for long periods which was a good tactic on a very hot day. In this impressive first half Littleport found it difficult to get near the home side because of their slick pass and move football, good to watch. Despite their dominance it was 28 minutes before the first goal came, and a good goal it was. Darren Bates won the ball wide on the right, turned inside and went past a couple of players before passing square to Matt Green who arrowed the ball home, just inside the post, from just outside the penalty area. Just three minutes later Gareth Jones won the ball, exchanged passes with Calum Gawthrope before slotting the ball home for an equally good goal. Half time Gt Shelford 2 Littleport 1. I'm sure that the Littleport manager must have used the break to fire up his players. On 51 minutes they won their first corner of the game and were generally causing the home side more problems than in the first half. On 62 minutes, as Shelford appeared to be suffering from tired legs the visitors were awarded a penalty for handball. They made no mistake from the spot. I thought the home side made a valiant effort from there on to regain their dominance, but the remainder of the half was much more even than the first although Phil Peachey rarely looked troubled. On 88 minutes a Gt Shelford attack ended with them being awarded a corner. The ball came over high was headed back across goal where several bodies challenged for the header as the ball dropped Calum Gawthrope hooked the ball home for 3-1. Unfortunately Gareth Jones was injured in the melee and looks likely to miss a few games. Plenty of good performances today as there were on Thursday but the man of the match award went, quite rightly, to Louie Farrington.

West Wratting 1 Gt Shelford 2 [22 Apr @ 9:31pm]

Last week, in our scheduled home fixture against today's opponents, West Wratting called the game of as they were unable to raise a team A decision that caused a few raised eyebrows. We can understand their problem. Today we were very short of players and this on a day where our 'A' team also had a game and our reserves played yesterday. However, our manager scraped around and managed to put a team together. The team included Steve Holden himself, for only his third game of the season and Vinney Spina for his first game of the season. The full line up was as follows:- Phil Peachey, Ashley Walter, Steve Holden, Gareth Jones, Karl Metcalfe, Paul Izzard, Rob Farrington, Matt Green, James Charlwood, and Calum Gawthrope. on the bench were Louie Farrington (due to his late arrival) and Nick Rust. On a sloping hard surface the home team kicked off with the obvious intention of passing the ball around quickly assuming they would pass the ball through us. After the first five minutes Gt Shelford realised that they had to defend in numbers when necessary and set about organising the side to do so. With manager Steve Holden on the field our club skippr Ricky Woodrow took over his duties alongside Nick Rust on the bench. On ten minutes Gt Shelford won a corner on the left Karl Metcalfe sent a searching ball across the West Wratting goal which found Gareth Jones at the far post who rammed the ball home. Gt Shelford began to get on top with a mixture of good passing and, when required, long searching balls in behind the home defence. Half time 0-1 Gt Shelford. Both teams looked determined at the start of the second half and it was the home side that scored next. On 51 minutes a ball across the edge of the Shelford penalty area was rammed home on the volley for a fine equaliser. It to the visitors just 6 minutes to respond when another long pass forward found Calum Gawthrope who raced away and won the battle with the home 'keeper and headed home. It was by no means all long ball stuff from Shelford as they also played some delightful passing football. On one occasion the very impressive Vinny Spina exchanged passes with Calum who sent a final pass across to Paul Izzard who had made a late run forward. If Paul had netted it must surely have been one of the goals of the season but the home 'keeper made a good save. All in all, considering the missing players, a really good performance today and once again a victory for good team work. We looked strong and organised defensively and dangerous when we went forward. Good performances all round today. But special mention should go to Vinny Spina in his first game he showed some real quality and young Ashley Walter at right back had a fine game., but well done to one and all.

Gt Shelford 0 Lakenheath 1 [19 Apr @ 11:00pm]

It would be fair to say that neither side was at full strength for this battle for third place in the Kershaw Premier league. Gt Shelford were without Louie Farrington, Ricky Woodrow, Paul Baird and Benny Murray and James Charlwood for various reasons. Partly due the grounds getting so hard so quickly this game was played at a furious pace from start to finish. With the ball always likely to bounce high and awkwardly it was important for the players to try and reach the ball before the bounce which resulted with both teams finding it difficult to pass the ball, as a result for long periods the ball was in the air and seemed to be player from the Lakenheath defenders to the Gt Shelford defenders and then back again. Both teams created chances with Phil Peachey in the Gt Shelford goal making several fine saves whilst at the other end on a couple of occasions when the home side looked like scoring the ball bounced off their crossbar to safety. Towards the end of the first half Shelford appeared to be taking control of the game without ever looking like scoring. Half time 0-0. During the early part of the second half the visitors seemed to be winning the important midfield battle. Lakenheaths winner came about half way through the second half when a corner was drilled in from the right and the Lakenheath scorer was allowed to rise unchallenged to power home a header. There are still a lot of games to be played and a lot of points to be won. A couple of good positives from today were the performances of the young players Ashley Walter and debutant Sam Johnston, both looked the part. Also Ross Broadway played his first game for the club and looked good. Anyway no time to lose. Away to West Wratting on Thursday, if they can raise a team! Actually I think the same applies to us. As a club our three teams have eight games to play this week.

Foxton 1 Gt Shelford 3 [12 Apr @ 9:45pm]

Tonight saw the lads playing one of many games in hand which they have over most of their opponents. There were a few selection problems for the management duo before the game having to select a side capable of winning this game with 5 of the regular side absent through injury or unavailability. Louie Farrington (working), Rob Farrington (injured), Matt Green (ill), Benny Murray (injured), and Simon Swinton (suspended but injured anyway). Manager Steve Holden played at centre half in place of Louie, Steve's first game of any sort since before Christmas, With Peachey in goal the back four was skipper Ricky Woodrow, Nick Baggaley, Steve Holden and Karl Metcalfe. Infront of them were James Charlwood, Gareth Jones, Paul Izzard and Mike Johnson, with Paul Baird and Calum Gawthrope up front. On the bench were Ashley Walter, Darren Bates, and Chris Gotch. To be honest I was about 15 minutes late getting to the game. I was informed that Gt Shelford were 1-0 in front at the time and it seemed to me that our lads were completely in control of things for the remainder of the half and were unlucky to go in at half time only the one goal in front. The second period started in much the same way. When needed Gt Shelford defended strongly and always looked capable of scoring more goals. When the second goal did come it was a real beauty a series of quick passes down the right between Gareth Jones Paul Izzard and Mike Johnson saw a low cross into the Foxton area controlled by Calum Gawthrope before he looked up and picked his spot inside the far post. A little later a corner whizzed in by Paul Izzard ( who improves by the game) found James Charlwood leaping above the rest to power home a header for his second goal in two games. A richly deserved win for the players and once again a great team performance. Tonight's win once again highlighted what a good team we have. I don't wish to knock the opposition but we had 5 players missing and it looked like a team of 11 playing against 11 individuals tonight. Also a firm defence is the basis of good results as we have shown over recent games. Our manager got a little upset tonight when we conceded a late consulation goal to Foxton when we failed to clear a simple cross, but, to be fair, it was almost dark by then.

Gt Shelford 2 Histon 'A' 1 [10 Apr @ 7:12pm]

After this weeks cup final against Littleport this turned out to be quite a gentle game really. Our manager had to make a few changes due to injuries received during Tuesdays battle. Gareth Jones, Benny Murray and Simon Swinton were absent from Tuesdays line up although Gareth was on the bench. Also on the bench today was Darren Bates, his first involvement since breaking his ankle a couple of months ago. They were joined by manager Steve Holden, and debutant Jack Hylands. Also absent, through illness, was Matt Green who scored Tuesday's match winner. We always expect a tough game against these young Histon sides who are always full of running. The game started at a brisk pace on a rapidly hardening pitch and the early stages were fairly even. On just 10 minutes a ball played down the left found Paul (Tino) Baird who cut inside before slotting the ball into the net from an acute angle. Although fairly even the home side always looked in control until Histon were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Shelford penalty area. The ball was struck well but Phil Peachey dived to his right to pull off a stunning save, pushing the ball away, but our defenders reacted slower than the Histon players who followed up to equalise. Half time 1-1. Once again the second half was fairly even but the home side never really looked like conceding. On 70 minutes James Charlwood broke clear of his markers to find himself one on one with the 'keeper, he shot, the 'keeper parried the ball and both players went to ground, but as he fell the Gt Shelford player managed to hook the ball home for the winner.

Gt Shelford 1 Littleport 0 [6 Apr @ 10:51pm]

Gt Shelford deservedly won the Challange cup once again against a very physical Littleport team who, at times, bordered on the violent. It was nice to see a team at least trying to play good passing football victorious against such a physical side. . We have always known that this Gt Shelford squad is capable of playing the game in the way which we all enjoy watching, we have also thought that if necessary, and providing they kept their discipline, they were more than capable of matching any physical challange. The game started at a brisk pace on a bumpy, hard Milton Road pitch and Gt Shelford soon showed their quality by being generally quicker to the ball than their opponents and certainly more capable of finding their team mates with passes. With the same line up as started last Saturday's game against Eaton Socon our lads soon gained control of the possession. Unfortunately it became apparent that one of our key players, Gareth Jones, had picked up an injury early on. He was replaced on 30 minutes by Benny Murray. Benny was on the bench as he too was returning from injury. Half time 0-0. Soon afterward the second half had got under way Simon Swinton picked up an ankle injury and had to be replaced by Paul Baird. Despite the changes Gt Shelford kept resisting the physical challange of Littleport and were, in all honesty, completely out playing them. Benny Murray then suffered a recurrance of his groin injury and had to be replaced by James Charlwood which caused a complete reshuffle of the team. Littleport who were building up bookings at a pace had their first player sent off for collecting two yellows. Soon afterward Matt Green collected the ball just outside the Littleport area, twisted past a couple of players before rifling a left foot shot past the diving 'keeper and into the net. Soon after Littleport, who seemed to have completely lost their discipline, suffered their second sending off. Calum Gawthrope challenged for the ball, maybe a little high but by no means in any dangerous manner, only to see his opponent jump up and blatantly head butt him. Ok, if that's the way they think the game should be played good luck to them but I'd say about 90% of quite a large crowd at the game were pleased to see football win the day. Well done to all of the players. This was truly a real team performance against a pretty good side let down by their lack of discipline. No, man of the match today, everyone played their part, well done to all.

