Unless otherwise stated all match reports relate to Division Two

Match Reports by Steve Lane, Caldicot Town FC

SEASON 2006-07

Wednesday 25 April 2007

Caldicot 2 - 0 Penrhiwceiber

Caldicot's run of clean sheets continued as they shut out Ceiber which makes it five in a row without conceding, although it's a tough one on Saturday as they travel to Garw.

Caldicot looked a little subdued at the start but Ceiber never really looked like scoring either.  It was very tight for the first half an hour or so with neither side taking any control of things.  Caldicot passed it well enough on the bobbly pitch but without any real penetration and Ceiber defended well and also played some nice stuff too.  It was very even in the first period, the only real chance fell to the home side when good work down the left channel from Jason Thorn exposed the away defence, he slid the ball to Lloyd Stone who controlled his effort with a side foot, which was heading into the far corner only for the keeper to make a smart save.  It was 0-0 at the break.

The second half began in a similar vein, both teams were creating a little more but not passing so well and there were no clear cut chances to speak of.  And indeed, it took a fluke to open the scoring.  Ceiber looked to be breaking down the heart of the Town defence only for keeper Smallcombe to sweep up nicely with a massive clearance that went as high as it went long.  It swirled a bit and was falling just inside the opposition area.  It seemed harmless and the keeper was under it to collect on the full.  But then horror struck for the Ceiber keeper, the ball moved in the air and sort of held up.  He adjusted himself forward two yards but slipped a little in doing so and the ball bounced right in front of him only for him to flap at it.  It looped over his head and nestled into the bottom corner to the amusement of the home support.

The keeper was still shaking his head 15 minutes later when he let in the decisive second.  Well I say let in, it was in fact a wonderful piece of play from the unusually quiet Gareth Culllimore.  Lloyd Stone chipped a ball over the left backs head into Cullimore's path on about the point of the six yard box.  He stretched to reach it and the touch was magnificent, but what followed was better.  He pulled the trigger with his left foot as he was falling away and rifled a half volley into the far corner for a quite stunning goal.  It was now 2-0 and game over, although the best chance was still yet to come.  A quick free kick was taken and Cullimore was again away in a very similar area only this time the workaholic Jason Thorn had screamed for a square ball which duly arrived on a plate with garnish.  He pulled back the right foot from no more than four yards to slot home.  However, the ball had other ideas, and sailed high over the bar and almost into the next county for an embarrassing miss, again to the delight of the home fans.  And it didn't even bobble.

Caldicot will now go to Garw on Saturday facing the first of three very tough games against the top two sides, with West End visiting Caldicot next week and then second placed Cambrian & Clydach the following Wednesday.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Lloyd, Wenzel, Heywood, Guy, Edwards, Stone, Sharratt, Cullimore, Thorn, Williams. Subs: Vers (for Edwards), Addis (for Stone), Windsor (for Williams)

Saturday 3 February 2007

Caldicot 0 - 0 Troedyrhiw

Caldicot could have and should have had this game sewn up by half time and in the end could have won by five or six. But, it was a case of missed chances again for Town in front of goal, although the Troedyrhiw keeper was incredible and earned his side what could prove to be a vital point.

Caldicot created bundles of chances on their newly rolled pitch but failed to turn any of the chances into goals and lost two points because of it.  Although, it was not for the lack of trying, and early on could have taken the lead when Gareth Cullimore rattled the bar from a flicked header from a corner in the opening minutes, then after ten or so minutes Peter Little shot into next year with a 30 yard drive (even he will say it was 'fairly wild').  The first half continued in a similar vein with Caldicot pressing but without any real quality in the final third.  It was 0-0 at the break

After the introduction of Edwards for Bundock at half time (off with a suspected broken nose), Town created more chances using his pace down the left but still could not get the ball over the line.  Just one chance turned into a goal would have been more than enough on a day that saw the opposition have zero shots on target.  It was not to be though, and the more the game went on and the more chances were missed by Town, it was clear that Rhiw were going to get a point.

Caldicot had their best chance though midway through the second half.  Neil Windsor missed a spot kick, which to be very fair was excellently saved by the outstanding keeper from the away side.  Cullimore was chasing an over hit cross going towards the corner flag when he was accidentally tripped.  The assistant immediately put his flag to his chest and the ref gave it.  No blame can be attributed to Neil though, for the miss, it was just an excellent save.

James Smallcombe in goal for Town had virtually nothing to deal with for long periods, and when he did, his handling was superb.  On a perfect day weather wise, Caldicot should have run out comfortable winners over a strong but lacking in quality, Troedyrhiw, but it was not to be and both teams took another point towards promotion.

Also, on a more serious note, as mentioned above, there was a suspected broken nose for Caldicot midfielder Andrew Bundock, when he clashed heads with his team-mate Richard Sharratt midway through the first half.  As he trundled over to the side, it could be seen straight away that it was not as it should be and at half time he duly left the game to seek medical assessment (Caroline won't be happy).

Also, from now on, as much as possible, I thought it would be interesting to rate the players:

Caldicot: Smallcombe 7, Windsor 7, Wenzel 7, Heywood 8, Little 7, Cullimore 6, Vers 5, Sharratt 5, Bundock 6, Thorn 6, Williams 7 Subs: Edwards (for Bundock, 45) 6, Unused Subs: Lane & Wetter. Star man today was Gareth Heywood who was exemplary.

Saturday 27 January 2007 

Cardiff Corries 2 - 3 Caldicot 

Caldicot survived a second half comeback from the home team to maintain their promotion chase.  Two more goals from Jason Thorn added to an early strike from Mark Williams and were just enough to see off their hosts.

Caldicot started brightly creating a couple of early chances and could easily have been 3-0 up after half an hour but for better finishing, Gareth Cullimore having the easiest of the chances, skying a free header over from an excellent Neil Windsor free kick.  They did take the lead though minutes later.   

A corner was half cleared and Richard Sharratt lifted the ball back over his shoulder towards goal.  As the Corries defence rushed out looking for offside, Mark Williams evaded the flag and volleyed in from 15 yards giving the keeper little chance.   

Caldicot were then guilty of missing an even easier chance when Williams was set through by Jason Thorn but shot way too early and off balance. When it seemed like he should take another touch or two to close in on goal, he didn't, and the ball ended up wide by five or six yards. It was 1-0 at the break. 

The second half started with Town again in the ascendancy, and they duly added to their lead when Thorn latched on to a through ball from Cullimore to slot past the keeper for 2-0.   

Corries though were looking at better side as the half progressed and were pressing Town further and further back.  After an hour, the build up of pressure told and Caldicot's defence was split open like a ripe coconut being hit by a sledgehammer.  Two passes from back to front did the damage and the Corries forward slotted passed James Smallcombe to halve the deficit. 

Town seemed to then implode and conceded another about 10 minutes later.  At this point there only looked like one winner and it was not the away side.  Gareth Heywood handled a flick on from a corner and the ref had no choice put to give a penalty, which was slotted in with Smallcombe wrong footed. 

Town though always had pace to trouble Corries at the back and almost straight after the restart they got lucky when Thorn was set free to slot home an almost exact copy of the first one he had scored 20 minutes before.  The only difference being the ball finishing in the other corner.  Town held on to a vital three points to keep in touch at the top, and with a home match against Troedyrhiw next week, they can cement their place with a win over one of their promotion rivals.   

