Reports

18 April - Eldene Rangers 3 - 3 Tetbury Town

This exciting, well matched game saw Tetbury doggedly fight back and retake the lead after being 2-1 down. Tetbury were the sparkier team with striker James Pullen unlucky with two close efforts in the first ten minutes.   Defensive errors moments later led to a soft goal against the run of play for Eldene, as well as a penalty on quarter of an hour which was skewed wide of the mark. This escape fired up Tetbury with Pullen hitting the post again on 25 minutes and a finally a breakthrough after a deft midfield chip was toe-poked home by the speedy Harry Dowdeswell.  Not to be outdone, Eldene took the lead again before the break.

In the second half, Tetbury increased the tempo with positive attacking play and deserved to be 2-3 up after a brace of Calum Wands corners were headed home by Dowdeswell and Sam Beard.  The Eldene keeper made some fine saves shot-blocking  Pullen again and almost being lobbed by Dowdeswell from wide left. Minutes from the end, however, Tetbury were undone again with another low shot and ended the game with two points less than their spirited effort deserved.

March 28 - Shaw A 0 – 2 Tetbury Town

 

With top playing bottom and a bare 11, the odds were against Tetbury but despite these setbacks Tetbury opened brightly and clearly outplayed the opposition in both halves.  Striker Harry Dowdeswell went close twice and was unlucky to skew his shot wide 15 minutes in. On half an hour Tetbury took a decisive lead with neat link up play between winger James Pullen and strikers Sam Beard and Harry Dowdeswell, resulting in Calum Wands drilling a fierce low shot from 25 yards out off the base of the upright and in. Tetbury deserved their luck in this game and just before the break they survived a bout of post pinball in which Shaw pinged both uprights within 30 seconds, but with no reward. Shaw’s response was muted, and Tetbury grew in confidence in the second half. On 20 minutes a killer cross from the right by Pullen created havoc in the Shaw box and was almost converted by Sam Beard before being clipped in as an own goal.  Shaw grew more frustrated and a robust performance across the park, lead by example by skipper Josh Cox, closed off any threats with Tetbury walking out convincing winners.

 

7 March - Tetbury Town 1 – 2 Cricklade Youth

It was déjà vu for Tetbury when once again they went one nil up and played the better football, but were desperately unlucky to go home empty-handed. Tetbury got off to a great start with Calum Wands striking the upright in the first minute. Fraser Hirst hugged the left touch line and was rewarded on 20 minutes when he cut inside the right back and latched onto a clinical cross from Matthew Clout to take the lead. A similar neat interchange between Harry Dowdewswell and Wands saw midfielder James Pullen shoot inches wide. The Tetbury back line (Josh Cox, Jonny Hodgson, Angus Milne and Sam Beard) were solid and completely neutered the Cricklade threat to a few scrappy shots. In the second half Tetbury’s tempo slackened and Cricklade found a chink in the armour, firing home a long range shot to equalise. Tetbury fought on but, unable to increase their lead, Cricklade scored again to close out the game. The result didn’t do justice to a great team performance.

21 February - Tetbury Town 1 – 2 Bassett Rangers

Tetbury were leading for the majority of this match and were unlucky not to take away one or even all three points. In the first half they played the better football and Calum Wands, in midfield, was unlucky not to score from a free kick. Minutes later he was rewarded when he lobbed the keeper with a thumping drive from 25 yards out. Captain Josh Cox marshalled the back line and confidently contained the Bassett threat. On a sticky pitch Tetbury focussed on pinging the ball out wide, a tactic that almost gave Fraser Hirst success when he flicked the ball past keeper and post.

In the second half Tetbury were unable to keep up the intensity and Bassett grew more confident, scoring twice in seven minutes to take the lead. Tetbury pushed on but were unable to find the final breakthrough. If the result was disappointing for Tetbury, their play and performance certainly wasn't.

 

14 February - Tetbury Town 2 -2 Eldene Rangers

Tetbury played attractive, flowing football and were unlucky to be 2-0 down inside 20 minutes after two fine drives by the Eldene front line. Town had their own chances as Alex Whiting went inches wide after a neat spin in the box and Josh Cox struck the cross bar after latching onto a well disguised corner. Tetbury's efforts were rewarded in the second half with Harry Dowdeswell toepoking home on the rebound after his first shot was parried by the keeper. Town kept up the pressure controlling midfield and drilling the ball out to wingers Calum Wands and Fraser Hirst. Dowdeswell was playmaker again on 25 minutes dancing round the defence before Calum Wands swept home with a sweet strike into the top right corner to equalise. With 10 minutes to go the game was perfectly balanced. Stand-in Town keeper Sam Beard made a fine stand-up save and with minutes to go Dowdeswell almost claimed the winner shooting into the side net.