Gt Shelford 6 Eaton Socon 0 [3 Apr @ 7:22pm]

I suppose that after the disappointment of Tuesday evenings result against Littleport, Eacon Socon were a little unlucky to be our next opponents. Pretty well every player knew that they had performed below par in the last game and with the cup final looming they had to put things right. There were a couple of enforced changes due to injury with Benny Murray and Paul Baird sitting this game out. On the bench were two of our recent signings Chris Gotcha and Mike Johnson. Louie Farrington moved to centre half with Karl Metcalfe returning at right back, Gareth Jones moved up to midfield. The game started evenly enough with both teams sharing the possession, but it became apparent early on that Eacon Socon were going to struggle to breach our in form back four. Gt Shelford were always trying to pass the ball and the visitors began to struggle as the half wore on. On 32 minutes the pressure paid off when a superb bit of play around the visitors area ended with Calum Gawthrope, new boots and all, rammed the ball home after a delightful back heel from Robbie Farrington had completely wrong footed the the Eaton Socon defence. This goal seemed to get the home side going and they started to take complete control of the game. On 40 minutes a superb free kick from Simon Swinton found Nick Baggaley at the far post and Nick made no mistake as he powered the ball home with a great header. Soon afterward Ricky Woodrow made a fine run down the left flank, crossed but the chance went astray. Half time 2-0. Gt Shelford took over the game in the second half and the only thing that seemed to keep the score down was either the visitors off side trap or our players inability to stay onside at times. On 58 minutes a Calum Gawthrope went on an impressive run down the left, cut into the penalty area and was scythed down by a defender. Up stepped Gareth Jones to hammer the ball home. On 65 minutes a long clearance by Phil Peachey found Calum battling for possession, he took the ball on before firing the ball across the 'keeper and just inside the far post. By now Gt Shelford were in complete control, and really playing some delightful football. James Charlwood, Mike Johnson and Chris Gotch all entered the fray. On 85 minutes the impressive Mike Johnson scored on his home debut for the club when he took the ball off the opposition centre half and fired home with ease, then on 89 minutes his fellow debutant also scored in his first game at Woollards Lane when he latched on to a long clearance and confidently smashed the ball home to make the final score 6-0. I really believe that all good teams have to be built on a firm defence and during the last few weeks we've been strong in that area. Louie Farrington moved to the centre of the back line today and was superb as was his central defensive partner Nick Baggaley. Our full backs, skipper Ricky Woodrow and Karl Metcalfe, were faultless. We were strong in midfield with Robbie Farrington and Matt Green tackling with venom, Simon Swinton's passing from the wide position and set piece kicking were impressive as was the willing running and pace shown by Paul Izzard. Gareth Jones looked very powerful in the air and strong on the ball. Calum Gawthrope was back near his best today showing pace and a hunger for goals. Today's subs. James Charlwood looked comfortable on the left and the two new boys did exceptionally well.

Littleport 1 Gt Shelford 0 [30 Mar @ 11:20pm]

This result has almost certainly blown away our chances of a top two finish. Almost every season we go to Littleport and come away with nothing. Actually the day before this game I was talking to a newly signed player who asked me where the 1st team were playing today, I told him Littleport, he said where's that and I replied that he'd be better off not knowing and I would certainly advise that he did not go to the game adding, it will almost certainly rain it always does, it'll be windy and the pitch will be awful. I was right on all three counts. However that is no excuse for our losing to a very ordinary team. We started ok, I won't say we knocked the ball around as we can the pitch and weather conditions made it impossible to do that. But for the first twenty minutes we were in complete control of the game, cutting the Littleport defence open at will. But our final pass was dreadful, all of our crosses and free kicks were sent straight into their 'keepers hands. Other than field these helpless lobs into their penalty area the goalkeeper did not have a shot to save during the entire game. Having been so much in control early on, but lacking any kind of finishing ability we seemed to lose confidence and allow Littleport back into the game. Even then there did not seem any danger of going behind until the home side got lucky on 41 minutes and went ahead. I still thought that we would overcome Littleport during the second half and go home with the points, but it was not to be. Things became a little physical later in the game with some particularly bad tackles coming from the home players. One young Littleport player became a little silly as he was being substituted bu going in front of the Gt Shelford and bragging that they were winning 1-0. Maybe someone should remind him that he's out of colts football now. Ricky Woodrow was badly fouled late in the game and took retribution soon afterward and was shown the dreaded red card. So what went wrong today ? In truth the wind and awful pitch did play a part in this result, but we should remember that CUP won here last week! Today's conditions made it difficult to retain possession of the ball. Yes, once again we conceded a sloppy goal. But with the players we have we should be beating teams like these. To often we pulled out of tackles and once again we were completely ineffective in front of goal. It's now four games since our front players have scored. As usual we were pretty well solid at the back both centre backs and full backs were pretty well faultless, but it's goals that count!

Gt Shelford 0 CUP 1 [28 Mar @ 2:10pm]

Having been very unlucky to lose to today's opponents in our last game, last Saturday, our players went into this match with the knowledge that they were quite capable of beating the league leaders. It was not to be however, but the impartial spectators were treated to a sparkling game of football which was a credit to the clubs involved and also to the Kershaw Premier league. From a Gt Shelford point of view I would say that once again the team were very unfortunate to come away with nothing in the way of points to show for their efforts. In order to win championships you need to have more than your fair share of luck and it seems that is the case with CUP this season. Although this game was generally evenly contested there is no doubt that the home side created the better chances, but it's goals that count and that means taking a share of the opportunities created and this is where we were lacking. We have two of the most prolific goalscorers in our league and neither have notched in the two games against this opposition. This is down to a certain amount of bad luck, a certain amount of good defending and also some good goalkeeping. Having said that I think that our players should be proud of the way they have performed over the two matches and remember that with a little luck they could and should have obtained six points over the two games. The goal which we conceded today was a little shambolic really and disappointing for a defensive line that had performed so well. A long throw in from the right touchline floated in towards our near post and was deflected past Phil Peachey in almost slow motion. A bad goal to concede, but these things happen. If we'd taken some of our earlier chanced we'd have been well in front by then and on our way to victory. Anyway we have to keep positive and carry on and get over it quickly. Our next game is another tough one, away to Littleport on Tuesday evening, and then at home next Saturday to Eaton Socon before our cup final, against Littleport again, April 6th. So the games will come thick and fast until the end of the month and we need to accumulate as many points as possible to finish ahead of most of our rivals. Anything can happen yet in the league, there will be some shock results where teams will unexpectedly lose points, but the only thing that we can control is the number of points which we can pick up.

Cambridge University Press 2 Gt Shelford 1 [20 Mar @ 8:18pm]

Today's game was an important one, to both teams. Press because on the face of it they appear to be the runaway league leaders and to Gt Shelford because they feel they have a very good chance of catching them. The early stages of the game were fairly even but it was Shelford who created the best chance, a free header from a corner went just wide and a couple of times the ball was sent across the Press six yard box with no one able to tap the ball home. It really was no surprise when the visitors went ahead on 15 minutes, and what a goal it was. Benny Murray received the ball on the left touch line, held off a couple of tackles before turning and sending a real quality bass in to Simon Swinton who controlled the ball took a pace forward and lashed the ball into the net from about 18 yards. Soon afterward good pressure from Shelford resulted in a good shot from Robbie Farrington who saw the ball rebound from a post with the 'keeper well beaten. Half time 1-0 to Gt Shelford. The second half looked to be heading to be similar to the first with the Gt Shelford defence more than capable of repelling anything that CUP could throw at them. Unfortunately some of the Gt Shelford players were beginning to allow themselves to be dragged into a battle of words which was to effect their concentration. On 65 minutes probably the first mistake by the visitors defence allowed space just inside the goal area and the Press player finished well. Five minutes late Simon Swinton, went from hero to villain when, having been yellow carded already, a slightly late tackle on a Press player saw him dive to the ground screaming, but he was fit to continue as soon as the red card had been issued. Probably also a lesson learned by Simon, as the saying goes 'he who laughs last laughs longest'. Shelford battled on with ten men but on 80 minutes things went against them again when the referee saw fit to award Press a penalty for handball after the ball had been blasted against Ricky Woodrow. So, a game we should have won comfortably ended in a 2-1 defeat. Really it was not much of a game to watch. As far as Gt Shelford were concerned I thought that centre backs Gareth Jones and Nick Baggaley were superb today ably assisted by fullbacks Ricky Woodrow and Karl Metcalfe. In midfield we did ok and as always Calum Gawthrope was a constant threat with his willful running and Benny Murray always looked dangerous We can't change the result so we just need to get our heads right for next week, play in the same way but don't allow ourselves to get intimidated by our opponents, and we'll win the three points.

Gt Shelford 3 Newmarket Town Res.0 [13 Mar @ 8:29pm]

Manager Steve Holden made several changes to team which were beaten last week at Ely City. Skipper Ricky Woodrow, back from a one match ban, came back into the side as did Calum Gawthrope who also suffered a ban for last weeks game. There were also a couple of positional changes. Gt Shelford with a determination to get back to their passing game and early on they threatened to overpower their opponents. However it took until the twentieth minute for the home side to open the scoring, and a well constructed goal it was. Calum Gawthrope, who was causing the Newmarket defenders to have nightmares due to his strong running, received the ball wide on the right, controlled it and sent a delightful cross into the Newmarket area where Benny Murray knocked the ball down into the path of Matt Green who picked his spot before slotting the ball home. Nine minutes in a superb break from defence Rob Farrington received the ball and turned before finding Calum who slotted a fine pass through the heart of the visitors defence to his strike partner Benny Murray who made no mistake as he found the corner of the net. It seemed that the home side may now run riot but half time arrived with the score still at 2-0. I'm not really sure what happened in the second half but things did change a little. Certainly Newmarket played better and had their fair share of the possession without ever threatening to score. Its true to say that the home side took their foot of the pedal. Two fairly defensive substitutions were made. Ashley Walter came on for Matt Green and the powerful James Charlwood replaced Calum Gawthrope. Just before the end the home side scored their third when Robbie Farrington nut megged a Newmarket defender, took the ball forward and with everyone expecting him to have a shot he squared the ball to Benny Murray who tapped the ball home. Man of the match today was Gareth Jones. Everybody played well.