And speaking of the promotion race, Town have still to play Garw, West End and Penrhiwceiber in this second half of the season. 

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Little, Heywood, Wenzel, Windsor, Vers, Cullimore, Sharratt, Edwards, Thorn, Williams.  Subs: Bundock (for Edwards, 80) Unused Subs: Lane & Wetter.

Saturday 13 January 2007

Shamrock Travel Cup, Round Four

Caldicot Town 0 - 2 Bettws

Caldicot had a terrible day at the office and crashed out to Bettws who have now won twice at Jubilee Way this season.  It started badly for Town when they conceded after only five minutes when Bettws midfielder Steve Amos, ran past three Town players and side-footed a tame shot into the bottom corner with keeper James Smallcombe unable to get in position to stop it as the wind aided it in. 

It then got worse for Town who had Captain David Lloyd sent off once again for getting involved when he shouldn't have after a challenge from Peter Little was rightly given as a foul to the away side.

To their credit though, Town kept it tight and on an increasingly difficult pitch, they held it at the break to the odd goal.

The second half began and Town now playing with the fairly strong wind thought they would be in with a chance, but a lack of fire up front culminating in only one effort at goal in the whole game was to be one of their downfalls.  Bettws were forced into a substitute at half time when their left back got injured just before the break.  His replacement, the number 14, was very solid and held it together for them as they shut out Caldicot completely.  

With about 20 minutes to go, Bettws sealed their win with an attack down the right and a cute through ball for striker Anthony Rowlands.  He shot low under Smallcombe and it nestled in the bottom corner.

The ref evened the numbers to 10 v 10 with five minutes to go when the Bettws right back hauled down Jason Thorn when he was clear on goal.  He was red-carded instantly, but Thorn's effort from the resultant free kick was easily saved by the keeper.

The away side thoroughly deserved their win and a place in the semi where they will face Goytre Utd who put out Neath Athletic 2-0 after extra time today.  The other match, Tredegar v Bridgend was again postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Heywood, Stone, Wenzel, Little, Cullimore, Lloyd, Sharratt, Moores, Thorn, Guy Subs: Edwards (for Guy, 65), Vers (for Moores, 65), Windsor (for Cullimore, 75)

Saturday 28 October 2006

Garden Village 3 - 3 Caldicot

Unbelievable and farcical are the only words to describe this game, or the last ten minutes anyway.

Town fell behind to a first half penalty after a foul by Peter Little on the very edge of the box.  It was slotted in for 1-0 to the home team at the break. James Smallcombe made one other excellent save in the first half down low to his right after a mistake from Jacob Guy, who was robbed on the edge of the area when trying to dribble out, which was the only real thing to note in the first period.

The drama then unfolded in the second 45, with Caldicot taking total command of the game for most of the half, and they impressively went from one down to one up with goals from Richard Sharratt, playing in his more favoured centre midfield role, and a header from Mark Williams at the near post. 

The first from Sharratt was made by some hard work from Gareth Cullimore down the right.  He slid in the force an error from the left back who sliced the ball out of play.  He then had piece of mind to take a very quick throw to Williams who turned, beat a man and prodded the ball with his toe into the path of Sharratt, who had one touch to set himself and unleashed a lobbing shot which finished in the top corner.

The other goal was a near post header from Williams from an superb Little cross deep into left wing territory.

At this point there was only going to be one team winning, but Town lost there shape almost immediately from the restart and Village were level.  The ball fell to a player 20 yards out who fired low into the opposite corner.  It was an excellent strike.

Then the drama happened.  Gary Moores went down clutching his nose on the penalty spot after mis-heading the ball and gave himself concussion.  He was replaced by Will Vers.

After five minutes of treatment, the referee dropped the ball for Village to give back to Town's keeper.  He did so, but the Village number 7, decided that he would smash it in the net and give his team a goal, and with only five minutes left.  The referee had no option but to give the goal.  So Caldicot restarted after verbals across the dugouts, and some of the home team players were letting Williams dribble the ball down field to score, but a couple of others weren't and he was tackled and the ball was cleared. 

This was very reminiscent of Arsenal v Sheffield Utd from a few years back, or Chesterfield v Gillingham in the FA Cup the year before last, when a Spirite player inadvertently scored after lobbing the ball back to the Gills keeper who misjudged the bounce and the ball went in.  Chesterfield though, were very sporting as any other team would be and let the Gills score from the restart.  It happened too in a game between Yeovil and Plymouth, when exactly the same happened.  However, it seemed that Garden Village were not so sporting.  

So then in became farcical and Town players lost their heads and were diving into challenges and committing fouls way off the ball.  The referee could only award a free kick on the edge of the area to Town, who again looked at the Village players to ask them if they were going to let them score, and again some did, but the keeper didn't and as Williams again was taking the ball over the line, he saved it and cleared the ball up field. 

Caldicot felt that Village were going to get a 3-2 win by unsporting behaviour, and the Village manager was not doing or saying anything to his players to try and rectify the situation.

So with one minute left, and several bookings later in a short four minutes period, Town actually won a legitimate free kick 25 yards out.  Williams, helped by captain David Lloyd again tried to take the ball through to score but all the Village team this time tried to stop them and so the ball rebounded to Thorn who smashed a shot from 25 yards into the bottom corner of the net to the dismay of the Village keeper, who was clearly trying to get a win for his team.

So in the end Town got a point and it's now three, three-threes in a row which must be some kind of record

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Wenzel, Little, Guy, Heywood, Cullimore, Moores, Sharratt, Lloyd, Thorn Williams Subs: Vers (for Moores, 85), Unused: Lane and Edwards

Saturday 21 October 2006

Caldicot 3 - 3 Pontyclun

Caldicot managed to get exactly the same result in exactly the same scoring sequence for the second game in a row, but this time it was down to a change of system which was their downfall and it was definitely two points dropped against their bogey team.

It was more of the same from last week as Caldicot conceded late goals after having the lead for most of the match.

Although, they had three great chances late on but could not take advantage of the opportunities and were to rue the misses when Clun were awarded a very dubious penalty in the last minute to make the final score 3-3.

Next week Town head to Gowerton to face Garden Village at Stafford Common, where they have drawn for the last three years in a row.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Wenzel, Guy, Heywood, Little, Vers, Lloyd, Cullimore, Moores, Thorn, Williams. Subs: Sharratt (for Guy, 70), Edwards (for Thorn, 75), Lane (for Williams, 80).

Saturday 14 October 2006

Troedyrhiw 3 - 3 Caldicot

Caldicot headed to top of the table Rhiw and should have come away with three points, but a point that they got in the end would have been taken at the start.

Jason Thorn scored three excellent goals but Town conceded three poor goals and two late on after being 3-1 up with 20 minutes to go.

Caldicot looked full of confidence at the start of the game and some early pressure was rewarded when Thorn opened the scoring when was played through by Gareth Cullimore down the right.  His pace took him away from the last defender and he coolly fired the ball into the top left of the net.  Ten minutes later Town were two up and looked to be cruising.  A shot from the edge of the area was sliced badly and it looked like it was going harmlessly out for a goal kick, but left back Peter Little had other ideas and hooked it back into play with his right foot perfectly onto the head of Thorn who powered it right into the top corner with the keeper left stranded.

