New Reserves Manager - 19th May

Crick have secured the services of Tony Webb, who played local football for many years before breaking his leg and retiring at 26, after retiring he started coaching sides called Stratton Juniors and Shaw FC at youth level for 10 years before moving on to Supermarine Under 18's and reserves, Last year he was involved with Malmesbury Vic's helping to coach the side in Hellenic Division One West. Tony said "I am looking forward to the challenge now given to me at Cricklade and hoping to build a good side for the future"

All players will be welcome to join the club when pre-season starts.

Derby Game No. 13 - 29th March

Cricklade Town take on Purton in the 13th meeting since Cricklade joined the Hellenic league in 2005 it will be unlucky for one club, with 5 wins 4 losses and 3 draws it has been a close contest over the past 6 season.

Cricklade dominated the first 3 season with 5 wins out of six, however since then Purton have taken the upper hand in recent times with 4 wins in the past 6 including a Wiltshire Senior Cup fixture this season. Both sides will be looking for a win as equally both teams have a good chance of looking at second place in this division along with Bicester who have been on a good run recently with 4 wins on the trot, Clanfield who have been steady all season including a win at the weekend against run away leaders Headington, Lydney who look early season contenders for the title with Headington but recent form of no wins in their last five see them lose ground, and lastly Cheltenham Saracens who with a run of form could see them reach 2nd place, or if Heading keep on their recent run of results without a win in two could take the top prize.

Manager Graham Jackson said; "We have a tough game on Wednesday night against local rivals Purton who have had the upper hand in recent season, but that means nothing in local derbies, I think we should have taken all three points at their place earlier in the season, but were soundly beaten in the cup last time out. Purton have had a bad run lately in the league and we performed badly at the weekend, so both sides will be going out to put that right and look to push up this league. I think the league is for Headington's to lose, we have games in hand but with the fixtures we have to play in such a short space if time I don't think that we could mount a challenge, when players have only a short space of time to recover they pick up injuries. We should be at full strength for Wednesday with only a late fitness test on O'Bree who pulled out of the game at the weekend"

Players Depart Cricklade - 25th February

It is with sadness that two players will be departing the club in the near future, with Sam Reason (left) the club captain leaving for Clanfield, and Arron Maximen (right) departing to Shrivenham, both have confirmed that they will be leaving but have not yet transferred.

Cricklade manager Graham Jackson (below) commented:" It's natural that players come and go within any club, it disappoints me that they leave this close to the end of the season to clubs that are not necessarily in any better position that ourselves on the field, but you have to respect that it’s the players choice, both players have been good servants and will be especially missed in the dressing room and we wish them well, but life goes on."

Reason played 84 games for Crick scoring 29 times and Maximen 34 with 12 goals to his credit.

Jackson continued: "I like to concentrate on the players that we have at the club, I don’t think that team will be any weaker by the departures as we have some great players that will step in, it does weaken the squad that we have, but it gives some of our younger players to chance to get involved with the first team, I am confident in the team that we have and we should be able to push for our highest position in the Hellenic this season."

Hellenic note: It is the club who has provided the information on the transfers, as yet nothing has been processed officially.

Crick Reserves Fold - 22nd February

"It is with sadness that Cricklade Town have had to take the action of folding our reserves from the Hellenic Reserve Division 2 West for this season", reports Cricklade Chairman Alisdair Ross.

Ross commented. " It was a difficult decision taken by the committee on Friday evening, but after looking at what players were available for the trip to Hook Norton on the 19th February it was impossible to continue the Reserves. The Reserves this season have used 42 players to complete their 11 games, and only 4 players have played over 75% of the 11 games, that statistic says it all. This season only a small group of players that have been playing for our reserve team have shown any commitment to playing each week, on Friday Les Young the reserve Manager reported that he was down to 7 players to travel to Hook Norton, with over 11 players not available, all with varying excuses from Birthday Parties to College work to complete."

He continued. "The committee had looked at folding the reserves at the beginning of the year due to lack of commitment from players, but with the enthusiasm of the Reserve Manager Les, and that the players advised they would make themselves available each week we had hoped that we would see an improvement in commitment from players, but over the past 5 games we would have had to cancel 2 due to lack of players if the first team games had not been called off. Unfortunately the club cannot afford to be picking up any more £100 fines for not completing fixtures, with over 14 games left and that includes 5 midweek fixtures and we contacted the Hellenic League to advise them of our decision."

Ross expressed his thanks to all the players that have made themselves available for games, and to Les who will continue to support the first team and look to revive the reserves next season.