Ely City Res. 2 Gt Shelford 1 [6 Mar @ 12:00am]

I really don't like having to write this kind of match report, but I try to tell it as I see it. Today was always going to be a difficult game. After all we've already met Ely three times this season and beaten each time. I would have thought that we would have realised that that they would be up for the game and trying to make amends. It follows therefore, that we needed to stand up, do what we do best, win our battles, then pass the ball and keep our discipline. Of course our task was made no easier by having four vital players missing, in a small squad such as ours that just to many. Ashley Walter came in at right back for the injured Louie Farrington, Karl Metcalfe moved across to left back for the suspended skipper Ricky Woodrow, Paul Izzard continued on the left in place of Darren Bates and Paul Baird replaced the 2nd suspended player Calum Gawthrope. We started the game brightly enough, trying to find our team mates with some good passing, but it was not to last very long.`After the first few minutes we started to lose the midfield battle and Ely began to take the initiative forcing Gt Shelford into their own half for long periods. Maybe it was the enforced changes but we seemed to be a little unsure at the back with to many players taking an extra touch instead the safety first route of clearing the ball from the danger area. It was no surprise when the home side went ahead after 14 minutes when that hesitance in defence saw us failing to clear a free kick to enable Ely to take the lead. I hoped that this setback would wake us up as it has in the past but it was not to be. To Ely's credit they worked hard all over the field and looked a better side than us for a while, and they went further ahead on 35 minutes from a free kick just outside our penalty area which whistled passed Phil Peachey. Just before half time we did create our first really good chance when Benny Murray sent the ball across the Ely goalmouth without anyone managing to take the chance. Half time 2-0 Ely. Gt Shelford started the second half with the wind behind them and certainly looked as though they were sharper. On 55 minutes Ely were awarded a free kick just outside the Shelford goal area, this was defended and cleared with a long ball over the Ely back line, Benny Murray pounced on the bouncing ball about 25 yards from goal and coolly lobbed the advancing but slow moving Ely'keeper to reduce the deficit. Almost from the stroke of half time several of the Ely players especially their goalkeeper seemed to be blatantly wasting time at every opportunity. Shelford got on top and were frustrated at time by a linesman (assistant ref.) who clearly did not understand the offside rule. We created several chances with balls flashed across the Ely goal, we hit the post but failed to get an equaliser. All in all it was a disappointing result, to be honest I'd say Ely probably think they deserved the win, but it could also be said that we deserved at least a draw on our second half performance. On reflection it seems that our major problem was lack of width. I cannot remember us putting in one cross from a wide area, usually one of our strengths. This result makes the job of attaining our target league position more difficult, but by no means impossible, there are a lot of games to be played yet. I always thought that we'd probably lose again and I fully expect that our rivals will also drop points.

Fordham 1 Gt Shelford 3 [27 Feb @ 9:27pm]

Read on and you will see that a suitable headline for this match report would be 'Nick not so Rusty'. Having stayed with the same starting 11 during the last few games manager Steve Holden made a few changes today, partly through necessity and partly to ensure that everyone is match fit with so many games to be played in the near future. Nick Rust replaced the injured Phil Peachey in goal, the back line was as usual with Simon Swinton and Paul Baird starting in midfield, Calum Gawthrope and Benny Murray were up front. Ashley Walter was absent due to holiday and Adam Wallace was on the bench with Steve Holden and Karl Metcalfe. The early play was quite even, mostly contested in the midfield areas. On 8 minutes Gt Shelford took the lead when Simon Swinton powered in a corner from the right and Calum Gawthrope rose above the home defence to power the ball home. The early goal seemed to settle Gt Shelford as they started to dominate with some crisp passing, this was not to last for to long however as on 15 minutes the hosts were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Shelford area, the defence had a couple of goes at clearing the ball but if fell to an unmarked Fordham player who lashed the ball home. I think we were aware that Fordham are an improving team, judging by reports from their recent games and for the remainder of the half they competed very well. It looked as though Shelford were having a well below par day today but I think we have to give credit to the opposition for that as any team only plays as well as their opponents allow them to. Half time 1-1. As the second half started it seemed as though Gt Shelford were intent on taking control. Nicky Rust in goal was called upon a couple of time to come and collect high crosses into the penalty area and on 55 minutes Fordham were awarded a penalty for a push by a defender as Nick stormed off his line to make a great save at a defenders feet. This was the start of a vitally important five minutes. As the penalty was taken Nick dived to his left to claw the ball out of the air, great save. Five minutes later Simon Swinton played a measured pass through the centre of the Fordham defence which Calum latched on to, outpaced the defence before slotting the ball just inside the post. Shelford dominated the remainder of the game really and the game was secured in the final minutes when substitute Adam Wallace headed the ball down to Benny Murray who sent a screamer into the net from 20 yards. Not our best performance by any means, but another 3 points in the bag. Generally we played ok individually but not so well together. Gareth Jones was dominant today and always dangerous going forward. Ricky Woodrow had a real physical battle today and gave as good as he got.Simon Swinton did well assisting in a couple of goals as of course did Calum.

Fulbourn Inst. 1 Gt Shelford 2 [13 Feb @ 12:00am]

This Cliff Bullen Challange cup semi-final saw the third meeting between these two teams in recent weeks. It seems as if there is little between the sides, ability wise, as the previous two games had also been decided by one goal. I suppose this was much of the same really, a poor game as I'm sure that both sides would consider that they like to try and play a passing game, it could also be said that neither side was at full strength. So in the end this game was decided by determination to win, an ability to keep battling when behind and motivation to keep improving. The first half of today's game was pretty even once again. From a Gt Shelford point of view our back line were dominant with Ricky Woodrow once again giving a good captains performance and Gareth Jones outstanding in central defence, he and Nick Baggaley must be the best centre back pairing in this county now. Our midfield seemed to struggle a little early on but neither side was really able to create any real clear cut chances. Half time came with the score at 0-0. As in the last two games Gt Shelford seemed to start the second half in more a determined mood and gradually began to dominate exchanges with Rob Farrington and Matt Green becoming more prominent. Young Simon Swinton replaced the always impressive Karl Metcalfe with around 30 minutes to go and immediately started to get crosses into the Fulbourn area. On about 75 minutes the game took a surprising turn when, against the run of play Fulbourn took the lead when Gt Shelford failed to defend a cross at the far post allowing a Fulbourn player the space to pick his spot when firing home. To most of us spectators it seemed that this was likely to be the final score as there had been so few chances created in the game. But this Shelford team do not take defeat easily these days and immediately got after their opponents. On 80 minutes Matt Green won a header in midfield and knocked the ball down to Rob Farrington who fed a delightful little pass through to Benny Murray. Benny did what he does best and smashed the ball home for his 18th goal of the season. So, we thought that maybe we had at least got to extra time, when on 87 minutes we were awarded a rare free kick just outside the penalty area, Paul Izzard delivered the ball into the box, which saw the Fulbourn defence panicking to clear, before they were able to do so in slid Robbie Farrington to force the ball home. I should also mention that just before the end Paul Izzard made as good a challange to win the ball in a defensive area as I've seen made by a winger in a long time. After the game Robbie Farrington commented that he felt like Roy of the Rovers, scoring the winner in a cup semi final against the league champions. Another good team performance in which everyone played their part. It was also good to see three of our younger players in the Gt Shelford team, Simon Swinton, Paul Baird and Ashley Walter. The Final will be on Easter Monday 11 am ko. venue to be announced against Littleport.

Gt Shelford 2 Fulbourn Inst. 1 [6 Feb @ 8:39pm]

I suppose it could be said that this clash between two of the heavyweights of local football came at a good time for Gt Shelford who have been showing good form lately. Having said that today,s opponents Fulbourn have also been on a good run during which they defeated us in their home fixture. It was always likely to be a tense affair today because of the league positions of both teams. A win was important to both teams and of course a draw was the result that would help neither side really. The first ten minutes or so saw both teams trying to suss each other out. I had the impression that the home team went into the game with a plan which was to concede little or any space to their opponents. Throughout the game the referee seemed to make many very strange decisions, early on awarding some strange free kicks to Fulbourn in dangerous areas. These came to nothing however and generally this hard working Gt Shelford side looked very comfortable. All of the goal action came in the 10 minutes before time. For once the Fulbourn centre forward won a header against the impressive Gareth Jones and Nick Baggaley with the result that an unmarked Fulbourn player was able to get in unmarked to smash the ball past Phil Peachey. On39 minutes the prolific scoring Benny Murray turned provider when Matt Green found him on the left with a raking crossfield pass, Benny controlled the ball and crossed into the danger area where the ever dangerous Calum Gawthrope rose to head home. Four minutes Calum found himself in space before turning with the ball and smashing it home from fully 25 yards. Half time 2-1 gt Shelford. The second half started in much the same way as the first had finished. But it seemed as time went on Gt Shelford were beginning to win the midfield battle with both Matt Green and Robbie Farrington snapping into the tackles. Karl Metcalfe and Darren Bates on the flanks worked tirelessly, defending in front of the powerful full backs Louis Farrington and inspirational skipper Ricky Woodrow. The two front players Benny Murray and Calum Gawthrope chased everything tirelessley creating a number of second half chances which were spurned. After the game our goalkeeper Phil Peachey pointed out that he'd not had a shot to save until a free kick in the dying seconds. The game ended 2-1 to Gr Shelford. Yes it could have been more but was generally a well contested game and sets things up nicely for next Saturday's cup semi-final between the two sides.

Cottenham 0 Gt Shelford 4 [30 Jan @ 7:42pm]

The lads moved quietly up to fourth place in the Kershaw Premier league today after this convincing win at Cottenham. We all hoped that after last weeks excellent performance against Hundon the players would be able to 'carry on where they left off'. Straight from the first whistle Shelford powered their way into the game immediately showing their opponents that they meant business by being very sharp into the tackle when required to win the ball and then their ball retention was superb. This was made possible by very simple hard work. These lads have developed as the season has progressed into a real team who are willing to work with and for each other. It appeared that Shelfords total domination of the first half hour could be undone by just one thing, poor finishing. Crosses were flashing the Cottenham goal every couple of minutes it seemed. But we were unable to finish the chances off due to a mixture of bad luck, poor finishing and some good defending and goalkeeping. On 30 minutes that all changed. After another good move from the visitors a Cottenham scooped a goal bound shot off the goal line with his hand. The referee had no option but to send the offending player off and award Gt Shelford a penalty. Up stepped Darren Bates to power the ball home to the 'keepers left. Half time 1-0 Gt Shelford. A couple of minutes into the second half the visitors doubled their lead when Calum Gawthrope found Darren Bates wide on the left, Darren crossed and Benny Murray, running in at the far post volleyed the ball home. The home side were able to stage no more than the rare attack and the strong Shelford back line were more than capable of repelling anything they were able to offer. On 59 minutes after a scramble in the Cottenham goal area Karl Metcalfe smashed a shot against the underside of the bar, as the ball bounced out Darren Bates was on hand to notch his second. Soon afterwards substitute Paul Izzard went on a mazy run into the Cottenham penalty area, after leaving several defenders in his wake he tried to chip the 'keeper from close range only to see the ball land on the bar, what a goal that would have been. The scoring was completed on 74 minutes when, the now prolific, Benny Murray found the ball at his feet in space some 25 yards out. Benny looked up, saw the impressive home 'keeper off line and and chipped the ball over his head and into the net. Another good performance today. I would not want to pick a man of the match. The basis of a performance like this is hard work and everybody played their part and were ably led by their Captain Marvel, Ricky Woodrow.