Town then conceded a very unlucky goal after a bit of pinball in the area. The ball twice being hooked off the line, the second time to a player on the edge of the area who struck a shot which looked to be going wide only for it to take a wicked deflection off Gareth Heywood and loop over James Smallcombe in goal to make it 2-1 at half time.  It could have 2-2 when a Rhiw striker hit the under side of the bar from 12 yards.  The ball though didn't cross the line.

The second period started with Town again taking control and they duly increased their lead when Thorn ran on to a through ball to roll a left foot side foot past the keeper.  Town then sustained some pressure and almost added a fourth when a well worked corner was met at the near post by Cullimore who clipped it towards goal.  It hit the keeper without him knowing anything about it and rebounded to safety for the home team.

They were almost killed off but reacted strongly to their good fortune and as Town started to defend deeper and deeper they got themselves back into it and earned a point courtesy of two late goals which were largely gifted to them by Caldicot.  Newcastle-esque defending was the problem with the number nine sneaking in six yards out after a bit of hesitancy to fire the equaliser.

It felt like two points dropped for Caldicot, but it was definitely a point gained.

Next week Caldicot host Pontyclun who have been somewhat of a bogey team for Town in the past few seasons.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Wenzel, Heywood, Sharratt, Little, Vers, Cullimore, Lloyd, Moores, Williams, Thorn.  Subs: Guy (for Moores, 70), Lane (for Little, 75) Unused Sub: Roberts

Saturday 30 September 2006

Caldicot 2 - 1 Briton Ferry

Caldicot beat their Neath-based opponents with a penalty midway through the second period, but could have been out of site by then.

It was a much better performance than last week's debacle at Caerau and Town were again making chances.  They took a 1-0 lead thanks to a left foot strike from the inform Jason Thorn who was fed by Mark Williams after he had turned a defender when receiving a ball from right back Steve Lane.  The pass looked a touch hard but Thorn wrapped his foot around it perfectly and it nestled in the bottom corner after eluding the keeper's despairing dive.

Town then should have gone two up when another move down the right starting from keeper James Smallcombe.  He rolled out a goal kick to Richard Sharratt who played square to Steve Lane, who in turn played a ball in behind the left back for Thorn to run onto.  He beat the covering centre half for pace and squared for Gary Moores, making his first start for Town, but a last ditch tackle denied a two yard tap in and the ball deflected up and onto the bar off Moores, out for a goal kick.

Soon after, Town had another decent chance when another move down the right saw Lane free 15 yards out after a cross from Cullimore, but instead of pulling the trigger, he tried to square to Moores who was free, but the last defender blocked and cleared for a corner.

Town were though caught just before half time, when a mix up at the back let in a Ferry striker.  He was hauled back by Sharratt who was booked. From the free kick, Smallcombe was rooted to his spot as the ball went right in the top corner for 1-1 at the break.

The second half was a tight affair for the first half of it with both teams making half chances and playing some decent football.  It was Town though who got the break. The ref finally gave them a decision when a handball was spotted by him and he pointed to the spot.  Moores had the ball at his feet after the Ferry keeper had come out the punch the initial cross.  He struck a right foot shot which was heading in only for the defender to try and get away with the handling. He didn't and was sent off.  David Lloyd stepped forward to slot home for what turned out to be the winner.

There were a couple of scares for Town but no real clear chances for the away side to grab an unlikely point and late on Town substitute Ben Roberts, making his first first-team appearance, lobbed just over the bar after he received a pass from a free from Lloyd.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Lane Sharratt, Heywood, Little, Cullimore, Vers, Lloyd, Moores, Thorn, Williams Subs: Wenzel (for Cullimore, 60), Edwards (for Moores, 70), Roberts (for Williams, 80) Booked: Sharratt, Heywood, WIlliams, Lloyd, Lane

Saturday 23 September 2006

Caerau Ely 3 - 2 Caldicot

Caldicot lost their second game away in Ely.  They fought back from 2-0 down to get to 2-2 only to lose by the odd goal scored from a header from a corner with about 10 minutes to go.

It really wasn't a good performance though from Town who would have been lucky to get a point.  Caerau created most of the chances in the first half and duly scored after half an hour when a flick from the tall centre forward deceived the Town defence and the strike partner ran on to fire past the out-rushing James Smallcombe.  Caerau nearly doubled their lead five minutes later when a blatant offside was not given.  Gareth Heywood recovered though and made a goal saving tackle.

Caldicot looked lethargic up front and weren't creating anything of any muster.  The best chance probably fell to Jason Thorn when he was fed in down the inside right channel by Steve Lane, but he fired wide.  The other chance of any note fell to centre half Richard Sharratt who was up for a free kick.  The ball fell to him at the far post, he turned inside onto his left foot but dragged his shot into the side-netting from the angle of the six yard box.

The second half was barely five minutes old when Caldicot made a change, introducing Garry Moores for his debut, replacing Andrew Edwards down the left.  Ten minutes later, Joe Martin came on down the right, replacing Steve Lane.  The changes were not to change the course of the match though and Town fell further behind when a through ball was latched onto by the tall centre forward who shot low past Smallcombe for 2-0.

Town then sprung into some sort of life and replied almost straight away.  A free kick was floated in by David Lloyd and met by the head of Mark Williams whose header beat the keeper for 2-1.  Lloyd then scored an equalizer when he ran 30 yards and played a 1-2 with Williams and poked home from 12 yards and it was on the cards for Town to steal a win.

But instead, they left the centre midfielder ghost in unmarked to powerfully head a corner in with 10 minutes to go and sealed Town's away day blues.

Caldi now host a very much improved Cardiff Corries next Saturday at Jubilee Way, followed by a week off for the international weekend.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Lane, Sharratt, Heywood, Little, Wenzel, Edwards, Lloyd, Vers, Thorn, Williams. Subs: Moores (for Edwards, 50), Martin (for Lane, 60) Unused Sub: Adanski

Saturday 16 September 2006

Caldicot 0-1 Cwmbran Celtic

FAW Welsh Cup, Round One

How Caldicot are not in round two is almost beyond belief. The Celtic goalkeeper was incredible and must have made five or six amazing saves to win his team this game, because they only created two chances in the whole game except right at the end when Town were pushing for an equalizer.

The home side started brightly and got brighter during the first 45 minutes creating a number of chances only to be thwarted by the keeper on each occasion.  Jason Thorn was lively up front for Town and on another day may have scored four or five in the first half. The best of these chances came when he played a one-two with Gareth Cullimore, who was partnering him up front in the absence of Wayne Morley, and struck a powerful shot which was heading for the top corner. The keeper dived high to his right and palmed it away to the disbelief of Thorn and everyone else.

Celtic did have a chance just before the goal, when James Smallcombe failed to hold a shot from 15 yards, but the rebound was put wide.  Minutes later though Caldicot were shown the harsh side of football.  Celtic's number six picked the ball up in his own half and ran direct beating three Town players and sliding the ball into the path of the number 11 who slotted a right foot shot into the corner right on half time.