On first team matters, with the recent postponement of the Supplementary Cup game Cricklade fixture list is now full until the end of the season. On getting to the ground on Saturday morning it was clear that no game could be played, the rain was still coming down and lying water covering three quarters of the pitch. The 2nd Round fixture will now be played on Saturday 26th March 2011 at Stones Lane.

Let's hope for some better weather with games coming up on the road against Trowbridge and Tytherington over the next couple of weeks, and returning to Stones Lane on the 12th March

Managers Required - 2nd December

Due to the departure of their reserve team manager Cricklade Town FC would welcome applications for the posts of, Reserves, Manager and Assistant Manager.

For the past few weeks Steve Charman has been looking after the Reserves since the departure of Paul Braithwaite from the position, unfortunately due to work commitments Steve is unable to continue with the Reserves.

Currently we are looking to recruit a new Reserve Management Team to run the Reserves this season. Interested parties please contact Alisdair Ross [chairman] on 07970066581 or email alisdair.ross@venuesevent.com

Winter Travels- 26th November

Cricklade make the first of their travels in the winter climate with a tricky test at Launton. With Launton sitting bottom of the Hellenic Division One West without a win this season most would think that this would be an easy week for Cricklade.
But past records would disagree with a 2-1 defeat at Launton last season when clubs were in similar positions.

Injuries and players away will again play a pick part in selection for Jason this weekend with: Dane Moulden, Andy Lewis, Adam Smith, Matty Bennett and Elliott Jackson all missing through personal commitments, and Gareth Davies and Chris Green Still missing through injury, players returning to the team will be Tom Price and Lee Bowen.
Cricklade Town Reserves will play in the Reserve Challenge Cup this weekend against tough opposition in Kidlington a team in mid-table in the division above.

Cricklade Out Fought - 16th November

Cricklade Town were outfought in the Wilts Cup on Saturday by local rivals Purton, the 4-1 result reflected the game in which the visitors looked sharper, fitter and hungrier for the win.

In a local derby you would have expected more of a fight by Cricklade, but sadly it never came. Players can looked at what we had missing due to injuries and suspensions, players calling off on Friday night and Saturday morning, with one player not showing up as an excuse, but with the 12 players that we had it should have been a even contest, but in all departments Cricklade looked lacking.

Taking nothing away from Purton who deserved their place in the next round, and good luck to them, them came to Cricklade and wanted the game more, their players got the ball first and that showed in most of the goals. Some of the payers will have to look at themselves and realise that you have to work hard to get results, just turning up does not win matches, and those that call off on Friday and Saturday morning have to understand what effect that has on team, its not good enough at this level of football.

Cricklade host second place Cheltenham on Saturday where attitudes will have to change to get any result against a good side.

Jackson Reflects On First Away Victory - 11th November

Cricklade secured their first away win of the season after a 4-0 victory at Hook Norton, with a few other firsts for Cricklade. Their first win at Hook Norton, and first goal at Hook Norton, after our only other two visits to Hook Norton being 1-0 defeats.

Manager Graham Jackson relected. " This was a good win for us considering the number of players missing, this no few than 7 first team players the squad travelled with only 10 regular first team players, and 1 players called up from the reserve squad, the only sub being the Chairman (Alistair Ross) who made his only appearance of the season due to an injury to Adam O’Bree just after half time".

"After the past few weeks where we had to many players to fit into the squad we were reduced to only being able to travel with 12 players in total, with Peter Mcgunigal, Lee Bowen, Matty Bennett and Kyle Moulden all missing due to work and personal commitments, Chris Green, Reece Gilliver and Max Leslie all sidelined through injury and Dane Moulden suspended."

"Hopefully we should see a few back next weekend for the Wiltshire County Cup game against Purton FC"

Cricklade Take on Purton in the Wiltshire Senior Cup 2nd round on Saturday, with both clubs recording good wins last weekend it should be a close game as with the Hellenic encounter at the Red House earlier in the season that finished 0-0.
With past records Cricklade hold the slight advantage with 5 wins 3 draws and 3 losses, and a good home advantage of only losing 1 in 5 against their neighbours.

Cricklade with injury problems will have to draw on the squad to help out again this weekend, with Gareth Davies, Chris Green, Max Leslie, Reece Gilliver and Adam O'bree all missing, back this weekend should be Matty Bennett, Peter Mcgunigal and Kyle Moulden, with brother Dane Suspended.

Graham Jackson said; "It's a big game for both clubs, the Wiltshire Senior Cup is a competition that both clubs will think that they can do well in, and beating your local rivals on the way is what we and Purton will be hoping. Purton have been going well again this season, and with our problems with injuries it will be a difficult game".