Gt Shelford 4 Hundon 2 [23 Jan @ 9:27pm]

Wow! What a performance. Believe me and I think that all of those at today's game will agree the scoreline does not do justice to this Gt Shelford performance. A couple of changes to today's side with skipper Ricky Woodrow coming back into the starting line up at left back. Karl Metcalfe moved into the right hand side of midfield which left us with what looked like a very strong bench of Paul Izzard, Ashley Walter, Simon Swinton and Nick Rust. The Gt Shelford players were very aware of the importance of this game against a team several places above us in the table. It was certainly a must win home game for a side which still has hopes of finishing in one of the top positions. Shelford started the game at a brisk pace, penning Hundon into their own half with some crisp passing. Early on our centre halves, Nick Baggaley and Gareth Jones began to dominate the dangerous front two of Hundon. Calum Gawthrope was, as usual, beginning to become a pain for the visitors defenders with his powerful and tireless running, a tactic which was to produce dividends later in the game as the Hundon defenders tired. After 21 minutes of largely Shelford domination the first goal came, and what a goal it was. Louis Farrington played a pass of good length down the right flank to Calum who turned quickly and sent in a low cross and Benny Murray arriving at the far post volleyed the ball home. As often happens, having gone into the lead the home team seemed to take their foot off the pedal for a while. This allowed Hundon back into the game for a while and indeed they equalised on 40 minutes after a mistake by Shelford defending a free kick.Half time 1-1. I don't know what was said or by who at half time but whatever it was certainly did the trick as the home side immediately began to dominate once again. On 50 minutes a long ball down the middle from 'keeper Phil Peachey released Calum Gawthrope once again who played a delightful little pass forward to Benny Murray who made no mistake as he notched his second. By now Shelford were flying, playing some great football at pace. It was good to the passing and movement starting from the back line with full backs Ricky Woodrow and Louis Farrington pushing on to support the midfield and attack. With the back line growing in confidence they were able to retain the ball for long periods. On 60 minutes Karl Metcalfe who is rapidly becoming a very good player moved the ball down the right flank before crossing into the Hundon area where that man Benny Murray rose above the visiting defenders to power home a header to complete his hat trick. That's five goals in two games for Benny who, if he can maintain this form, could easily end up as the leagues top scorer. Manager Steve Holden had already began to ring the changes by bringing on Simon Swinton, Ashley Walter and Paul Izzard. It has to be said that these substitutions did not seem to weaken the side at all and they just kept playing in the same way. On 83 minutes Simon Swinton sent a long pass from the right to Darren Bates, now playing up front, Darren simply outpaced the centre half before finishing with aplomb. This was only justice as a few minutes before Darren had had a really good goal mistakenly ruled out. Just before full time Hundon scored a consolation goal after a mistake by the referee to make the final score 4-2. But really if we'd scored seven it would have been a fair reflection. Benny Murray rightfully won the man of the match award for his goals and for the way in which he led the attack. However, I think everyone played well today, as a team. In goal Phil Peachey looked as safe as houses when he was called upon to take crosses etc. Skipper Ricky Woodrow looked to back to his best today with a really solid performance on the left, Louis Farrington on the right, not necessarily his best position performed very well defensively and his forward passing was always dangerous. Centre halves Nick Baggaley and Gareth Jones were dominant and strong, and make no mistake this team is being built around a strong defence. In the midfield Rob Farrington and Matt Green are a formidable duo when they perform as they did today. Darren Bates is getting back to the form which led the manager to sign him. The opposing right back must be having nightmares this evening! As I said earlier Kar Metcalfe (Mr Cool) is developing into a very good player. At the sharp end we have at last got a pairing who look full of goals. Benny Murray has suddenly found the best form since he joined the club, he looks strong and quick. Calum Gawthrope must send defenders home hoping they never see him again. He and Benny are building a good partnership. Of the bench today Paul Izzard, full of pace and running. Simon Swinton who is starting a look a very good player and of course Ashley Walter another who we are all sure will soon be a regular starter. After the match today the manager Steve Holden said that he thought today the lads probably played the best football for the majority of the 90 minutes that he has seen since he's been at the club. Long may it continue. Another tough game next week away to Cottenham.

Gt Shelford 3 Ely City Res 2 [16 Jan @ 12:00am]

It was important that every effort was made to ensure that today's Cliff Bullen Challange cup quarter final game went ahead as the team had not played since December 8th. Once again, despite heavy rain just prior to the game, the Woollards lane pitch showed that games here will often take place when other grounds are waterlogged. Today's starting line up was as follows:- P Peachey, L Farrington, K Metcalfe, G Jones, N Baggaley, P Izzard, M Green, R Farrington, D Bates, B Murray, C Gawthrope, on the bench were R Woodrow, A Walter, S Holden and N Rust. The home side started well and soon got back into the groove inserting early pressure on Ely. In these early stages both front players were prominent Benny Murray surprising the opposition with his strength and pace alongside the the hustle and sharpness of Calum Gawthrope. On 7 minutes after a short period of sustained pressure on the Ely goal when the visitors found it difficult to clear their lines the ball fell to Calum, with his back to goal, he turned like Kenny Dalgleash to rocket home the opening goal. Unfortunately the Shelford lead was short lives as about 30 seconds later a couple of Shelford defenders decided to leave the ball to each other and concede an equaliser. However other than this slip up the home back line performed solidly all afternoon. Time after time during the first half the hosts got behind the Ely defence and several chances went begging. On 25 minutes Benny Murray found some space about 35 yards from goal in a fairly central position, with everyone expecting him to pass Benny decided to take a shot at goal, almost everyone was amazed to see the ball fly just under the bar to give the home side a lead at 2-1, great goal. The second half was more even as Ely came out in a more determined mood. The manager reshuffled things a bit bringing Ricky Woodrow on at left back, and moving Karl Metcalfe to the right of midfield. Chance came and went at both ends as the half continued and in all honesty Shelford could and should have scored two or three more. Ely equalised to make the home side pay for their missed chance and the game seemed to be drifting towards extra time when a ball through the middle found Benny Murray using his strength and pace to race between the centre halves and score from an angle. Soon afterwards Ricky Woodrow had to make a couple of last ditch tackles to keep the lead intact as Ely pushed to get on level terms, but the back line stood strong to see the game out with some good ball retention. All in all a good performance today. I thought Darren Bates was exceptional today and Ely just could not handle him. Benny Murray is showing a new found strength and pace and no defenders will enjoy playing against him if he keeps this up. But it was generally a good team performance today of the type which could see us creeping up the league.

Fulbourn 1 Gt Shelford 0 [12 Dec @ 12:00am]

With what seems likely to be two of this seasons title contenders playing each other and add in the fact that three of Gt Shelford's players from last season having swapped sides this always promised to be an exciting game, and that's just how it turned out. A tough battle with no quarter given expected these players dished out a real treat, an example of commitment without taking it that bit to far. With Darren Bates available again after suspension but George Gomm now unavailable due to suspension and Ricky Woodrow still unavailable Gt Shelford were just about at the same strength as in midweek. Louis Farrington was available this week and came in at fullback in place of young Ashley Walter who could feel unlucky for being left on the bench. Manager Steve Holden obviously opted for the experience of Louis over Ashley for such an important game. From the kick off Fulbourn showed their opponents that they meant business by pinning Gt Shelford in their own half for long periods. During this period centre halves Gareth Jones and Nick Baggaley were outstanding, for the most part snuffing out the aerial threat caused by the home team. Shelford managed the occasional break forward without ever looking likely to score. On 28 minutes the pressure told when an excellent cross from the left touchline to the far post was met by an onrushing Fulbourn player who rammed home the header. Just afterward Phil Peachey was called upon to make a smart save, diving to his left to push the ball away, if that was a smart save then a couple of minutes later Phil was called upon to make the save of the day diving full length to his right to push the ball around the post. Half time Fulbourn 1 Gt Shelford 0. Often when a strong wind is blowing from end to end during a football match it will assist the team playing with the wind to exert pressure on their opponents and of course the pressure would be reversed as the teams change ends for the second half. If anybody was watching this game from indoors they could have been excused for thinking there must have been a strong wind blowing. As the second half started the visitors really got at their opponents and began passing and tackling like we all know they can. Paul Izzard made way for Darren Bates with about 25 minutes to go. Darren's ability to run at defenders at pace unsettled the home defense even more as they conceded several free kicks in dangerous areas but Shelford were unable to turn these to their advantage. I have to say that Benny Murray was outstanding today showing not only his ability to hold the ball up for his team mates but his work rate was superb. Gt Shelford came close to equqlising on several occasions and sometimes their final ball was just not quite good enough. I'm sure that 90% of those watching the game thought that Gt Shelford deserved a draw but it was not to be. As a Shelford supporter I thought it was great to see fighting ability showed by all of our players in the second half having been outplayed in the first. A terrific game watched by a good crowd who' I'm told, thought it was the best game so far this season at Fulbourn.