13 December Highworth Town Juniors J 4 – 1 Tetbury Town

Tetbury started out brightly in the first half and, despite going a goal down on 11 minutes, responded straight away with a goal of their own after James Pullen chipped the keeper to equalise. Left wingback Angus Milne restricted the Highworth attack time and again and Tetbury showed flashes of neat passing. On 20 minutes striker Harry Dowdeswell was unlucky not to get on the score sheet after rounding two defenders and drawing a great save after a fierce shot. But Highworth capitalised on a defensive mix up 10 minutes before the break to take the lead. In the second half, Highworth increased the pressure and Tetbury were unable to regain their passing form from moments earlier. Despite further close efforts from Dowdeswell, two soft goals saw Highworth stretch their lead and close out the game 4-1 winners.

22 November - Tetbury Town 2 - 4 Avonvale

Avonvale got the brighter start in this local derby, hitting the bar inside the first minute and going two up after a deflection and shot within eight. However, it wasn’t all one way traffic. Calum Wands was unlucky not to gain a penalty for Tetbury when he took on the Vale back line and Harry Dowdeswell was unable to complete after deftly beating the keeper moments later. Avonvale controlled midfield and with an energetic Matt Davies running the line, they stretched Tetbury on the flanks, increasing the lead again just before the break with a simple free kick and header.

Tetbury were more fired up in the second period and were rewarded when Dowdeswell successfully rounded the keeper to slot home and generally set up a more attacking period of play. Ten minutes later Davies scored his hat trick to effectively take the points, although Tetbury came back with a speculative long range effort from Josh Cox that foxed the keeper. The story continues as the teams play again in the reverse fixture next Sunday.

15 November - Abbeymeads 6 - 1 Tetbury Town

Tetbury seemed to be caught out by the early start and their sluggish play saw them go two down in eight minutes. Abbeymeads added a third on half an hour with a well directed low free kick. Even in the second period Tetbury struggled to find the form that had seen them beat higher league opposition the week before. Both Calum Wands and Brad Jones went close with long range free kicks but were then undone by an Abbeymeads long ranger and a route-one fifth goal on half an hour. Tetbury claimed their consolation goal with Sam Beard toe poking home in the six yard box after a cross from Alex Whiting. But once again they were unable to prevent another Abbeymeads strike before the whistle.

8 November - Stratton Youth 1 – 1 Tetbury Town (Tebury win 5-4 on penalties)

Playing at home and lying second in the top division above Tetbury, the odds were all with Stratton. However Tetbury had the greater will to win and the pressure on Stratton increased when Alex Whiting was brought down on seven minutes and coolly converted from the spot to take the lead. Tetbury hustled and parried all over the park to deny Stratton their regular game and were assisted three minutes later by the first of several heroic saves from Town's cat-like backstop and Man of the Match Sam Krayem-Wood. They were unable to block a Stratton incisive cross 10 minutes later, which was simply headed in to equalise and tee up a great cup atmosphere.

In the second period, Tetbury continued to close down an, Stratton became more frustrated as they either missed the target or were denied by shot blocker Krayem-Wood or skipper Josh Cox's defensive line. Tetbury, with James Pullen, Brad Jones and Calum Wands, were workmanlike in midfield and the nippy striker Harry Dowdeswell was unlucky not to complete deep into the second half.

In extra time Dowdeswell and Jones both went close and Stratton were unlucky with heart-stopping goal line clearances from both Angus Milne and Fraser Hirst. But it wasn't Stratton's day and as the obligatory penalty nail-biter ensued the time for heroes arrived. With honours even at 2-2 a stretching Krayem-Wood denied Stratton's third strike. Clinical spot kicks saw the score at 4-4 before Pullen stepped up and, unphased by the pressure, coolly slotted home to end Stratton hopes and take underdogs Tetbury into Round 3.

October 18 - Tetbury Town 2 - 3 Shaw A

Although Shaw took the points, Tetbury can be pleased with their performance as they were the better team throughout, twice going into the lead and playing confident and controlled football that Shaw found difficult to handle. Strong midfield play ensured Tetbury won and kept possession, with neat triangle passing between James Pullen, Alex Whiting and Brad Jones. Tetbury broke the deadlock on 29 minutes when Whiting poked the ball through the backline to Calum Wands for Harrry Dowdeswell to complete. A fired-up Shaw caught Tetbury off-guard and responded from the kickoff, lobbing the keeper to equalise before the break.