Town then started the second half in the same fashion, with good passing, good possession and a few more chances, although not as many as in the first half.  Andrew Wenzel had the best chance when a cross from the left eluded the defence and fell at his feet.  He struck the ball low and hard, but again the keeper was not to be beaten and tipped it around the post.

From the resulting corner, another effort, this time from Cullimore, a volley from 20 yards was again superbly saved and cleared.  It was turning into one of those days. Caldi were just never going to get the goal.

Three changes were made with about 20 minutes to go, but they didn't change the game and Celtic held out to progress to the next round.  They even might have made it 2-0 late on with Town pushing for the equalizer, but keeper Smallcombe made an unbelievable save from point blank range to deny the Celtic striker.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Lane, Sharratt, Heywood, Little, Edwards, Wenzel, Lloyd, Jenkins, Cullimore, Thorn  Subs: Windsor, Wetter, Vers (for Lane, Wenzel, Jenkins)

Saturday 9 September 2006

Ely Rangers 2 - 2 Caldicot aet (1-1 after 90 mins)

Caldicot won 5-3 on Pens

Shamrock Travel Cup Round One

Caldicot won after five coolly taken penalties after an enthralling game at Ely Rangers.

Wayne Morley scored from the spot early on after he was fouled when clean through on goal, no action was taken against the defender however which seemed to get forgotten amongst the shouts for a penalty.

Rangers though, showed why they are in Division One after Town had gone ahead, with some nice possession and a couple of decent chances, but Caldicot also looked a threat going forward and it was very evenly balanced for much of the first period, and indeed much of the game.

The best chance for Rangers came when keeper James Smallcombe tipped over a stinging left foot volley to keep Town ahead at the break.

The second half started with Town facing an awkward setting sun, but defended the high long ball well.  The equalizer was on the cards though and it duly came from a well worked corner from the right.  The first player dummied the near post kick to create space for the number 10 to lash home from eight or so yards and it was 1-1.  Town though also still looked capable of getting another and maybe should have when Richard Sharratt had two good heading opportunities.  The first was parried around the post and the second was agonizingly wide of the other post, both from corners.

Both teams were reduced to pot shots from outside the box with none of them troubling the keepers and so extra time came with neither side wanting to lose it in the last few minutes.

Extra time kicked off and Rangers immediately took the lead for the first time when a lay off back pass  was not dealt with by keeper Smallcombe who let the ball run through his legs without any contact at all to let the number nine pass the ball into the empty net from two yards.

It was a bit of a howler but it was not the end of the drama.

Andrew Edwards had replaced Mark Williams and Andrew Wenzel for Gareth Cullimore half way through the second half and were both teasing the Ely defence with good pace and dribbling, and it was Edwards who created the Town equalizer at the end of the first period of extra time.  He beat two players for pace down the right and crossed superbly for the lively Jason Thorn to prod in from five yards.  The second period though was a bit of a non-event with both sides seemingly resigned to penalties.

It was a repeat of two seasons' ago when Town and Rangers faced each other at the same stage of this competition at Jubilee Way.  Lightning was to strike twice as Caldicot put away all their kicks (Sharratt's by the skin of his teeth).  Rangers though could not match Town and Smallcombe made a crucial save from the third kick.  Town's captain David Lloyd stepped up to take the fifth kick.  The keeper guessed right but could not get there and Town were into Round Two.

Town: Smallcombe, Lane, Sharratt, Heywood, Little, Cullimore, Vers, Lloyd, Thorn, Morley, Williams Subs: Edwards (for Williams, 60), Wenzel (for Cullimore, 65), Jenkins (for Vers, 70)

Saturday 2 September2006

Caldicot 2 - 1 Merthyr Saints

Caldicot saw off Saints but only just in the howling gale at Jubilee Way.

Wayne Morley opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a penalty after a lofted ball over the defence was handled whilst being cleared after good pressure from Morley.

It was a perfect start for Town who were playing into a strong head-wind in the first period. The game then settled and both sides had decent possession with Caldicot playing nice neat passing and Saints looking for balls over the top, using the wind to their advantage as much as they could. 

Town defended well for half an hour but the equalizer came when Merthyr pressured Town in the right back area.  Steve Lane was robbed by Saints' number nine Tristan Towey who beat a player and shot only for his shot to be blocked by Richard Sharratt.  The ball broke free and fell into the path of another player who fired a low shot which was also blocked by Lane trying to make amends, but from the second rebound it again fell kindly for Saints and at the third time of asking, the ball was fired into the top corner for 1-1.

Saints also has a number of corners in succession at one point but failed to even get an effort on target out of them.

That was the score at half time and considering the wind, it was a decent defensive effort to hold it to only 1 goal against.  In fact it was probably one of only two real chances Saints had in the first half.

The second half was even better for Caldi defensively though as they tightened up and it was to be the difference between the teams.  Mark Williams came on in place of Andy Edwards with Jason Thorn switching from his striking role to wide left, for Williams to go right up top with Morley. It was the key factor with Thorn instantly tormenting the right back with his pace and directness, and after about five minutes of Williams entering he was to score the winner, with virtually his first touch.  Thorn beat two or three down the left after receiving a nice pass from Peter Little which allowed him to turn without pressure.  He whipped over a perfect left footed cross which landed on the six yard line for Williams to poke home just in front of the despairing dive of Saints' keeper Jason Pendry.

Town then only had one late scare when Town's keeper, the otherwise excellent, James Smallcombe failed to come for what looked like a routine catch.  Will Vers though saved Town by hooking the ball out for a corner as it dropped over his shoulder with a Saints player right behind him waiting to pounce.

The final whistle was immediately blown as the corner was taken and Town bagged another three points to move up to third after four wins out of five.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Lane, Sharratt, Heywood, Little, Cullimore, Lloyd, Vers, Edwards, Thorn, Morley Subs: Williams (for Edwards, 60) Unused Subs: Stevens, Wetter

Saturday 26 August 2006

Cambrian and Clydach 2 - 1 Caldicot

Caldicot lose their 100% record away at Cambrian on a bobbly pitch.

However it was not the bobbles that denied Town anything, it was just not their day.  Cambrian were more organised and stronger in some areas and especially in the first half they were in control and deservedly were 1-0 up at the interval. 

The excellent left back played a 1-2 with his striker and squared for the other striker who took a nice touch and beat keeper James Smallcombe from close range.

Caldicot looked to be a little subdued after a good start to the season in this one and could not get any meaningful possession and hardly created any chances.  The only clear chance they had was an excellent 30 yard drive from Gareth Cullimore, which the keeper tipped around the post after seeing it quite late.  It was heading for the bottom corner and at 0-0 may have changed the complexion of the match.

Town also had to make a change after half an hour when centre half Lloyd Stone, Wednesday's hero at Tredegar, had to go off after he twisted his right leg badly trying to block the effort for the goal, to be replaced by Steve Lane.

The second half was better from Town and when Jason Thorn escaped the offside trap he looked to have equalised only for his excellent lob to hit the bar and fall straight into the arms of the keeper. 

Town then conceded the killer second almost immediately, when the ball broke down the home sides right.  A lofted ball was played over the head of the Town defence and an unstoppable effort was struck into the very top corner for 2-0 by the number 10. 