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Cricklade Town On The Road - 6th November

So far this season Crick's travels have not been so good, without a win in 4 away games, 3 draws and one defeat at Headington.

Today wil be the first meeting of Cricklade and Hook Norton since December 2006 the season that Hook Norton secured promotion to the Premier Division, previous to that Cricklade have played Hook Norton 4 times, winning 1 and losing 2, including two away trips which resulted in 1-0 defeats.

Graham Jackson comented. "This week is a big week for us, on the back of two defeats we need to get back to winning ways, in a fixture that we have lost on both occasions by the one goal. Our big test this weekend will be the squad, with several players missing, from Dane Moulden through suspension, Chris Green, Reece Gilliver and Max Leslie with injury, Lee Bowen, Peter Mcgunigal due to work commitments, back in the squad will be Elliott Jackson and Lewis Dancer coming up from the reserves. The squad is good enough to get something at Hook, but not if we perform like we did against Lydney, players need to show a lot more energy, we have the talent, but have big questions marks against our work rate and commitment to winning every week."

Amazingly this will be the first league fixture for Cricklade's reserves this weekend, hosting Old Woodstock Town, so the challenge will be the players fitness, as with a two week break sharpness soon goes, which will be our big problem with another 2 week break after the Old Woodstock game.

This will also be Steve Charman’s first game in charge of the reserves, with the assistance of Marcus Stafford, they have a full squad with only a few absentees, Andy Lewis, Bradley Farrell, Luke Carter and Tom Maskell with other commitments, and Lewis Dancer stepping up to the first team, in comes, Dwayne Henry, Sam Perry-Smith and Frederic Fleureau.

Steve Charman said. "Our opponents should prove a good test to our young team as they have already had a couple of league games and therefore  they hold an advantage over us. I know most of the reserves players as I have been involved with cricklade before at reserve and first team level and am looking forward to the challenge ahead, we have a good squad of players and hopefully we can mould them into a team that will without doubt progress and get better every week."

Home Record Gone - 2nd November

Cricklade Town suffered their first dropped league points at Stones Lane this season, without a real fight. Lydney took all 3 points with a goal after 60 minutes that sealed the game.

In a game that should have been a good contest Lydney turned up wanting the game more, and were better organised that us, I hear it said lots of times that we could have won that or we deserved a point, but we were fairly beaten by a better team on the day.

Graham Jackson commented. "It was a disappointing afternoon, we never got going, our passing was slow inaccurate, we didn’t close them down quick enough, we lost every second ball, its not good enough for a team that was lying in second place."

"I don’t know why we were so far of the pace as all the players knew that this would be a tough game, we didn’t underestimate Lydney, but certainly didn’t perform anyway near our best, too many looked unfit and out of sorts.
But credit must go to Lydney who were a well organised unit, and didn’t give us a shot on target all game, they pressed well as a team, and always had options, our only salvation is that our defence did play well and restricted Lydney to only a few chances throughout the 90 minutes."

"We start again next week at Hook Norton, where the performance has to be better than this"

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Captains View So Far - 29th October

Cricklade Town captain Sam Reason gives his view on how the teams season is progressing.

Reason (pictured left) mentioned. "How’s the season going so far? Very well, I think we dropped points in the Clanfield match and the Winterbourne match but on the whole we can not complain. We’re sitting 2nd and moving along nicely. It’s been a very good start, but let’s go back 12 months ago I was here saying the same thing and then we went on a run without a win in 7 so I'm a little wary about talking us up to much!! "

"In all fairness we know we have done well so far but there are tough times ahead and we will not always being going so smoothly. The team spirit and togetherness in the camp is fantastic and all the lads have the same goals and we all want to do the best we possibly can. Graham (the manager) has kept hold of all of the players he wanted to from last season and has also added some real quality to the squad. The players that have been brought in add real value and are not just here to make up the numbers. I think with the management team we have in place and the characters we have in the team we will pull through any sticky patches we may face and i know we will all stick together. You don't get any awards or get real applauds in October/November so we're under no illusions of where we are as a team and where we need to go."

"Cricklade Towns' highest finish since joining the Hellenic is 7th place in Division One West, I am fully focused on topping that and believe beating that record is the least we should strive for and the least I'm expecting. We have to focus on each game and it starts again with a very tough game against Lydney this Saturday".

"I would like to take this opportunity to mention and thank my sponsor this season the M4 Van Centre."

The Management Team at Cricklade would also like to thank Paul Braithwaite for the service that he has given the club, in helping refresh the Reserve team in his short time in charge.