Needingworth 1 Gt Shelford 3 [10 Dec @ 12:16am]

As we discovered last season, playing Needingworth away with an evening kick off can often prove to be a difficult game as in these late kick off affairs they always seem to be able to field a team which belies their league position. As today's game kicked off with quite a heavy fog descending I think we all wondered about the possibility of actually completing the 90 minutes. With Ricky Woodrow not available today young Ashley Walter came in to start at full back with Benny Murray, now getting back to fitness, replacing George Gomm at the front. Gt Shelford dominated the early exchanges, playing some delightful passing football and creating several chances. Although the early chances were spurned Calum Gawthrope was proving to be a thorn in the side of the home defenders with his pace and ability on the ball. It seemed only a matter of time before the visitors took the lead and so it proved when on 20 minutes Calum once again broke clear, down the right flank and whizzed in a fine cross to the far post where both Benny Murray and Paul Izzard attacked the ball. From the sideline it looked as though had bundled the ball over the line but after the game Benny Murray revealed the the goal was his. Needingworth looked dangerous from the occasional break but in the main Nick Baggaley and Gareth Jones snuffed out any attacks from the home side. Half time 1-0 Gt Shelford. As the second half started it appeared that Needingworth players had listened to some words of wisdom from their manager during the break. They started in a much more aggressive fashion and began winning more of the ball in the midfield and in fact they equalised after 55 minutes with a goal from nowhere, a terrific strike, and then they went on to have a good 20 minute spell. During this time Gt Shelford always looked dangerous on the break with the Needingworth defenders finding it difficult to cope with the pace of Paul Izzard and Calum Gawthrope. On a couple of occasions during this period the ball was crossed in front of the home goal with Benny Murray just failing to get a touch. Chris Tovey, who had a great game seemed to take all of the set pieces in the opposing half, putting in some great crosses which Shelford just failed to capitalize on. On 75 minutes, yet another Chris Tovey corner, from the right this time, was whipped across the Needingworth goal. Calum is one of our smallest players but he rose above the rest to power home a header. Shelford went on to dominate the remainder of the game as it seemed that the home side knew they were then beaten. Shelfor went on to play some good, controlled, possession football and in the 89th minute another free kick from Chris Tovey was cleared only as far as substitute George Gomm who spun to volley home a thunderbolt to make the final score 3-1. A good game, quite well refereed, with both sides putting plenty of effort to gain the points. Phil Peachey dealt efficiently with everything that came his way. Young Ashley Walter came in and looked a good, quick and controlled player at full back, and as always Mr Reliable, Karl Metcalfe, turned in another good performance. Our centre halves Gareth Jones and Nick Baggaley were totally dominant. Rob Farrington and Matt Green once again worked well together. Paul Izzard is gradually getting back to his best whilst Chris Tovey was superb today. Calum and George will trouble any defence. So we are gradually climbing the table with two tough games before Christmas. Fulbourn away on Saturday and home to Waterbeach on the 19th.

Over 1 Gt Shelford 1 [28 Nov @ 7:11pm]

As always this was going to be a very difficult game for both sides. On recent form it looks as though both teams will be among the few at the end of the season. Playing at Over almost always favors the home side and today was no exception with the game being played on a small and very heavy pitch. Gt Shelford started quickly winning most of the early possession and attempting to play some good passing football. It seemed that the home side were taken by surprise at the quality of play being served up by the visitors and it was no surprise when Gt Shelford went ahead after about 12 minutes. Another good ball played into the Over penalty area saw a defender trying to control the ball with his hand and the referee had no choice other than to award a penalty. Chris Tovey stepped up to take the kick and with a little shimmy in his run up sent the 'keeper the wrong way to make it 1-0 to Gt Shelford. Soon afterward after another delightful passing move the visitors should have doubled their lead when Paul Izzard, returning from suspension, rocketed the ball against the crossbar. Over gradually came a little more into the game as the half progressed but the miserly Shelford defense were continuing from where they left off last week looking well organised. Behind them Phil Peachey was called upon on a few occasions to make saves from crosses but was rarely troubled. Half time 1-0 Gt Shelford. The second half was a real battle between two sides genuinely looking to win the game. Tackles were going in from both sets of players, hard but usually quite fair. But then today's referee, who surely is not up to the standard required for this level, started to take a hand. He was heard to dish out many warnings to players telling them to 'calm down', when he was the only one panicking. On 70 minutes Benny Murray came on in place of George Gomm. A few minutes later, with his back to goal outside the home penalty area, Benny turned and unleashed a shot which beat the goalkeeper and struck the base of the post. Calum Gawthrope following up beat the 'keeper to the loose ball and prodded it into the net for what appeared to be a good goal. To the surprise of players and supporters alike he chose to disallow the goal, saying afterward that the goalkeeper had two hands on the ball, I and most others don't think he even one hand on it. Over broke away down the left with about 10 minutes left a little bit of good play took an attacker past a couple of our defenders and then a desperate challenge saw him brought down for a penalty the result of which saw the game end 1-1. A good honest game of football between sides of contrasting styles. A draw was probably a fair result. Gt Shelford turned in another solid performance. It would have been great to have held on for another 1-0 win. However this team have improve dramatically since the start of the season and if they can continue playing and competing as the have in the last few weeks I'm sure they'll not be far off the top at the end of the season with a fair chance of winning it.

Gt Shelford 1 Ely City Res 0 [21 Nov @ 12:00am]

It was always going to be a tough game today against an Ely City team who have moved smoothly into second place in the Kershaw Premier league. The task was made even more difficult by the absence of Darren Bates and Paul Izzard due to suspension, Benny Murray through injury and Louis Farrington due to work commitments. Playing without our usual attacking options the management were forced into asking players to play out of position. The upshot of this was that this starting 11 looked very strong defensively and so it proved. With Chris Tovey playing on the left of the midfield and Ashley Walter on the right it was never going to be easy for Ely to break down the home team. Gt Shelford kicked off playing against a fairly strong wind and it was no surprise that Ely had the better of the early possession but even in the early stages they looked vulnerable to the ball popped over the top of their centre halves and on a couple of occasions in the first half Gorge Gomm and Calum Gawthrope combined well to create good chances. However it soon became apparent that this was a game that would be won by a strong defence and today all of our back four performed at their best. The communication between the defenders was superb. Nick Baggaley was strong at centre back and demanded the same strength and commitment from his team mates and he was not disappointed. Gareth Jones was totally dominant alongside Nick and both full backs gave nothing to the opposition. Skipper Ricky Woodrow was, as always, tenacious in the tackle and knew when to just clear his lines. On the other flank Karl Metcalfe really has become Mr reliable, nothing spectacular but Karl does have a little class about his play. For the second game in a row Karl saved his team mates with a spectacular goal line clearance. Along the midfield Chris Tovey worked tidily as always and from set pieces was always dangerous, putting some great crosses into the box. On the other flank young Ashley Walter worked away down the right and didn't disappoint anyone. Rob Farrington looked strong in the middle alongside the ever improving Matt Green (surely he must be good enough to play in the representative team). George Gomm making his first start of the season worked hard and caused the Ely back line all the problems they could handle and of course Calum Gawthrope was just a pain in the rear to the central defenders. The game was fairly evenily contested but Gt Shelford always seemed to be shading it and were certainly the more likely to score. In fact Phil Peachey barely had a shot to save in the game. The winning goal came on 83 minutes when a long clearance from Phil Peachey once again caught out the Ely back line. But Calum Gawthrope reacted quickly to seize on the opportunity of the ball dropping behind the defenders as he ran on to draw the 'keeper from his line before coolly lobbing him to score a well deserved winner for his team mates. A great result, a good performance down to team spirit and organisation. After the game manager Steve Holden said 'I thought we were superb, we played some good football when we could and defended well, I couldn't fault anyone, we showed leadership from the back and did well as a team'.

Gt Shelford 2 Cottenham 2 aet. Shelford win on pens. [14 Nov @ 9:17pm]

Today's conditions were the worst possible for playing football. A heavy gale blowing down the Gt Shelford rec. from the river end and driving rain from time to time. A couple of changes had to be made today. Missing were our influential centre back Gareth Jones and the prolific Benny Murray was also absent. Chris Tovey slotted into the centre half position with Paul Baird starting in place of Benny. Gt Shelford started the first half by kicking with the wind which is not always as much of an advantage as it seems. Early on the home side seemed to fall into the trap of playing to many long passes with the wind and as result the ball often sailed over everyone and out for a goal kick although they did have a good percentage of the early play. On 16 minutes the hosts went a goal behind when some good work by Cottenham near the right touchline resulted in a low cross into the penalty area whic was turned in at the near post to put them in front. Darren Bates was proving to be a nightmare to the visitors defenders and after a couple of runs with the ball at the heart of their defence Darren was the instigator of a great goal for the home side. On 26 minutes Darren went on a dazzling run down the left leaving several defenders in his wake before firing in a low cross which the ever alert Calum Gawthrope tapped home to maintain his goal a game record. Half time 1-1. Against the wind in the second half and Gt Shelford needed to change their tactics. However they were slow starting and almost paid the penalty when a Cottenham attacker managed to drive through the cent of our defence, getting into a one on one position with our 'keeper but Phil Peachey was equal to the test pulling off a smart save. Phil was called on again after about 60 minutes having to dive full length to his right to make a good save. At the other end Gt Shelford created several excellent chances when they looked like scoring but a collection of bad luck, poor finishing and good defending kept them at bay.This was developing into a really good cup tie as time went on with some good football being played by both sides and it looked as though the next goal would be the winner. On 68 minutes that goal came when a long cross from the Cottenham right sailed across the Gt Shelford goal and resulted a in a free header for the visitors to take the lead. Game over? I don't think so. Gt Shelford then showed their own battling qualities by not giving in but by taking the goal to their opponents A couple of substitutions with George Gomm and Ashley Walter bothe taking their places and the home team started to press even harder. A superb save by the Cottenham keeper kept them in fron but then that man Darren Bates once more took a hand in proceedings. On 86 minutes a dash down the left before cutting inside to rifle hole a shot which was unstoppable to put the sides level. Extra time came and went with chances at both ends but Gt Shelford were now really dominating the ball but no further goals and so to the penalty shoot out. Having spoken to the match sponsor just before the penalty shot out he'd told me that Darren Bates was probably to be man of the match unless Phil Peachey did something special in the shoot out, and so it proved. Phill Saved the first three Cottenham penalty's. The first two were good saves but the third was superb. So Phil won the bubbly. A terrific game enjoyed by everyone who watched. Well done to both sets of players.

