Reports

28 February - Tetbury Town 3 – 5 Old Town

After last week’s great second half turnaround against Shaw, Tetbury Town U13’s manager Phil Hall decided to keep the line-up the same for this week’s game against Old Town. However, there was a distinct feeling of déjà vu when Tetbury found themselves 3-0 down in the first half before Kieran Smith pulled one back Just before half time from a 30 yard strike.

Tetbury ralied in the second half, with Danny Pugh making it 3-2 . Then Smith scored from a back post header making it 3-3 and his 6th goal in two games. Unfortunately the comeback was short lived and Old Town managed another two goals. Tetbury played with passion and the scoreline didn’t reflect their effort . Good football doesn’t always win games and in this case Old Town were physically stronger. But if Tetbury continues to play this well then the results are sure to follow. Man of the match was undoubtedly Harry Meredith, whose vision, passing and calming influence in midfield were much appreciated.

21 February - Shaw 3 - 6 Tetbury Town

In a very lethargic first half display Tetbury found themselves deservedly 3-0 down at half time, with only goalkeeper Leo Cuss coming out with any credibility in the first 35 minutes. However the second half was to be a much different story when a change of formation and players seemed to galvanise Tetbury into action. After a bombardment of corners in the first five minutes, the ball broke to Elliot Poole on the penalty spot who fired home through a crowd of players spelling the beginning of the end for Shaw. Kieran Smith soon made it 3-2, then 3-3 with a great finish in off the bar from an almost impossible angle on the by-line. He went on to bag two more and the score eventually ended up at 3-6 in Tetbury’s favour following a Shaw own goal. Every player can be proud of their contribution in the second half with special mention going to Jack Stone, Kesley March, Elliot Poole and Kieran Smith who, with four goals, deserves the man of the match accolade.

7 February - Highworth 1 – 2 Tetbury Town

Travelling to Highworth with only 11 players did not bode well for Tetbury’s Under 13 squad who were yet to gain a point this season. However, despite adversity, they put in a great performance and were on top from the beginning.

Highworth scored first from a break away goal against the run of play but Tetbury kept pressing their opponents, eventually being rewarded with a goal from Danny Pugh. A good cross from Lee Coles was calmly slotted home by Pugh to give Tetbury the lead at the end of the first half.

The second half saw Tetbury coming under increased pressure but captain Jack Stone, Kieran Smith, Kesley March and Jack Raines in defence all delivered outstanding performances. So, too, did goalie Leo Cuss whose penalty save allowed Tetbury to hold onto a well deserved victory. Although every player was exceptional, Man of the Match Elliott Poole deserves a special mention for his constant hard work and battling which typified the great team effort.

8 November - Tetbury Town 0 – 11 Bristol Rovers Supporters Club

Tetbury showed heart, guile and commitment during their home game against a very well organised and unbeaten Bristol Rovers side. Their commitment was such that for the first 20 minutes they were able to keep the visitors’ chances to a minimum while themselves looking dangerous on the break. Unfortunately Tetbury’s resistance was broken when Bristol scored four goals in quick succession leaving them 4-0 up at half time.

It was a similar story in the second half with Tetbury managing to limit Bristol’s chances for 10 minutes before a flurry of goals overwhelmed them. Man of the Match Jack Stone was exceptional at Centre Half and Leo Cuss pulled off some fine saves, while Elliott Poole performed with his usual tenacity in midfield. With some very winnable games coming up in the next few weeks, Tetbury is now concentrating on improving its position in the League table.

18 October - Tetbury Town 2 - 8 Ramsbury Juniors

Tetbury started very slowly and struggled to get to grips with an impressive, unbeaten Ramsbury side. Managed by Phil Hall, Tetbury’s squad for this home game consisted of Leo Cuss, Joseph Sharpe, Jack Stone, Kesley March, Michael Hamer, Daniel Pugh, Elliott Poole, Tom O’Donnell, Luis Greathead, Ryan Francis, Harry Meredith, Jack Raines, Ryan Wenban and Kieran Smith, who was chosen as Man of the Match for his great performance in midfield and then defence, not to mention a great goal. Smith’s goal came in the first half when Tetbury was 2-0 down. He showed great feet in the box to elude two defenders and fire an unstoppable shot across the Ramsbury goalkeeper. Unfortunately this revival of fortune was short-lived and Tetbury went in 5-1 down at the break.

Tetbury’s second half performance was much improved. Daniel Pugh showed impressive touch and skill in his new Striker role, while Elliott Poole’s work rate was rewarded when he burst through the Ramsbury defence to coolly slot home a much deserved goal. However, lack of fitness and effort in the last 10 minutes allowed Ramsbury to capitalise on some excellent finishing and further their lead.

11 October - Calne 6 - 0 Tetbury Town

Tetbury’s U13’s were off the pace for the majority of the first half when they played Calne away in last Sunday’s Cup game. Calne, who are a league above, were very impressive and were first to the ball most of the time. It was only a string of excellent saves from Leo Cuss that saved Tetbury from being even further behind at half time.

The second half, however, was a different story. Tetbury put up a very brave display and played some good football on a nice playing surface. Daniel Pugh got down the wing well, while Elliot Poole and Harry Meredith linked up well in midfield. Ryan Wenban, assisted by Tetbury’s Captain Jack Stone, had an outstanding game in his new central defensive position and Leo continued to make some great saves, earning himself the accolade of Man of the Match.

The rest of the squad, who are managed by Phil Hall, included Joseph Sharpe, Kieran Smith, Kesley March, Michael Hamer, Tom O’Donnell, Luis Greathead, Lee Coles and Joseph Maller.