Tetbury started brightly again after James Pullen snaffled possession by the right corner flag, passing into the box for Calum Wands to score with a low angled shot for 2-1. Time and again Brad Jones took up a great position on the edge of the box and was unlucky not to convert with several long range shots. Skipper Josh Cox controlled the backline with great support play from fullbacks Angus Milne and Keir Davies and some heroic saves from keeper Sam Krayem Woods. Frustrated, Shaw resorted to a route-one approach, scoring after a deflected up-and-under from their backline, and finally put it beyond doubt with a final goal six minutes from time.

October 11 - Highworth Town 8 - 0 Tetbury Town

In a difficult away fixture to a Division 1 Highworth team, Tetbury’s U14’s changed formation with five across the back and played well to restrict Highworth to just a 3-0 lead at half time. Dogged play from the central backline trio of Angus Milne, Alex Whiting and Josh Cox broke up the forward play.

In the second period, as the rain set in, Tetbury was unable to match Highworth's pace or passing or maintain possession themselves, and with strong midfield play they launched scoring attacks out to either wing. Confident keeping from Sam Krayem-Woods restricted the goal count and, late on, both Brad Jones and Keir Davies were unlucky not to convert their chances for consolation goals.

Players & Goalkeeper needed - Tetbury Town U14s Our current U14s squad are looking to strengthen their team in all positions. Plus we are looking for a Goalkeeper to join our team. We currently play league games every Sunday, and last year we were champions of our division. If you are interested or would like a fresh start with a new team, please contact Alastair Hirst 07802 529593. Or go to www.tetburytownfc.org.uk Or alternatively why not join us at training - we train 6.30-7.30 every Wed at Westonbirt Sports Centre (from 28th Oct).

4 October - Tetbury Town 2 - 4 South Cerney

Tetbury’s U14’s were at home to South Cerney this weekend with a squad that consisted of Sam Krayem-Woods, Josh Cox, Keir Davies, Josh Bennett, James Pullen, Alex Whiting, Fraser Hirst, Calum Wands, Matthew Clout, Brad Jones, Harry Dowdeswell and Sam Beard. Manager Alastair Hirst reports that Tetbury started brightly and took a 2-0 lead early on to boss most of the first half. James Pullen chased down a lost cause by the right hand corner flag and his cross was comfortably slotted home by striker Harry Dowdeswell.

Tetbury survived a flurry of South Cerney corners with some solid stops by the stand-in keeper Fraser Hirst. Tetbury then managed to convert one of their own after a towering downwards header by Pullen from a pinpoint Calum Wands corner. South Cerney then fought back, first converting a low shot and then benefiting from a wicked deflection to make it honours even at the break.

In the second half, Tetbury battled strongly with some late surging runs by Sam Krayem Woods and skilful link up play by Brad Jones. However, Tetbury were unable to maintain their momentum and, with some strong runs from their defence, South Cerney managed to score twice and take all three points.

13 September - Bassett Rangers 4 - 1 Tetbury Town

Despite the flattering scoreline Tetbury, stroking the ball round the park with confidence, were the better team in the first period. They were unable to convert their chances and Bassett took the lead against the run of play on 25 minutes, following up 5 minutes after the break with a chip over the keeper. Tetbury soon responded to make it 2-1 with a great individual play by Calum Wands who guided the ball through for Harry Dowdeswell to blast home.

With newcomer Brad Jones acting as playmaker between defence and midfield, Town peppered the box with free kicks and corners and were unlucky not to equalise. As the game progressed Bassett started to use their wings and with 10 minutes to go twice found their way through the Town defence to put the game beyond doubt.

6 September - Tetbury Town 1 - 7 Highworth Town

Tetbury Town succumbed to their first home league defeat in nearly two years and struggled to match the neat passing of a well drilled Highworth team. Despite memorable saves by keeper Brad Willoughby, Tetbury went 0-1 down after a scrappy goal on 14 mins and soon found themselves 0-3 down by the break.

The spine of the team battled on with strong play from Josh Cox on his debut in defence as well as Calum Wands, skipper James Pullen and Alex Whiting in midfield. Highworth continued with form in the second period, although Tetbury had some notable chances, the best of which fell to Harry Dowdeswell, who was duly rewarded with a goal of his own in the final minutes after charging down the keeper.