Lakenheath 2 Gt Shelford 1 [7 Nov @ 12:00am]

As games go this Premier league cup game was a bit of a non event really. A poor game played out by two teams who looked a bit frightened of each other. Although Lakenheath had the best of the posession in thuth the result could have gone either way and was finally decided by a defensive blunder. The game kicked off on a heavy pitch but in bright sunshine. Lakenheath had the best of the early exchanges forcing their opponents into their own third for long periods. On 5 minutes Phil Peachey was called into action when he was at full stretch to make a save from his former team mate Chris Hunter who was ever dangerous In this early period Gt Shelford, although under pressure, looked well organised and defended really well with Gareth Jones, who must be the best centre half in the league, outstanding. Things went a little wrong on 33 minutes when a harmless cross from the right was met by an unchallenged Lakenheath player who opened the scoring. Gt Shelford had a spell when they were beginning to seize the initiative and on 42 minutes Robbie Farrington won an aerial challenge in the midfield, Benny Murray headed the ball on and Calum Gawthrope raced in to score his usual goal. Half time 1-1. The second half started with Gt Shelford in the ascendancy and they looked the likely winners. But they will once again look back on spurned chances. Lakenheath.s goalkeeper looked anything but confident throughout the game but all too often the visitors seemed to choose the wrong options by firing free kicks too long or short instead of putting the nervious keeper by putting them under the crossbar. Despite the visitors looking very comfortable during the second half they were undone by a defensive error when a woeful clearance fell straight to a Lakenheath player, the back four allowed him to take advantage when they were completely caught out, allowing him to run on and score. I know that conceding this goal was disappointing but we then seemed to allow ourselves to get distracted which resulted in a couple of unnecessary bookings. To be fair the result was probably about right. At least we've lost no league points for this defeat and have retained our sixth place in the table.

Great Shelford 4 Needingworth 1 [31 Oct @ 12:00am]

Great Shelford moved quietly up into 5th place in the Kershaw Premier league with this deserved win against lowly Needingworth today. After last weeks excellent performance it was a shame to have to make a couple of changes to todays line up. Centre half Gareth Jones dropped out this morning with the flue and 'keeper Phil Peachey was ill during the warm up. So, the returning Ricky Woodrow and Nick Baggaley were paired at centre half, whilst our goalkeeper coach Nick Rust was called into action for his first competative game for some years. Manager returned to the bench where he was joined by fit again Louis Farrington and the experienced Chris Tovey who returned to the club this week. The home team dominated from the kick off and the first goal arrived on 11 minutes when Matt Green won the ball with a stinging tackle in midfield and passed to Benny Murray who slid the ball forward for Calum Gawthrope to finish with a classy left foot shot. On 20 minutes the visitors leveled when a mix up in defence allowed them in for the equaliser. Half time 1-1. Chris Tovey came on for the injured Gareth Clarke, Ricky Woodrow moved to left back with Chris as a central defender. On 47 minutes a long cross into the Needingworth penalty area, an appeal for a penalty, turned down, but Paul Izzard turned to volely home for 2-1. Shelford by now were really getting into their stride, playing some good passing football and after 70 minutes the ever dangerious and pacey Paul Izzard was fouled in the penalty area and Darren Bates stepped up to blast the ball home. Four minutes later from a corner Benny Murray was again the provider when he flicked a header to Calum Gawthrope who headed home. At this stage Gt Shelford were in total control and I'm sure they would have added to their tally had Darren Bates not lost his discipline after being fouled and lashed out at an opponent, giving the referee no option but to show him a red card. It was disappointing to see that his opponent received no punishment for the foul which led to the incident. So after a fairly disastrous start to the season we have now gone seven games undefeated. The next two weeks will see the boys in cup action, next week away to Lakenheath and the following week home to Cottenham. Two tough game, but it's now getting interesting.

Lakenheath 0 Gt Shelford 3 [24 Oct @ 11:07pm]

Pre season when we were looking at the fixtures we looked at this game and thought that we'd do very well to get a draw here. After all Lakenheath beat us well on two occasions last season and they have strengthened prior to the start of 2009/10. Also, we knew that with 8 or 9 new players in our squad that things would take time to gel and after a difficult start that we'd improve. Three weeks ago, against Ely, we started to look quite well organised. This new found confidence was enhanced by our win last week against Sawston. Today, however, was very different. We were up against a quality side. Our task was made more different by the absence of three of our key players. Louis Farrington was sidelined by injury whilst skipper Ricky Woodrow and player assistant manager Nick Baggalay were unavailable. So a refshuffle saw Karl Metcalfe return to the team at right back with Gareth Clarke moving across to the left and manager Steve Holden came in to play alongside Gareth Jones at centre back. The game started at a brisk pace with Lakenheath shading the early play. On just 12 minutes a massive clearance, against the wind, by goalkeeper Phil Peachey was met by a brilliant header on by Benny Murray, Calum Gawthrope was onto the ball like a flash outpacing the home sides central defenders before letting the ball bounce once and then volleying home from 20 yards. As the 1st half wore on Lakenheath always looked dangerous but the visitors makeshift defence were looking well organised and dominant and the home side were restricted mainly to shots from distance. When Gt Shelford did break out they did so with real pace down the flanks, creating several really good chances. Surely Gareth Jones must be the best centre half in this league, I'm amazed that he's not made the Kershaw league rep. team. Half time 0-1. Lakenheath were out of the blocks quicker out of the interval and Nick Finney go in on a one on one with Phil Peachey but Phil was equal to the task clearing impressively. From then on Gt Shelford began to dominate with Matt Green and Rob Farrington dominating the centre of the field. The work rate throughout the team did not allow the host side to settle or create anything really. On 58 minutes the impressive and hard working Benny Murray was brought down in the penalty area and up stepped Darren Bates to crash the ball into the net from the spot. On 70 minutes Paul Baird replaced the tiring Calum Gawthrope and new signing Simon Swinton came on for the impressive Paul Izzard. Soon afterwards young Ashley Walter replaced Steve Holden at the back. As the half wore on Shelford broke through the home back line on several occasions but failed to score until the last minute when a good ball forward found Paul Baird on the left, Paul looked up and squared the ball across the penalty area for Benny Murray to roll it home for a deserved goal. We played as a real team today. We looked well organised and strong. Everybody seemed to know what was required of them and carried out their task as well as being available to help their teammates. A good performance against a good side.

Gt Shelford 4 Sawston Utd 1 [17 Oct @ 11:33pm]

Gt Shelford continued their recent good run of form with this Cliff Bullen Channange cup second round victory today. Manager Steve Holden decided to make a couple of changes to today's line up resting Louis Farrington and Darren Bates. The early stages of the game were fairly evenly contested but the home side always looked the more likely to score. When Sawston were able to mount an attack our back four looked more than competent. When the visitors were able to play any high balls across the penalty then goalkeeper Phil Peachey was dominant. The opening goal came on 19 minutes when the ever dangerious Calum Gawthrope ran at the heart of the Sawston defence and played a sweet little pass to Paul Baird who had a shot parried by the goalkeeper, Paul then smashed the rebound against a defender but Robbie Farrington, following up, smashed the ball home from around 25 yards, great goal. Gt Shelford then began to dominate with some strong defence and good passing movements. Benny Murray was outstanding today, leading the line with guile and strength. On 32 minutes the pressure told on Sawston once again. Matt Green pinged in a corner from the right with pace, Calum Gawthrope was the first to react to power home a header.Two minutes later the ball was played out to Benny Murray on the right, Benny looked up and played the ball over a hesitant defence to score. Half time 3-0. Gt Shelford began the second half at a good pace. Paul Baird was replaced by Karl Metcalfe and Shelford continued to dominate. On 60 minutes the dangerous Paul Izzard stretched to win a 50/50 ball cleverly played it past a defender and as he went past a second Sawston player he was pulled back by his shorts. Unfortunately Paul lashed out at the guilty party and was shown a red card. It made little differance to the game as Shelford continued to dominate proceedings. On a rare attack by the visitors Phil Peachey pulled of a terrific save low to his right, but the game was all but over. On 75 minutes Benny Murray, on the corner of the Sawston penalty area turned and drilled the ball home home for his second goal. In the last minute the Home defence seemed to switch off and allowed Sawston a consolation goal. Another good performance today, everybody played their part. Our centre halves were strong and the full backs covered well. In midfield Robbie Farrington and Matt Green look dominant with Paul Izzard and Paul Baird always posed a threat. Our front two look full of goals at the moment.

Ely City Res. 1 Gt Shelford 2 [10 Oct @ 6:52pm]

In this Cambs. challenge cup game Gt Shelford, who have been showing steady improvement game by game, produced what is without doubt their best performance of the season. Lets face it Ely are a good competitive side this year and at this moment sit in third place in the Kershaw Premier league. From the stat Ely exerted heavy pressure on the Shelford goal without ever testing Phil Peachey. After around 10 minutes it seemed that the visitors had weathered the early storm by some stout defending. Our back four looked virtually impenetrable, taking no chances and when necessary doing the simple thing and knocking into the far corners. As time went on our midfield players started to take control of proceedings and pass the ball around when they could find space. There was space on the flanks and Darren Bates and Paul Izzard were becoming more menacing as time went on. Benny Murray and new boy Calum Gawthrope were giving the Ely centre halves nightmares with their pace and strength. As Shelford began to dominate proceedings it looked to be only a matter of time before they went ahead and so it proved when after 30 minutes, from defending deeply after an Ely attack Ricky Woodrow found Darren Bates on the left, Darren sped down the line and crossed on the run to find Paul Izzard arriving at the far post to smash home a volley. That is how the score stood at half time. 1-0 to Gt Shelford. Shelford came out for the second half determined to remain in control and extended their lead in the first minute. Paul Izzett made a great block tackle on an opponent to win a throw in on the right. There was then some very slick one touch interpassing between Paul, Louis Farrington and Matt Green which ended with another cross into the area, Benny Murray was unlucky not to score but as the ball rebounded Calum Gawthrope smashed it home for a deserved goal. Gt Shelford went on then to give an almost complete performance with some great passing and thoughtful football. But our defensive frailties raised their head again on 80 minutes when a mistake allowed Ely in for a simple goal. So at 2-1 the last ten minutes were always going to be frantic. Our defence stood firm however and Ely, although they won a couple of corners, failed to produce another chance. We done to one and all. A great team performance that bodes well for the future. If we can build on that and continue to improve we'll soon be challenging at the top once again. I would not like to pick a man of the match today, everyone played their part.