With 25 minutes still to play though, Caldicot were still in it and indeed scored when a free kick was nodded down for Cullimore to slot home from close range, after the keeper had tried to go for the initial ball and ended up in no-man's-land.

An equalizer though was not to be found and Town headed home from the Rhondda valley with no points.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Wenzel, Wetter, Stone, Lloyd, Cullimore, Edwards, Sharratt, Bundock, Thorn, Morley Subs: Lane (for Stone, 30 mins), Martin (for Morley, 70 mins), Miles (for Wetter, 80)

Footnote: I would like to add that the welcome and set-up we received from the people involved with Cambrian & Clydach Vale was absolutely first class and second to none in the league (based on the grounds that I  have been to), and I think that anyone who travels up there will agree.

Wednesday 23 August 2006

Tredegar Town 1 - 2 Caldicot Town

Caldicot snatched a last gasp winner at Tredegar to keep up there unbeaten start, their 100% record and to complete a quick double over their Gwent rivals.

Caldicot took the lead midway the first period after being caught offside about six times when only probably one of those times they actually were. But when the flag didn't go up, Peter Little, playing wide left, was not picked up and ran into a huge gap in the Tredegar defence to slot neatly under the excellent Tredegar keeper.

Before the goal, Lloyd stone had an effort ruled out when right back Neil Windsor put an exquisite ball into the box following a clearance from a corner for Stone who had stayed up.  He flung himself at the ball and placed a wonderful header in the corner with the keeper beaten, only to see the assistant's flag unsurprisingly for offside, when it probably wasn't.

Tredegar also made a couple of chances but their finishing let them down until right on half time, their pacey right winger outstripped the Caldicot defence and squared the ball for a close range finish for 1-1 at half time.

The second half was much of the same, with both teams not playing great football but battling hard and creating chances more through endeavour than skill. James Smallcombe, captaining the side for the first time, made a wonderful point blank save when Tredegar did manage to get through midway through the half, and the rebound fell kindly to a Town defender who cleared any danger.

Caldicot did have the ball in the net again when Thorn laid off to Cullimore who placed a lovely left foot drive in the far corner, only for the assistant to flag yet again.  On this occasion he got it right though.

Caldicot made changes towards the end and they proved to be fruitful. Joe Martin replaced Gareth Cullimore, who is still struggling slightly with a groin problem picked up in pre-season, Simon Wetter came on for Andrew Edwards up front and Steve Lane replaced Neil Windsor at the back, who had picked up a slight knock in an earlier challenge.

At first though nothing seemed really to have changed, as it was like for like in all three positions, but then the luck came right at the death.  A quick throw-in taken by Lane to Wetter was nicely laid off into the path of striker Jason Thorn who got a shot away only for it to be blocked by a defender. The ball however looped up some ten or so feet above the players and landed on the head of central defender Lloyd Stone on about the penalty spot. He had a quick look and looped the ball over the keeper who was a bit stranded on his six yard line after having come out to block the initial Thorn effort and into the net for the winner.

The Caldicot players then piled onto Stone in a big heap to congratulate him.

It was a well fought out win even if a little lucky in the end, but three wins from three has left Town in a great position already and they will be looking to add to it away at last season's Division Three champions, Cambrian and Clydach Vale, this coming Saturday in Tonypandy.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, WIndsor, Heywood, Stone, Wenzel, Cullimore, Sharratt, Bundock, Little, Thorn, Edwards  Subs: Martin (for Cullimore, 70), Wetter (for Edwards, 75), Lane (for Windsor, 80)

Saturday 19 August 2006

Caldicot 3 - 2 Ammanford

Caldicot kept one of two 100% records alive in Division Two with a late double to sink Ammanford after the away side had twice taken the lead.

A wonder goal from fully 45 yards gave Ammanford the lead at half time with Caldicot making more of the play but having no cutting edge in the first period. 

The only real chance they had was when Jason Thorn faked a lay off back to Peter Little and so turned the defender only for the excellent keeper to make a save from close range at his near post. 

The only other incidents in the first 45 were two yellow cards which came from the same incident.  Gareth Cullimore was rightly booked for a scything challenge and in the post tackle fracas David Lloyd was booked for getting involved.  Somehow though, the Ammanford player involved in the tackle and the handbags after was not even spoken to by the ref, who had a shocking game.

The second half was a bit better but not much.  A throw-in down the Town left created the first goal with Mark Williams chesting the ball into the path of Thorn who ran onto it and fed the ball between the keepers' legs to equalise. 

Caldicot then went back to sleep and allowed Ammanford to take the lead again when James Smallcombe was rounded and the ball was fired home from a tough angle.  It then got worse, or was it better, when David Lloyd was sent off after receiving a second yellow for another after challenge altercation. 

Caldicot seemed to play much better without Lloyd and with the introduction of Will Vers on for Andrew Edwards.

For Town's second equaliser, a corner from Cullimore was met by Richard Sharratt who nodded down for Mark Williams to sweep in from five yards. 

Town then got lucky with the winner, when Thorn beat a couple of players and prodded the ball with his right foot.  It looped up over the keeper and finished in the bottom corner to grab an unlikely three points.

Caldicot though, will have to play better than this at Tredegar on Wednesday if they want to complete a quick double of their Gwent neighbours.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Windsor, Sharratt, Heywood, Little, Stone, , Lloyd (sent off  - 2 yellows), Cullimore (booked), Thorn, Edwards, Williams

Subs: Vers (for Edwards, 60),Wenzel (for Little, 75), Lane unused.

Wednesday 16 August 2006

Caldicot 3 - 1 Tredegar

Caldicot opened up their league campaign with a routine 3-1 win over Gwent rivals Tredegar, although the result was a little flattering.

Tredegar had at least half the possession and more of the muscle in the first half but still trailed 2-0 at the interval. 

Paul Harris made it 1-0 with a close range tap in after excellent work from winger Andy Edwards down the left for Caldicot.  Edwards left two defenders dead with electric pace and squared for Harris who eased the ball in from five yards with his left.  Edwards then went from provider to scorer 15 minutes later, when he headed a long range cross-field ball from Gareth Cullimore.  The ball looped up over the Tredegar keeper and nestled in the bottom corner for 2-0. 

Tredegar had a couple of chances of their own and were more physical in their approach but were unrewarded and were somewhat unlucky to trail 2-0 at the break.

In the second half both sides again had opportunities to score, but it was the home side who did so first and virtually made sure of the three points with only an hour gone.  Will Vers, who had just replaced Paul Harris, who picked up a nasty knee injury, played a through ball to Wayne Morley who in turn released Jason Thorn who looked about a yard offside.  Thorn, with no whistle in his ear, continued his run clean through and slotted home with a fine right foot effort.

Tredegar did then get themselves on the score sheet when an excellent ball in from the right side was headed in as the attacker got between defenders and goalkeeper.  It was only to be a consolation however and Caldicot made a winning if not fantastic start to the season.

I'm sure they will play better and get less out of a game.  Tredegar now host Caldicot on the 23rd in the return match at Tredegar Leisure complex.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Windsor, Heywood, Stone, Little (booked), Cullimore, Morley (booked), Edwards, Sharratt, Thorn, Harris.

