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WESTBURY CELTIC 1 - 3 CHURCH HILL

November 15, 2009

In recent weeks Beauch and Pabs had struggled to name a bench but today there were 18 players present with 16 available for selection. The returning Harris, Kendall and Connolly were all put straight into the starting line up alongside the recently suspended Green now available for selection after much work behind the scenes by the Church Hill FC manager and secretary as well as Phil himself. The formation was the same 4-3-3 but a noticeable surprise was the selection of Green in a midfield role rather than his more more orthodox position up front.
On what is probably the best pitch in the league the game got underway, pre match predictions from the judge and his apprentice were in the bag and with decent playing conditions underfoot Church started to place their authority on the game. Particularly impressive was the defensive duo of Harris and Savery who were solid and reliable at the back and Alex Troth who was dominating the middle of the park with his aggression and skill. The pace of Hicks, Kendall and Grogan was a constant threat to the Westbury defence and it came as no surprise when Hicks was slipped through down the left hand side and cut in before unleashing a drilled shot across the keeper and into the far bottom corner. Before this another penalty had been awarded against Church after Savery raised his hands in the box and the ball deflected off his out stretched foot. A brilliant save from Hewitt, outstanding all season so far, ensured that Church's first successful strike on goal was not an equaliser but in fact the first goal of the game.
Church continued to press forward and their superior pace and movement saw Grogan double the Church lead half way the first half despite his best efforts to almost completely miss the ball. Back though came Westbury and a misjudgement from Keeper Hewitt

saw Westbury reduce the arrears to just one and both teams went into the break.
The game was finely poised at 2-1 identical to that of the half time position last week against South Redditch. Church very much aware of this fact came out positively and determined to increase the lead. Although Church were clearly the fitter and more threatening team it was Westbury who created the first real gilt-edged opportunity. Good link up play resulting in the number 10 running through 1v1 only to sky his effort way over the bar with just the keeper to beat. Church continued to press and move up the field and chances were beginning to present themselves regularly. Efforts from Hicks, Green and Grogan were all saved but an excellent low cross shot from Kendall resulted in the ball being bundled home by Savery and Church's lead being doubled.
Substitutes Wright and Adams were introduced to the fray and both had efforts well saved by an impressive Westbury keeper and the introduction of Frampton further increased the entertainment on offer. The game eventually petered out with Church finishing 3-1 winners. A very good result against decent opposition and a chance for the team, management and committee to go away for the weekend break in a happy and relaxed mood. Church will return to action against Woodys in the league in two weeks time knowing that in just under a month’s time they will have a third crack at beating South Redditch to look forward to!
MoM - Alex Troth, skilful, powerful and always a threat, only his decision making let him down today!

Tuzza

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Craig Frampton
for Russ Ager
 
Joe Adams
for Marc Grogan

Mark Wright
for Ross Kendall

Tom Troth
not used

Paul O’Brien
not used