Gt Shelford 6 Fordham 2 [3 Oct @ 7:34pm]

Just a couple of changes since our draw with Cottenham a couple of weeks ago. Gareth Clarke picked up an injury playing last Sunday so Louis Farrington moved to right back, Darren Bates returned from a long suspension to play wide on the left and new boy Calum Gawthrope played up front alongside Benny Murray. Paul Baird was unavailable due to suspension. Gt Shelford started the game kicking against a very strong wind. I truly expected the home side to struggle in these conditions during the first half. In reality that was not the case, in fact they completely dominated the play with some crisp flowing football. It was not unusual however to see Gt Shelford spurn so many chances. In the early stages both of our wingers Darren Bates and Paul Izzard were lively and the front two were causing the visitors all sorts of problems without actually scoring. Then in the 35th minute with no apparent threat a defender decided to play the ball back to 'keeper Phil Peachey only to see the ball stop short to allow a Fordham player to nip in to score, Their lead was ,thankfully, fairly short lived. On 42 minutes the home team were awarded a free kick just outside the Fordham penalty area, up stepped Darren Bates to bend the free kick in off one of the defenders. Half time 1-1. With the wind behind their backs Shelford made a fine start to the second half and on 47 minutes they went ahead after Matt Green had lashed a drive at goal which the visiting 'keeper did well to dive and keep out, but he was unable to hold the ball and Benny Murray was on hand to volley home. On 53 minutes Gareth Jones made a long clearance from defence the ball evaded the Fordham centre halves and Benny Murray pounced again to take the ball around the goalkeeper and finish coolly. We then managed to put ourselves back under pressure when poor defending allowed Fordham in to reduce the deficit. Just 7 minutes later Shelford restored their two goal cushion with a terrific goal. Ricky Woodrow, having another steady game, won the ball on the left and moved it quickly forward to Darren Bates, Darren in turn found the impressive Calum Gawthrope who looked up before firing a cross from the left which was met perfectly by Rob Farrington arriving at pace into the penalty area, a great team goal. Five minutes later the home side extended their lead with another good goal when Rob Farrington turned provider by chesting the ball down for that man Benny Murray to complete his hat trick by lashing the ball home. Finally, on 82 minutes Matt Green got into the goal scoring act by firing home from distance to make the final score 6-2. We were not play any likely title contenders today but generall we went about things the right way. Our dominance could easily have seen us score nine in this game, but everybody played pretty well. Shame about the two careless goals we conceded but the players will know how and why that happened. Manager Steve Holden was pleased with the performance and seems to think that in a more competitive game we would not have conceded those goals. Benny Murray won the man of the match award deservedly, for his three goals.

Gt Shelford 2 Cottenham 2 [20 Sep @ 10:35am]

OK, so we dropped another 2 valuable points, and today we really deserved to be taking all three. Make no mistake about it, generally speaking this was a much improved performance. With manager Steve Holden away, his Co. manager, Nick Baggaley and Nick Rust took charge. There were a few changes from the team which played in our last game against Foxton two weeks ago. Gareth Jones came back into the centre of defence to partner Nick Baggaley and skipper Ricky Woodrow returned at left back. Matt Green also came back into the side After a fairly even start Gt Shelford gradually began to dominate in the midfield areas and with the centre of our defence looking very dominant the home side began to dictate. On 31 minutes Gt Shelford deservedly went in front. A driving run through the middle by Paul Izzard was ended on the edge of the Cottenham penalty area. A Cottenham player was adjudged to have been fouled whilst clearing the ball and the visitors attempted to take a quick free kick, but Shelford were on their toes today and won the back quickly, Paul Izzard played a delightful pass through the middle of the Cottenham defence to Benny Murray and Benny, having his best game of the season, waited for the goalkeeper to commit himself before helping the ball past him. Half time Gt Shelford 1 Cottenham 0. A terrific start to the second half saw the home team double their lead when some good approach play saw that man Benny Murray find some space on the right where he picked a great ball across the area which was met by the on rushing Paul Baird who rammed the ball home. Shelford then continued to dominate the game with some good football. Several players were performing very well Nick Baggaley is now showing why the manager was so keen to sign him, both he and Gareth Jones were dominant today, Rick Woodrow was back to his best at left back, and man of the match Robbie Farrington had his best game for the club, Paul Izzard looked dangerous on the ball and Paul Baird seems to look better each week. Benny Murray was terrific today not only for scoring but for the way he held the ball up and brought his team mates into the game. On 65 minutes things started to go wrong when we conced a scruffy goal to put Cottenham back into the game. It looked as though we had began to tire but I don't really think that was the case. It's more likely that having conceded after being so dominant we panicked a little. We began to concede free kicks in dangerous places and also a series of corners. On 70 minutes Cottenham scored their equaliser when a free kick on the edge of our area brought a rare error from Phil Peachey and a loose ball was tapped home to make it 2-2. It was good performance today and we should have won against a good Cottenham side. Our problem now is killing teams off when we are dominant. Our players were all disappointed after the game because they know that they should have won and they were saying that 'it feels like we've lost'. I was very pleased with the comments made by our supporters as I walked around the ground today. The general opinion seems to be that we look like more of a team than last season and although the players do shout and talk to each other it's good to see that the moaners have left the club.

Gt Shelford 2 Foxton 3 [5 Sep @ 8:33pm]

Prior to the kick off the players and officials from both clubs and family members of the late Charles Fletcher gathered around the centre circle to observe a minutes silence in remberance of Charlie who died this week. Unfortunately today Gt Shelford were unable to field seven players from the squads used since the beginning of the season. Namely K Metcalfe (Unavailable), C Green (Holiday) and the following suspended players G Jones, skipper R Woodrow, A Walter, J Carmen, C Green and D Bates. These absentees and the totally unacceptable performance from a sub standard referee made winning this game an almost impossible task for the home side. Today's much changes line up therefore was as follows. P Peachey, G Clarke, J Charlwood, P Rice, N Baggerley, L Farrington, B Thompson, R Farrington, P Baird, B Murray, P Izzard. On the bench manager S Holden and new boy Dave Doggett. The game started brightly enough for the home team and actually there were chances at both ends. Gt Shelford were putting together some eye catching quick passing moves but Foxton,s speedy young players always looked dangerous On ten minutes the referee began to influence the result of the game when he denied Paul Baird the most obvious penalty that I've probably ever seen. After a swift interchange of passes Paul burst into the Foxton area at pace, he was clear with only the 'keeper to beat when he was tackled from behind, stumbled but managed to stay on his feet but of course that caused him to lose the ball. I can tell you that everyone, supporters and players from both sides, thought it would be a penalty. Everyone except the referee that is, he unbelievably waved play on. I spoke to the guilty Foxton player after the game, he said 'yes it was a definite foul, he just sped past me and I was sure the ref would blow for a penalty and I expected to be sent off as I was the last defender'. On 18 minutes however Gt Shelford went ahead, a long thrown in on the left by James Charlwood headed on and across goal by Benny Murray found young Ben Thompson arriving at the far post to power home a header. Shelford then looked in control until just before half time when the referee intervened once again. A foul on one of our defenders on the edge of our own penalty area went unpunished by the ref, seconds later Foxton's Ian Cambridge crashed to the floor and the whistle, we all assumed the referee had brought play back and awarded a free kick to Shelford but no, he awarded a kick to Foxton. Ian Cambridge stepped up smash the ball home. Again players from both teams said afterward that no foul was committed Ian just fell over. Half time 1-1. The second half started badly for the home team when, after a corner, Nick Baggerly found himself having to try and turn on his own goal line to clear the ball and could do nothing except put the ball into his own net. On 62 minutes the very impressive Paul Baird who had very unluckily been booked earlier received his second yellow and was very harshly dismissed. About five minutes later and true to his finicky form the referee then made a big and very unnecessary thing about sending Paul, who was sitting on a bench well away from the playing area, to the changing room. We are continually reminded of the respect campaign but it's very difficult for players or supporters to respect an official as incompetent as this one. On 67 minutes with Gt Shelford in a bit of disarray Foxton scored their third. But the home side to their credit battled back. A free kick was scrambled out to Dave Doggett on the left he played a pass of real quality back into the area and Benny Murray forced it home. On 90 minutes James Charlwood saw that he was about to be tackled very late and took retribution on the spot won the free kick but received a straight red card. The nine men of Gt Shelford fought hard in the dying minutes, forcing a corner. A scramble on the Foxton goal line saw the ball virtually forced home for an equaliser but it was not to be. Gt Shelford received 6 yellow cards today as a bad atmosphere developed around the game solely due to the referees inability to get any of the big decisions right. The good news is that Fulbourn and Whittlesford both also lost so we have not lost to much ground. Hopefully next week most of our suspended players will be back and raring to go.

Newmarket 0 Gt Shelford 2 [1 Sep @ 8:41pm]

Sorry for the delay in loading these match details but I have been away for the weekend. Early season games at places like Newmarket can always pose a bit of a problem as there is not enough form to judge their strength bearing in mind that it's their reserves that play in our league. Gt Shelford were able to field much the same team as against Waterbeach last week. The only change to the starting line up was Benny Murray coming in for Chris Green who was on holiday. It was almost the perfect start for Shelford as Darren Bates got away behind the Newmarket defence in the first minute only to see his blistering shot graze the bar. This almost set the tone for the remainder of the first half as Shelford played some fine passing football which their opponents could rarely match. Wave after wave of attack on the home teams goal creating multiple chances which were wasted, sometimes due to poor finishing and sometimes due to bad luck. Newmarket did have their moments but our back line looked strong and rarely looked like conceding. The midfield area totally dominated Newmarket by keeping the ball for long periods and when necessary winning the ball back quickly. However half time arrived with the score at 0-0, when truthfully it could easily have been 5-0 to Gt Shelford. I think we all spent the interval remembering how many times we'd seen a team totally in control like this go on to lose 1-0. Our minds were put at rest very early in the second half when Louis Farrington managed to get forward and force the ball home. A relief to all concerned. Actually Newmarket played much better in the second half and the game did become more of a contest but it was no surprise when Shelford went further ahead when Benny Murray did what Benny does best by showing no mercy in front of goal. That was how the game finished 2-0. Everybody played quite well really and things are certainly improving. Gareth Jones was outstanding taking the opportunity, whenever possible, to drive forward into the heart of the Newmarket defence with the ball. Ricky Woodrow looked to be back to his best whilst Peter Rice and Karl Metcalfe were solid. In goal Phil Peachey seems to have found his confidence and is keeping his concentration well. Paul Izzard worked hard up and down the flank on one side with Darren Bates turning in a fine display on the other side. Robbie and Louis Farrington are dominant in the midfield and Benny Murray supported by Paul Baird are finding some form up front. New signings Gareth Clarke and James Carmen look to be useful players and we all know that young Ashley Walter is going to be a fine player. There is no doubt that the strength of the squad will be tested next Saturday, so there could be interesting times ahead.