Subs: Vers (for Harris, 55), Lane & Bundock both unused.

SEASON 2005-06

Saturday 22 April 2006

Tredegar 3 - 2 Caldicot

Town's lingering hopes of promotion were killed off by defeat at Gwent rivals Tredegar this weekend. Two goals by Jason Thorn and Wayne Morley were not enough to get anything out of this game and leave Caldicot sixth with only three games to go.

Saturday 8 April 2006

Caldicot 1 - 1 ENTO Aberaman

The fourth 1-1 between these sides in two years keeps both in good positions for promotion, especially ENTO who will go home fairly satisfied with their point, as they were let off today at Jubilee Way.

A long range strike from Gareth Cullimore put Town ahead after about 15 minutes and Caldicot then pressed for a second when a header from Richard Sharratt went close but just the wrong side of the post. 

Not many chances came for either side but Town did well to hang on to a lead though against a strong Aberaman team and an even stronger wind in their face until calamity struck at the back with about ten minutes to go in the first half.  A fierce defensive back pass from Gareth Heywood put keeper James Smallcombe in all sorts of trouble on a bobbly pitch.  His first touch was as good as could have been expected, but bounced up and hit him in the face, then as he went to clear he was closed down and possibly fouled when the attacker seemed to get much more man than ball.  However, the referee saw nothing wrong and the ball was rolled into an empty net for 1-1. 

Smallcombe was then treated for some ten minutes after and struggled through the rest of the match unable to kick.  But with a throw like that of David James, it was not so bad.

The second half was scrappy with the home side just edging the chances overall with the aid of the increasingly strong wind.  Caldicot then got a break when the linesman judged that Cullimore was fouled just inside the box when the defender looked to have got as much of the ball as the man.

The decision was an instant one and Town were not arguing.  Jason Thorn stepped up to take but fired well over the bar and gave Aberaman a big let off.  Thorn who was having a decent game up front for Town looked fairly confident as he strode up but then struck the ball  well and hard and over it went.   However, with the defeat Garden Village at Cardiff Corries it may not prove to be such a big miss come the end of the season.

Town now face their final five matches away starting with a tough trip to Troedyrhiw next Saturday, which could be an even bigger game than this one in the race for promotion.  Caldicot will travel to Merthyr looking to avenge their 1-0 home defeat to Rhiw earlier in the season, when they snatched the win in the dying moments.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Heywood, Stone, Wenzel, Stevens, Vers, Little, Cullimore, Thorn, Morley, Sharratt Subs: Williams (for Morley), Unused Subs: Reed, Wetter

Saturday 1 April 2006

Porthcawl 1 - 3 Caldicot

Caldicot moved up a place in the table after two goals from Jason Thorn and one from Paul Harris were more than enough to complete the double over the struggling seasiders.  Garw could only draw at home against lowly Cardiff Corries.

Wednesday 29 March 2006

Caldicot 1 - 4 Penrhiwceiber

Both teams started fairly slowly, but it was the visitors who were the only ones who got out of first gear in this match.  After Caldicot wasted two or three good chances, Ceiber took the lead and never looked like taking less than three points away with them.

Saturday 11 March 2006

Gwynfi Utd 1 - 5 Caldicot

Cullimore scores three as Town ease to victory against the division's lowest team. And a big shout for Kel Stevens for netting at the wrong end giving Gwynfi their first goal since 4 February 2006.

Saturday 25 February 2006

Caldicot 2 - 0 Abertillery

Caldicot maintained their promotion chase with a 2-0 win over struggling Abertillery with two first half goals, the first from Gareth Cullimore and the second right on the stroke of half time from the penalty spot, converted by David Lloyd after Tyrone Tucker had been fouled.

With Garden Village's away game at Tredegar called off, Town moved four points clear of them but have now played two games more.  Aberaman also beat Garw, which means that Town are now four points off a promotion spot, which is looking like Pontypridd plus two from five including Village and Croesyceiliog who beat Troedyrhiw 2-1.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Thorn, Wenzel, Davies, Heywood, Little, Cullimore, Vers, Lloyd, Tucker, Sharratt Subs: Harris, Morley, Stevens

Wednesday 22 February 2006

Caldicot 2 - 1 Porthcawl

Caldicot faced the seasiders in this re-arranged game from  3rd December on a bitterly cold and windy night at Jubilee Way and came out on top, but only just, to move above Garden Village in the table but having now played one game more.

The first half started with the away side making most of the play and not looking like a team struggling for Division Two survival.  They sustained early pressure for about 15 to 20 minutes but could not make it count and gradually Town worked their way back into the game and duly scored the opener. 

Caldicot played some nice football down the left for the goal, with Peter Little crossing for Paul Harris, who got there ahead of the Porthcawl keeper, and with him drawn from his line, after a short pinball exchange with the defenders trying to clear and Town trying to stop the clearances, the ball dropped to Tyrone Tucker who rifled a first time left foot shot through the crowd to ripple the net for 1-0.

With the wind howling from behind Town in the first half, it was always hard trying to find the ball over the top as it was racing away to the excellent Porthcawl keeper every time, so Caldicot had to pass it around more.  While going the other way, the away side struggled to get any meaningful attacks going despite the early pressure.  Gareth Cullimore down the right, and Peter Little down the left for Town looked in good form and were making some probing runs with and without the ball, but the former was taking off just after the break with a hamstring strain, to be replaced by David Davies making his debut at centre half with Andy Wenzel switching to the right.  

Little continued down the left in the second half and looked dangerous on a number of occasions, once playing a ball agonisingly across the six yard box when a shot possibly looked the better option.  Paul Harris also broke clear and in better conditions may have scored after a great through ball from captain David Lloyd set him clear.  The shot though sailed wide and Town were still in search of a second which might have killed off Porthcawl. 

Instead it seemed to have a good effect on them, and almost immediately after the substitution of Harris for Jason Thorn, they equalised.  The ball broke down the left with Porthcawl's quickest and liveliest player going on a storming run.  He went passed a couple of Town defenders and tried to square it, but as he did so it took a massive deflection off a Town defender and nestled in the back of the net for 1-1, with Smallcombe in goals left stranded going the other way.

Suddenly the game became more open with both sides creating more, and with the fresh legs of Thorn up front for Town causing trouble Caldicot looked like getting a second.  But as the game wore on and chances came and went it seemed that the killer chance was not going to come. 

Porthcawl indeed came the closest to breaking the deadlock when a free kick from all of 40 yards had Smallcombe scrambling somewhat.  But the wind was so strong that the ball just went over the angle of bar and post to the relief of home fans.

With about 15 minutes to go, Joe Martin made only his second appearance of the season for Town, replacing Tucker up front and worked hard to try and create a winner.  It arrived.  With about three minutes to play, a long ball out of defence held up in the wind about ten yards inside the Porthcawl half.  It seemed that it would be cleared but the ball was left to bounce and with Martin and more importantly Thorn, chasing it down, it turned out to be a bad decision.  Although there was still a lot do to.  Thorn reached the ball and rose high to nod it down for himself as best he could.  The defender recovered and got himself between attacker and ball, but instead of finding row z, (the BT area behind the clubhouse), he thought he could leave it for his keeper.  Thorn though had other ideas and continued to press.  He got a toe on it on the six yard line only for the keeper to parry away.  The ball though didn't bounce far and with players coming in from both teams, Martin arrived first and tried to poke it home, but instead played an unintentional ball to Thorn who was still on the ground at this point.  It didn't matter and he prodded it over the despairing keeper's dive to find the bottom corner and take the points for Town.

