Match Report - CALDICOT WFC - 09 Sep 2021

In a well contested, and ultimately fairly even, game, the Welsh visitors came out on top by the single goal that they earned, especially in the early part of the game.

The manager, Paul Rogers, had selection problems to contend with first, but did this in line with the expectations of the club as a whole, by picking a side who had been regular attendees at weekly sessions.

However, for the next game, against Peasedown, there will be a different side, meaning that everybody is getting fair time playing matches for the club.

Rodgers must be congratulated for this and the way he has handled a potentially tricky situation, showing why he is a Vice Chairman at the club, and a highly valued member of the group.

The game started slightly late due to the issues on the M5 that caused Cheddar's opponents to be delayed, however once the game started the visitors seemed to settle better and created a number of chances, but the Cheddar defence held firm with Richens commanding, and Bob Bunn looking impressive throughout.

However, this particular combination was instrumental in the opening Caldicot goal, as a shot by the Caldicot player was blocked, or so he thought, by Richens, but, in fact simply, deflected the ball wide of Bunn to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

There were a number of substitutions made by Rodgers during the game and this helped the team in many ways, with fitness, levels, however it did not help the situation with regards to continuity of the team, despite being the right thing to do in the name of fairness.

It was soon 2-0, as the Caldicot side were dominating slightly and got another goal which gave them the confidence to keep attacking,

However, the Cheddar side was “digging in deep” and soon they got a goal back coming through the impressive Sean Palfrey who smashed home from close range, giving the keeper no chance.

The game was 2-1 at the break, and it was all to play for! The second half saw the Cheddar side take more territorial dominance, and possession, but the Caldicot side always looking dangerous on the break, and it was from such a breakaway that the visitors virtually sealed the match by going 3-1 up with Bunn unable, despite his best efforts, to keep the ball out of the net.

There was a glimmer of hope towards the end for that other side as Palfrey got the second of his brace, to make the score 3-2, but despite a lot of “huffing and puffing” and great effort, the home side could not get the equaliser that their performance probably deserved.

All in all, this was a well competed and enjoyable game to play in for all players, and once handshakes (well, fist bumps – covid and all that!!) were completed, both teams retired to The Cider Barn to have a couple of drinks and a lot of laughs!