Club Chairman Alisdair Ross commented. "Paul (pictured) took over the season after we had to withdraw our reserve team from the league, due to lack of players. Simply players could not commit to playing every week. Since then the Reserve team has grown in strength having a successful last season. They are looking strong again this year. The team are certainly a stronger team than when Paul started, and we would like to thank him for this".

"New coach Marcus Stafford will help new Reserve Manager Steve Charman this season and help with the coaching of both the first and reserve players. With the team of Marcus and Steve Charman we have a team that has some great experience in running a reserve team and how to coach the younger players to get the best out of them. We look forward to great things."

Cricklade Town go into the weekend still in second place, but knowing that any slip up against the unbeaten Lydney could cost 4 places. Lydney have had a good start to the season with an unbeaten run in the league, beating some of last season top teams in Purton and Cheltenham. In the previous 7 games Cricklade have only managed 1 win coming on the last game of the season at Stones Lane, in the 7 games Lydney have won 6 scoring 17 goals, with Cricklade only scoring 7 in reply.

With both clubs in the top half this season it should be good game with a few goals as both team average around 3 goals a game and just over one against.

Team news for the weekend is the return of Ben Goodey in goal, but a couple of notable names that will be missing are Kyle Moulden and Lee Bowen.

Graham Jackson: "We had a bad game against Henley last week conceding some poor goals; we seemed to have a lack off concentration that led to individual errors. When we have the ball I think we have one of the best attacking sides in the league, but sadly several teams are better than us when we don’t have the ball, twice this season we have conceded 4 in a game and still won, and this is an area that we have to work on."

"Lydney have always been tough opposition over the years, usually with a well organised team that are hard to break down, and I would expect the same at Stones Lane at the weekend."

Cleaning Up Football - 27th October

Cricklade try to make sure their players treat the club changing rooms with respect as they would their homes, they expect a bit of mud, it is a game of football after all.

But Cricklade do have rules for players:

• No players are allowed to cleanboots in the showers
• No players are allowed to clean their boots off in the changing rooms, before or after the game
• When at home or away the team and Management team must clear away all the rubbish from the changing room into the bins provided

This is something that we as a club make sure happens, on the odd occasion a player is found breaking these rules and they are fined, and after every game I make sure that we have taken all our kit out of the changing room, and clear up any rubbish that is left.

Cricklade chairman Alisdair Ross wishes that this was the case for all clubs that visit their ground:

"This season we have had to clean out the showers where players feel it is a great place to clean their boots off".

"Scrub down walls that have been used to bang off boots."

"Fill up the rubbish bins that are provided with the mass amount of crap that players just throw around the room."

"Let’s hope that clubs coming to Stones Lane in the future have the same philosophy as us, and we don’t spend our Saturday afternoon cleaning up after players that are old enough to know better."

New Cricklade Reserves - Manager 23rd October

Due to the sudden departure of Paul Braithwaite to Fairford Town, Cricklade have had to look for quick replacement for Reserve Manager to look after the team.

Cricklade Chairman Alisdair Ross announced the news that Steve Charman would be returning to the club to look after the team, Steve who has run Cricklade Reserves a couple of season ago and has a great experience of looking after, and bringing through young players from the reserves into the first team. Steve inherits great squad players and should have not problems in getting some great results this season.

Forget The Past - 14th October

Cricklade Town go into the weekend's fixture not looking at the past, and with good reason.

Winterbourne have been difficult opponents ever since Cricklade Town's first every Hellenic League fixture 20th August 2005, with excitement surrounding the Cricklade first game at this standard we came unstuck with a lesson of what this standard of football is about with a 4-1 defeat, but as we have improved, the results against Winterbourne have not, with scores of 5 and 6 against being a regular occurrence, in the 10 games played Cricklade have amassed only 5 points out of a possible 30, and only one victory in that time.

But the past is the past, and with both clubs currently lying in the top 4 with some good results this season it should be a very competitive game. Adam Smith and Sam Reason should return from injury and Arron Maximen from suspension, only missing players from last week would be Elliott Jackson missing through work commitments.

A Reserve match at Holyport saw the return of Cricklade's Mr Glass (Bill Charman). Bill who was injured at the end of last year with a broken Metatarsal, after jumping for a header and landing awkwardly, on his return to pre-season training Bill once again broke his Metatarsal with landing badly. Previously Bill has broken his leg while playing in youth football, and also injured himself while warming up to come on as a substitute. Everyone at the club is hope that this will be the end of Bill's bad luck, and hope that he can have a good run of games, with Bill being a major part of the first team prior to his injury lets hope that he can find his form again quickly.

Carter Hits A Century - 27th September

Ben Carter passed the mark of 100 league goals for Cricklade with a Hat-trick against Trowbridge, that is now 102 goals in 125 appearances.