Porthcawl can feel hard done by with this result, but if they keep playing like this, they will survive relegation quite easily and with Caldi still to go to Porthcawl they could yet gain revenge.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Wenzel, Heywood, Sharratt, Little, Vers, Lloyd, Cullimore, Tucker, Harris, Morley Subs: Davies (for Cullimore), Thorn (for Harris), Martin (for Tucker) Goals: Tucker, Thorn

Saturday 4 February 2006

Caldicot 1 - 0 Caerau Ely

Caldicot sneak a 1-0 win to keep in touch with the teams above them in the race for promotion and with Pontypridd in Welsh Cup action (losing 5-0 to Goytre Utd, the only team to beat Ponty this season), the gap was closed slightly.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Stevens, Heywood, Stone, Little, Vers, Tucker, Cullimore, Thorn, Harris, Edwards Subs: Wetter, Lloyd, Windsor Goal: Lloyd

Wednesday 17 January 2006

Caldicot 2 - 1 Tredegar

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Stone, Heywood, Windsor, Stevens, Vers, Lloyd (c), Little, Cullimore, Morley, Tucker. Subs: Monday (for Windsor), Thorn (for Morley), Harris (for Tucker). Goals: Stone & Harris

Saturday 7 January 2006

Caldicot 2 - 1 Garw

Caldicot complete their first double of the season. Two first half goals gave Town an early lead which they did well to hang on to, after some sustained pressure from the away side in the second half.  The win lifts Town a place into sixth but with it so tight at the top, there are still at least six teams in the hunt for promotion, behind Pontypridd who seem to be pulling away a little after beating Garden Village, another of Town's promotion rivals.

Saturday 17 December 2005

Caldicot 0 - 1 Troedyrhiw

Caldicot lose in the last minute, after 89 minutes of stalemate and slip from third to seventh in the table, but only four points separate the top seven teams.

It was not a classic match and neither side really deserved to win it, but it was the away side who snatched all three points in the very last minute.  Troedyrhiw had threatened early on when twice they had chances cleared inside the six yard box, when maybe they should have done better, especially the second chance when a corner was swung in from the left and Caldicot failed to pick up the runner who rose for a completely free header five yards out only to miss the ball totally.

Caldicot didn't really create anything in the first half, but apart from the above mentioned chances, neither did Troedyrhiw and it was 0-0 at half time.

The second half was much better from Caldicot, who seemed a bit more composed in possession and looked threatening down the right side with Wayne Morley and Gareth Cullimore combining well on a few occasions.

Caldicot maybe should have been 1-0 up about an hour in when good work again down the right ended with a shot from Will Vers, which the keeper saved well. But, he parried it straight into the path of Peter Little following up, who struck it first time from no more than six yards with his right, only for the keeper to make an unbelievable point blank save to keep it at 0-0.

Then minutes later, after excellent defensive work from centre half Neil Windsor, he himself ran the ball 50 yards and slotted in Cullimore who lifted the ball nicely over the oncoming keeper, only for it to be cleared off the line by a defender chasing back who hooked it away at the last second.

Changes for Town were made soon after and the introduction of Jason Thorn had immediate effect when he was put through in the inside left channel. His first time effort though, was well saved again by the keeper, and thwarted Caldicot from taking a deserved lead at that point.

Amongst the chances for Town; at the other end Troedyrhiw could have scored at least once, but for a last ditch slide and clearance from Vers at the far post when he had three men around him.

Also the referee was doing his best to spoil the game and was giving strange decisions all over the park, mostly against Caldicot who maybe could have had two penalties with a different official. One was clear cut, the other was more debatable and on another day, either or both could have been awarded.

But in the dying seconds of stalemate, the away side got the winner. Excellent work on the left by the number 8, who beat two Caldicot players and played a ball in for Steve Minett, led to the goal, for which, Town's defence had switched off.  Minnett still had to finish from a tough angle against the league's best goal keeper and did so with aplomb, firing it into the roof of the net with a venomous left foot drive to seal a victory which lifts Troedyrhiw above Caldicot by one point.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Stevens, Wetter, Windsor, Heywood, Lloyd, Vers, Little, Cullimore, Morley, Harris. Subs: Thorn (for Harris), Edwards (for Little). Unused Sub: Lewis

Saturday 10 December 2005

ENTO Aberaman 1-1 Caldicot

A Paul Harris goal earned Caldicot a decent draw away at Aberaman, but Town slip to third as Pontypridd win again and Garw moved into second place with their ninth win of the season.

Saturday 19 November 2005

Caldicot 1 - 0 Morriston

Caldicot struck a last gasp winner to move back to the top of the table, overtaking Pontypridd who were held by Aberaman.

Paul Harris created the winner right on full time by beating three or four men and sliding in David Lloyd for the goal.

Saturday 12 November 2005

Penrhiwceiber 1 - 1 Caldicot Town

Caldicot maybe should have won this game after Ceiber had two men sent off.  Both teams started poorly in this game between the league's two top scorers and hardly any flowing football came of it as a result. 

Tackles were flying in and Gareth Heywood was booked early on for a slightly mistimed challenge right on the edge of the Town box.  From the resultant free kick, James Smallcombe made an excellent save, tipping the ball over with his right hand going away to his right.  Ceiber also had a couple of men booked including one who was later to be dismissed.

This was the only real chance until the first goal.  Caldicot were clearing their lines down the left side, with the ball running to the right winger for Penrhiwceiber, who seemed to hurry into a bit of a nothing swipe at the ball.  It was a bit strange as there was no-one really near him, and he made such a hash of whatever he was trying to do that it fell at the feet of his striker who had acres of space by pure chance.  He turned towards goal and drew out Smallcombe, who made him play a square ball to his strike partner who looked well offside.  It was not given and the ball was slid into an empty net for 1-0.

At the other end, Caldicot made a couple of chances but nothing really clear cut and they went in at the break 1-0 down.  

After the break Town looked far better and had more possession and with the introduction of Peter Little down the left looked more balanced.  His effect was almost immediate when he crossed a lovely ball to the far post, but unfortunately for Town no-one could get on the end of it. 

In the next ten or so minutes the pressure began to tell on the home side, who looked like they were trying to hold onto their slender advantage, rather than actually stretching Caldicot by looking for more goals.  It was to be their downfall, as Caldi once again pressed down the left and another cross from Little was met by Mark Williams with an excellent strike from the outside of his right foot that looped into the top left corner. The Ceiber keeper, who was excellent throughout, was left rooted to the floor.  

Minutes after, Ceiber were reduced to ten men when their influential number five was sent off for his second yellow for what can only have been dissent after the ref gave Caldi a corner, when he thought it was a goal kick. 

This was a big blow to the home team, who were now defending for the remainder.  In their frustration they were reduced to nine when they had their second dismissal for an inexplicable boot to the back on Gareth Heywood.

