Wiltshire Sunday Cup Final - 2007/2008

For detailed results, tables, team details, results history, links and reports please go to:

http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/sport/chipsundayleague/

http://full-time.thefa.com/Index.do?league=5028019

Sunday 13 April 2008

Wiltshire Sunday Cup Report by Mr. M Schneider - Publications Secretary

Corsham Centre’s quest to become the first side from the Chippenham & District Sunday League to lift the Wiltshire Sunday Cup for a second time ended in success at the weekend when they defeated Swindon League side New Century WMC at the home of Wootton Bassett FC. Pete Ralph’s outfit who won the cup in 2006 when they beat County Ground 2-0 were expected to face a tough challenge from their opponents who despite taking an early lead were second best throughout but the Centre were made to work hard for their 2-1 victory as numerous missed chances almost proved costly.

After a nervy start from both sides, it was the Centre who had the first shot at goal in the sixth minute when they were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area after Simon Grey had been brought down and the resulting free kick saw James Lye firing straight into the New Century wall. A minute later New Century took the lead in similar circumstances when Paddy Slattery curled home a fantastic free kick to give Century a 1-0 lead, after Matt Ralph had conceded a needless free kick on the edge of the area. .

On 15 minutes a good advantage from referee Michael Day saw Simon Gray play in James Lye, but he drove wide of the target when he should really have squared things up. Five minutes later The Centre’s Craig Gingell blasted over from close range and moments later the same player was denied again when keeper Nigel Packer punched the ball of the midfielder’s head.

Having fallen behind to an early goal, Corsham Centre began to take control of the game but were unable to fashion an equalizer and when Ross Lye’s long range effort whizzed over the bar on the half hour mark it was looking as if they wouldn’t score, shortly after New Century’s defence was all at sea but they just managed to foil another Centre attack. On a rare New Century attack they were awarded a free kick after another clumsy challenge from Matt Ralph and form a similar position to where the scored their goal Paddy Slattery had a great chance to make it 2-0, but on this occasion his well struck free kick was turned around the post by a smart save from keeper Nick Gingell.

On 40 minutes more pressure from the Centre saw Liam Ralph pick out Craig Gingell who should have really hit the target from close range, the Centre were now over New Century like a rash but couldn’t get on the score sheet and the were almost caught on the break when Chris Oake missed a golden opportunity to double his teams lead when he shot straight at keeper Nick Gingell. On the stroke of half time another Centre attack saw Shane Godsell curl his shot just wide of the upright from a defence splitting Simon Gray pass. With the half time whistle blown the Centre were left wondering what they had to do to make a breakthrough.

The second half continued as the first had finished with the Centre on top and New Century were lucky not to have Gareth Davies sent off in the 52 minute after a reckless challenge on Ben Moore, after a stern talking too from the referee he was given a yellow card, however in the same incident the Centre’s Russell Gibbings also escaped a yellow card after an off the ball incident went unnoticed.

On 55 minutes the Centre wasted another free kick, this time after referee Day had penalised keeper Packer for holding onto the ball for too long, James Lye failed to get the ball through a crowded area. Two minutes later New Century broke clear and only an excellent save from keeper Nick Gingell denied Lee Stoddard, the ball rebounded to Adam Whitefield who blasted over with just the keeper to beat. Soon after Stoddard had another good chance to double his sides lead but again failed from close range. Having weathered a New Century’s best spell of the game the Centre went straight back at their opponents with Simon Gray and Craig Gingell going close with Gray hitting the side netting on 66 minutes.

GOAL, at last the Centre managed to penetrate the New Century defence, an inch perfect corner from James Lye picked out the unmarked Ross Lye whose powerful header gave the Centre the equaliser that they more than deserved.

The Centre took the lead in the 76th minute, through James Lye whose 25-yard shot deflected off Gareth Davies over the despairing keeper Packer who tired in vain to keep the ball out. Soon after the Centre had an appeal for a penalty turned down when James went down under a challenge from Mark Webb. In an action packed final 10 minutes the game sprang into life as both teams looked for more goals, on 83 minutes the Centre’s Simon Gray skipped past two defenders only to direct a weak shot at keeper Packer, soon after a error from keeper Packer saw him drop the ball to the feet of Craig Gingell who was unable to stab the ball home. Simon Gray had a one on one with Packer and the keeper won the battle as he turned Grey’s shot wide of the target to keep New Century in the final.

New Century threw players forward in search of an equaliser and when the ball bounced up and hit James Lye on the hand they had a penalty appeal waved away, but their was still time for them to have another go at taking the match into extra time when Kevin Coles struck a 20 yard free kick over the wall but keeper Nick Gingell was able to pluck the ball out the air and send the Centre on another attack, but the ball came directly back and after the Centre had withstood a series corners deep into stoppage time referee Michael Day blew up for full time, much to the relief of the Centre and their travelling army of fans.

The Centre of old would have killed New Century off in the first half as they would have taken their chances, but even though they are a little out of sort they proved that they have the fighting spirit to turn things around and grind out a victory which was well deserved. The Centre’s captain Craig Gingell received the Sunday Cup from Life Vice President Lt. Col. A.G.T Davies who also presented the memento’s for the match to the players.
    

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