Waterbeach 0 Gt Shelford 1 [25 Aug @ 9:47pm]

What a difference a week makes! It was important for everyone that last week's poor performance should be put behind us as quickly as possible. There were several team changes today, some due to unavailability. Karl Metcalfe moved to right back, Gareth Jones dropped back to centre half where he played alongside Peter Rice making his first appearance for the club. Paul (Tino) Baird forced his way into the starting line up with some fine pre-season performances. Benny Murray, who last week came back a bit soon after a bout of flu, dropped to the bench where he joined fellow debutant Gareth Clarke, James Carmen, Ashley Walter and player manager Steve Holden. Gt Shelford kicked off with a very strong sun setting directly in front of them which could have made it tricky, especially for 'keeper Phil Peachey. Gt Shelford were soon on the attack forcing two corners in the first minute and could easily have scored very early on. However play developed fairly evenly and on a tight pitch it was never easy for either side to gain complete control. There were chances at both ends and although the home side had what was possibly the best chance to score Gt Shelford with their more variety of attacking play missed a couple of one on one's with the Waterbeach 'keeper and forced a number of corners. Gt Shelford's best chance came on 42minutes when a good bit of football saw the ball played wide to Louis Farrington who crossed to Darren Bates who was scythed down from behind on the edge of the six yard box. For some unknown reason no penalty was awarded. Half time 0-0. The second half began with Waterbeach having a period of dominance but the new look back line of Gt Shelford looked strong and determined not to concede. If the back line was breached then Phil Peachey looked to be back to his best, strong in the air with his catching and punching. On 60 minutes, after a corned, an amazing scramble developed in the Waterbeach six yard box, with two or three Shelford players having a poke at goal but were unable to force to ball over the line. Gt Shelford were now really beginning to dominate and on 70 minutes Tino got himself into a one on one with the home 'keeper and forced a good save. On 72 minutes Gareth Clarke who had come on as a substitute about 5 minutes earlier took a free kick by the right touchline, the ball was cleared out to Gareth again and from about 30 yards he planted the ball back across the goal and in at the far post to make the score 1-0 to Gt Shelford. Benny Murray who had also come on as a sub looked to be back to something like his old self causing a different problem to the home defence with his aerial power and strength. Benny got through for another one on one with the 'keeper but his goal bound effort was deflected over for a corner. A much deserved win today. 3 important points to get us on the way earned by a good team performance. It's going to be difficult over the next few weeks with people away etc but now we definitely have something to build on. It's not fair to pick a man of the match today as everyone did what they were asked to do.

Whittlesford4 Gt Shelford 1 [19 Aug @ 10:14am]

I originally put a report of this game on the site last night. On reflection I decided to take it off and re-write once I'd cooled down a bit. At the moment it seems we have a major problem as a team. Looking at today's game and the pre-season results in general we don't really need a degree to see what the main problem is. Four goals conceded against Foxton, four more conceded against Eynesbury and another four tonight against a Whittlesford side that at best will finish about half way in this league. Yes we have several new players, five on show last night, and we know they'll take time to show their best form. Also, I think it's obvious we still need a couple more players to bring us up to where we want to be. That said, yesterday was a game we would have won 1-0 if we had defended anything like we should have. We went behind to a freak goal when Phil Peachey seemed to slip whilst attempting to catch a simple ball lobbed forward whilst we were dominating the game. A rare error from Phil. But we got back into the game soon after half time with a well worked free kick, smashed home by Darren Bates. We should then have gone on to win the game without any doubt. But for some reason our defensive frailties again became apparent. A simple ball banged down the middle completely took out our flat back four to put us behind again. We then proceeded to gift our very ordinary opponents two more goals with awful defending. Firstly by giving the ball away on the edge of our own area and then by failing to defend a free kick properly. As a team we seemed to allow ourselves to get dragged down. Early on Whittlesfords physical approach rewarded us with a string of free kicks, ok we failed to take real advantage of them, but more importantly we should have been able to take advantage of our opponents attitude. In those situations surely you have to just stand strong and accept the advantage given to you. But no, we started to get involved by panicking and giving away silly free kicks ourselves We ended the game with four yellow cards, and why? I'm not blaming the ref. he did ok. Hopefully we are learning the lesson. Get together and play as a team, take the blame for your own mistakes and learn from them and don't try and blame your team mates. Six stupid bookings so far this season is unacceptable. Just get on with the game. We can and should still finish at or near the top of the league if we apply ourselves.

Royston Town 2 Gt Shelford 1 Pre-season friendly [15 Aug @ 11:12pm]

This was an additional pre-season which we took at short notice as a favour to Royston who had been let down by their origional opponents. On reflection it was a game that our young side dominated completely even against the strong arm tactics of some of the Royston players. Our team was made up of 3 regular 1st team players, several youth and reserve players, our 1st team manager and a chap our manager met in Tesco's car par just before the game. It turned out to be an entertaining game. Royston went ahead early on through a wonder strike from about 20 yards. But from then on the young Shelford side took control. The result really does not matter although I know some of the young lads were gutted to lose. Today's performance bodes well for the future of Gt Shelford FC.

Gt Shelford 3 Girton 1 Pre-season friendly [13 Aug @ 10:20pm]

The main idea of today's game was to play a team of a similar level to Foxton, hopefully get a win to try and build some confidence after last weeks upset. With the return of Ashley Walter and Paul (Tino) Baird from holiday and the addition of another new face, from out of town, the bench looked quite strong. An absentee today was Benny Murray with flu and also Peter Rice who was unavailable. The game started brightly and the early play was fairly even. Darren Bates was up to his normal tricks early on and tormented the Girton defenders throughout. Gt Shelford took an early lead when Gareth Jones was put through and with just the goalkeeper to beat coolly slotted the ball home. Half time came with the home side still leading by the single goal. The early part of the second half started in much the same fashion. Gradually Shelford began to dominate in the midfield area and it was a surprise when after a slack pass Girton broke away to score. However, it was good to see that this just seemed to motivate the players to up their work rate even more. The three subs were introduced and their performances showed that we are gradually a squad with depth to it. Gt Shelford went on to score another two goals to run 3-1 winners against good opposition. All of the players played well today, the work rate was superb. The last pre season friendly is on Saturday when a team of a sprinkling of 1st team join with some of the 'A' team to take on Royston Town Youth. Ko 3pm at Royston.

Terry Willson trophy. Gt Shelford 0 Foxton 3 [5 Aug @ 10:21pm]

So the first semi-serious pre-season game ends in a defeat. At times we played ok at other times we were awful. We missed enough chances to have won several games before Foxton scored and then during the second half we were caught out in defence by a lack of concentration. A young Foxton side will think they deserved their win and I would not argue with that because as they say quite rightly 'it's goals that count'. Our opponents showed their resolve from the first whistle with a bad late challenge on a Gt Shelford player. It seemed their intent to work hard and stop Gt Shelford playing any sort of passing game and on a small playing area the tactic worked. Having said that Gt Shelford shaded the first half and looked set to go on and win. As the second half go under way Shelford really got on top and dominated for a while. After some swift passing the ball was touched across the Foxton area and with the goal at his mercy a Shelford player blazed over the bar. Soon afterward Darren Bates, who had come in for some rough treatment, fired a cross almost along the goal line and although several Shelford players slid in they all failed to get a touch. Again after some good play another simple chance was missed. Add this to a couple of good chances missed in the first half and we could have been 5-0 up. But their keeper actually did not have to make a save as we failed to hit the target. Add to this the two or three set pieces which we wasted and I guess the writing was on the wall. We were caught on the break by some lack lustre defending after about 65 minutes when asimple cross to our far post caught us out. A few minutes later we were 2-0 down when we were caught by a break through the centre of our defence and about 10 minutes later we were caught with one defender against three Foxton attackers as they scored their third. So the good news is no points lost today. Last year we had a great pre-season, winning every game, but an awful first month of league games. Today some problems became apparent, but that's one of the reasons for playing these games. Now is the time to find and sort out these problems. We have good players, 8 new faces in today's line up. All of the players are keen to do well. They will put things right.

Eynesbury 4 Gt Shelford 2 Pre season friendly. [28 Jul @ 9:32pm]

This second pre-season game against higher stature opposition once again saw us concede 4 goals. To be fair to the lads the game was played on a very tight pitch next to their ground as work was being done on their ground. The game was once again played over three half hours and was by a seep sloping playing area with a strong wind favoring the team kicking down. Needless to say we lost the toss and ended up playing up the slope and against the wind for two thirds of the game. We concede three goals in the first period, pretty well all of which were down to either defensive errors by individuals or not defending properly as a team. We responded through a Darren Bates penalty after he was brought down with a tackle from behind. Later in the game we were denied what looked like a certain penalty when Gareth Jones was hauled to the floor. Gareth did score our second with a thunderbolt volley from the edge of the area. It's doubtful that we'll meet teams this season who are as strong as we've played in our last two games. Over the next two weeks we need to ready ourselves for the new season. It looks as though the squad is taking shape with as many as 8 new players this season. It would be good to see the players gel quickly and give us a good start to the season.

Gt Shelford 1 Cambridge City 4 [25 Jul @ 8:58pm]

This pre season friendly was an intereseting game from a Gt Shelford point of view. The game started with Shelford fielding 6 new players, most of whom were playing their first game together. In reality Shelford, after a very bright start could well have been 2 goals in front before City took the lead from a slightly dubious penalty! City then got on top for a while scoring a couple of quick goals to put the game out of sight. As Shelford once again got to grips with things they made difficult for a full strength City team and, to their credit, defended stoutly. After the game I think everybody agreed that this was a very satisfactory run out for Gt Shelford and bodes well for the new season. It really does not look like we'll miss those who have left us as they have been replaced with real quality. Actually that may be why they chose to go, they were worried about retaining their place in the side. On the evidence of this I think we'll be challenging at the top again.

Friendly. Gt Shelford 3 Hardwick 3 [15 Jul @ 1:49pm]

This first pre-season friendly as we approach the new season proved to be a worthwhile workout. Gt Shelford fielded four of their new signings during the three half hour segments of the game all all looked to be excellent additions to the squad. On the down side we conceded three goals but we always looked capable of going up a gear when it was needed. Our goals were scored by Darren Bates, Buster Harradine and Paul Izzard. We certainly looked physically stronger than last season and capable of continuing with our slick passing game. At the moment out next game is against Cambridge City on July 25th at St Catherines college kick off at 2pm followed by a game at Eynesbury on the 28th 7pm kick off.

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