Third Team Match Reports

Wotton Rovers 'A' 2 - 7 Minchinhampton 'A'

Saturday 5 November 2005

Stroud League Division 5

Wotton's third defeat on the trot was not as bad as the score line reflects. The home side, having the better of the first 15 minutes, went ahead after a great passing movement between Mike Thompson, Clint Hopkins and Tay Jones, the latter finishing with a fine volley that gave the keeper no chance. Minchinhampton responded within 5 minutes with a quality overhead kick and then went ahead with a stunning strike from 18 yards. Just before half time Wotton won a free kick 25 yards out, Hopkins stepped up to curl the ball into the top corner to bring the scores back level. The home side continued to create chances into the second half but were unable to convert. Then, with 20 minutes left, fitness and the quality of a very strong 'Minch' side showed with Wotton conceding 5 quick goals. A fine spirit was displayed by the whole Wotton team especially from 'Man of the Match' Calvin Buckley. Thanks to Wotton Rovers 'A' kit sponsors, Lee Butler Building.

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Wotton Rovers 'A' 1 - 3 Athletico Severn Res

Saturday 29 October 2005

Stroud League Division 5

Wotton thirds took to the field with a young but talented side. They were up against a team that is renowned for playing good football so the game got off to a frantic start. Severn looked to be in control but soon Wotton's fast passing game allowed them to take control. The wind was strong and in the home side's favour and it led to the opening goal after just 5 minutes. A long ball by Cliff Powell was headed backwards by Roberts in the visitor's defence and was in turn miss-headed backwards by their centre half and out of the reach of the flailing keeper in the Severn goal. At the time this was a fortuitous goal but the home side went on to dominate the first half and were well worth their lead. The visitors seemed more concerned about arguing amongst themselves and questioning decisions rather than playing football. Fish and Jones in the Wotton attack were a constant menace to the visitors but the pressure was not converted to goals.

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Wotton Rovers ‘A’ 3 – 1 Gloucester Civil Service

Saturday 8 October 2005

Stroud League Division 5

Wotton bounced back to winning ways in style after two consecutive cup defeats. With Wayne Bloodworth failing to convert a couple of chances for Wotton and a disallowed goal for Gloucester, the honours were even heading for the break. However, Tay Jones found himself with the ball 25 yards out on the right and decided to shoot striking a great goal for Wotton’s first, proving himself yet again in only his first season for the Club.With the persisting rain spoiling Wotton’s passing movement, the home side got on top in the second half. Refusing to sit on the lead, Wotton’s Clint Hopkins got his reward with a diving header from a ball clipped in by Jones. As Wotton’s defence kept it tight at the back, chances continued for Wotton, eventually scoring their third when a Hopkins free kick was beat out only for Bloodworth to follow up with the tap-in. Tomlin worked well in midfield and Ryan Fish along with Mike Thompson worked hard on the flanks. Wotton nearly got a fourth when sub, Chris Collins, put in a cross for Jones to narrowly miss. With 10 minutes to go Gloucester got a consolation goal, which was unfortunate for Rob West and James Barber at the back for Wotton, who had both put in a solid performance.

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Dursley Town ‘A’ 3 – 4 Wotton Rovers ‘A’

Saturday 17 September 2005

Stroud League Division 5

Wotton started this season’s campaign with a well-worked win, in a game where both teams produced some quality football with spirit and sportsmanship. Wotton had the best of the opening chances with James Barber and Aaron Knight going close before Tony Buckley fired home Wotton’s first in the 13th minute. It was therefore unfortunate that the Dursley equaliser came from a Wotton own-goal. With a well-balanced first half coming to a close, Wotton took the upper hand with a cracking 20 yard strike from Clint Hopkins two minutes before the break.

Wotton continued to pressurise Dursley at the start of the second half, with strikers form Jack Stanbridge and Tay Jones working hard to create chances. Jones finally got his reward as he fired home a 25-yard goal to put Wotton up 3-1. Dursley refused to let the game slip away and came back well with the first of two goals from Tom Deacon. Half way through the second half, veteran goalkeeper, ‘Dirt’ Davies, produced the best of three great saves to keep Wotton in front, before a fine knock from Rob West saw Wotton's 4th coming off the head of Tony Buckley in the 75th minute. Yet Dursley continued to press, earning and converting a penalty making a tense last five minutes for the Wotton boys. Nevertheless, they held out with good defensive work from the back four for a hard-earned 4-3 win.

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