Heywood was rolling over after sliding to make a tackle and was just kicked for no reason as he was getting up.  With the ref no more than three yards away, he had no option but to show a straight red.  Ceiber just about held on however, for a point when maybe Caldi could have taken all the points which would have kept them top.  Pontypridd now occupy that spot after their 1-0 win at Porthcawl.

Caldicot: Smallcombe, Wenzel, Windsor, Heywood, Monday, Lewis, Cullimore, Williams, Thorn, Lloyd, Edwards  Subs: Little (for Edwards), Stevens (for Windsor) Unused Sub: Vers

5 November 2005

Caldicot 3 - 2 Merthyr Saints

Caldicot moved to the top of the table today with a less than convincing victory over Saints at Jubilee Way.

Town took the lead very early on with a excellent strike from midfielder Ross Lewis who's first time shot beat Saints keeper after a free kick was laid square to him from the Town left.  Caldicot then added more pressure and looked comfortable for a while and duly added a second when the lively Jason Thorn flicked a header perfectly through for strike partner Paul Harris, making his first start of the season, to run onto, control and strike all in the space of two yards. The ball found the bottom left corner with the keeper once again left with no chance.

They then had further chances to put the game beyond Saints with Harris firing a rifled shot just over and left back Gareth Heywood doing likewise from the opposite angle.  Another chance came and went when Gareth Cullimore squared a low ball into the six-yard area only for Thorn to miss his kick.  Town led 2-0 at half time.

The second half started with Saints grabbing a goal straight away to get themselves back into the game, and make for interesting watching.  Both teams then had period of possession and could have scored during the next 15 minutes.  It was Caldicot though who did get what turned out to be the winner.  Slightly against the run of play, Cullimore ran away down the right past two players, cut inside into the box and looked to be going right across it without shooting.  When it looked like he had gone to far, he put the brakes on and shifted the ball nicely back onto his right foot.  He then curled the ball to the right of the keeper and into the net for 3-1.

Saints then took control and threw long balls into the box, which James Samllcombe was having trouble with.  Eventually it paid off as once again Samllcombe came out but only punched the ball straight up, and with the wind behind Merthyr, an oncoming player jumped above Town's defence to make it 3-2 with five minutes to go.  Caldicot though, held on and moved to the top of the table, despite defending three very late corners culminating with Sam Monday making a last ditch clearance to save Town.  It ended 3-2.

Caldicot will need to defend better next week when they travel to free scoring Penrhiwceiber.

Team: Smallcombe, Windsor, Monday, Wenzel, Heywood, Lewis, Thorn, Lloyd, Cullimore, Edwards, Harris Subs: Williams (for Edwards), Little (for Harris) Unused Sub: Stevens

29 October 2005

Abertillery 2 - 2 Caldicot

Caldicot slipped a place to third after drawing at lowly Abertillery last Saturday.

Gareth Cullimore grabbed two goals from no more than a yard to earn Caldicot a point on a difficult pitch in Abertillery. Caldicot were well below par in the first half but the home side could not take any advantage and it was nip and tuck for most of the game.  Caldicot took the lead twice but were pegged back twice, the second time with only a few minutes to go, which left no time for Town to get a winner.  Pontypridd now go above Caldicot into second place after they convincingly won 3-0 at Morriston.

Team: Smallcombe, Stevens, Wenzel, Windsor, Heywood, Lewis, Lloyd, Morley, Edwards, Williams, Cullimore Subs: Harris, Thorn Unused Sub: Sharrett

15 October 2005

Caldicot 1-0 Garden Village

Caldicot won this battle in the very last minute thanks to a deflection from a Wayne Morley free kick from the edge of the Village area.

Caldicot went into this game knowing that Village would be a tough side to break down and so it proved. However, it was the same at the other end where Caldicot looked defiant.  Neil Windsor and Lloyd Stone at the heart of the defence, both had excellent games.

It was a really tough physical game with both sets of players putting themselves about, and also there was some very nice football being played. Chances were few and far between in either half with the home side just edging it in the first half and the away side probably slightly the better in the second. 

It was not the busiest of days for either keeper but when called upon both made excellent saves.  The closest either side came to scoring in the first period was in the first few minutes when Caldicot had a succession of corners and were really putting on the early pressure.  But no clear cut chances were made and the resultant shot from David Lloyd was blocked and then cleared.  It was a perfectly struck shot and looked to be heading in before the block.  Will Vers also came close with the Village keeper making a good save down low to his right.  At the other end, James Smallcombe was not as active but was tested with some high balls into the box.  All were dealt with adequately.

In the second half, Village looked the more likely to break the deadlock and the best chance fell to an oncoming player who skied his shot well over the bar from only about 10 yards.

Petulance was a big factor in the game too.  Firstly with a 20 man scuffle just before the end of the first half, and then again in the second period when several players were booked for late tackles and handbags.  Will Vers was one of those players.  However he did not see yellow, it was red for a kick out at the Village number 11, Taz, who in turn had done his fair share of kicking throughout the game and was substituted soon after the dismissal to stop him being sent off too.

The goal came about a minute before the end, when a foul right on the edge of the box on Wayne Morley led to the same player stepping up to curl a free kick.  He did so, but it took a deflection off the end of the wall and sailed into the right corner with the keeper left stranded going the other way.  It was a bit unfair on Village, who were deserved of the point it looked they were going to get.  Dave Rimmer at the back for Village was excellent and probably the man of the match looked dejected at the end and did not deserve to be on the losing side.

The return game in February should be an excellent game between two sides who will be near the top looking for a promotion spot.

Also today saw the the biggest crowd so far this year and for a few years for a league game at Jubilee Way, with well over 100 people watching.

Team: Smallcombe, Stevens, Windsor, Stone, Wenzel, Cullimore, Vers, Williams, Morley, Thorn, Lloyd  Subs all unused: Lewis, Heywood, Wetter

Next up for Caldicot is Cwmbran Town again on Tuesday night at 7pm in the Gwent Senior Cup Quarter Final.

8 October 2005

Caldicot 8 - 3 Gwynfi Utd

Caldicot romped to victory after Gwynfi were reduced to ten men ten minutes before the break, despite a small resurgence from the away team, when they scored three in a row to make it 5-3 at one stage.  Caldicot though always looked comfortable against a poor a somewhat dirty Gwynfi side.

Both teams opened brightly in the rain at Jubilee Way, but it was the home side who made the breakthrough midway through the first half.  A flowing passing move down the Caldicot right ended with the excellent Andy Edwards, measuring a perfect cross which was met by the head Mark Williams right in front of the keeper who looked like he thought he was going to collect the ball comfortably.  It was 1-0.  Edwards down the Caldicot left looked the danger man for Town and was getting the Gwynfi right back into all sorts of trouble with his pace and fine crossing with both feet. 

Soon after the goal, Edwards was again free down the left and was taken out cynically by the number 7 who was booked for his challenge.  Ten minutes later he was taking an early shower as once again Edwards broke away after some excellent link up play with Williams.  He burst into the box only to be brought down just as he was pulling the trigger.  It was a second yellow but he could have seen red just for the second challenge alone as he stopped a clear goal scoring chance.  From the spot, Wayne Morley stepped forward and easily beat the keeper for 2-0 and so it remained until half time.