With the game at 2-4 to Trowbridge after 65 minutes, it was a game that looked lost, but with a spirited performance this was a good comeback by Cricklade, and one that will disappoint the opposition, as the front line of Carter, Reece, Bennett and Povey caused problems to a tiring back line, that was running out of legs.

rowbridge had deserved their lead up to this time with a good pressing game, that prevented Cricklade from playing, but at times Cricklade were their own downfall with poor passing and lack of effort.

A club spokesman said. "I would have preferred a 1-0 win to this, it's not a game that is good for your blood pressure, we were very poor at defending today, the back line was caught flat footed, we didn't close them down well enough in the middle, and didn't attack ball that came into the box, this shows with conceding 2 from corners. On the other side, when we had the ball we played it too slow, put balls back into crowed areas, and misplaced so many passes I hardly recognises the side, But I would give Trowbridge some credit for this, they closed us down and worked hard just like I through they would. It was a good fight back, when we got to 4-3 down I knew we would win the game, they looked a tired team towards the end, Carter was exception when he came of the bench, and we had real pace, with the other 3 up top, it made the difference in the end. I only hope that our players will learn from this, as this is a game that we could have walked off with a 5 or 6 nil win, as the goals were thrown away, and all preventable to some degree of defending."

Bennett 'Crick' Debut - 18th September

Cricklade look to keep their home record going this season, with a tricky encounter with Launton Sports.

The club have met only 4 times in the Hellenic league with 3 wins to Cricklade and 1 win to Launton Sports, Launton's win was the last encounter between the two sides in April last season. This week should see the return of a few players, with Adam Smith, Reece Gilliver and Chris Green available again, along with Richard Blankley returning from suspension.

Other good news is that Steve Winchcombe is also available after his illness, which should make a tough choice for Graham this week with new signing Matt Bennett due to make his first appearance for the club. Other new signing Elliott Jackson will have to wait until next week for his return to the club due to work commitments, but should be available for the next few games, as the search for a keeper continues for Cricklade.

Manager Graham Jackson said: "This week will be a difficult week to choose a side, a headache that not other managers will sorry for me about as I have lots of players available again, with five players returning this week, along with Matt Bennett, and all the players will want to play, but as I keep telling them it is a squad game, as showed last week when we have 6 or 7 missing, and still put out a strong side."

Crick Sign Ex-Pro and Hellenic Premier Player - 16th September

Cricklade Town completed the transfer of Matt Bennett from Highworth to Cricklade, Matt who has a great pedigree at Premier level with Highworth over the past few season.

Highworth manager, Dave Webb, was sad to see a good player leave, but was very understanding to Matt who is unable to commit to midweek obligations of Matches and Training due to family commitments. Manager Graham Jackson said. "With the great comments that we have received from Dave about Matt I think we have signed a great player that will fit in with the rest of the squad well."

Matt (pictured left) who decided to join Cricklade after several offers from other clubs including other Premier division teams will be in the squad for Saturday.

Elliott Jackson (pictured right) formerly of Oxford United has returned to Cricklade after a few years away playing for Malmesbury in their promotional season, with the loss off Ben Goodey to work commitments Cricklade have been on the look out for a replacement, and replacements don't come any better than Elliott. But with Elliott work commitments Cricklade will still be looking for cover for weeks that Elliott is unavailable. A decade ago, 31 year old Jackson, helped Oxford United earn a money-spinning Cup replay at Stamford Bridge with some super saves against Premier League Chelsea.

"For the past few weeks we have known that Ben would be unable to play, but trying to find a good goalkeeper that is not already attached to another club in the Hellenic is difficult, and over the next few days we will be putting in 7 days for a local keeper that hope fully fits the bill, with Elliott working some weekends we hope that we will be able to accommodate them both, as I know what I get when Elliott is in the sticks. Matt Bennett is a great signing for the club, both with his experience and attitude, having spoke to him a few times I know that he will fit in to the squad of players that I have at the moment, with the Matt joining we have good strength in depth that should see us able to cover all areas on the pitch, except the goalkeeper position from time to time, but hopefully over the next few weeks this will be resolved" said manager Graham Jackson.

100% Home Record - 13th September

With Bicester Town being unbeaten this season and Cricklade on home soil it turned out to be a very competitive game, with both clubs looking to claim the points in the first half. After an even first half Bicester went in with a half time lead, the second half had a different story as Cricklade took the points with two goals in 3 minutes, and deserved the points with a good second half display.

A club spokesman said. “I was pleased that I would not be talking about a penalty decisions that cost us three points, the boys played well in the second half and deserved the victory, but should have gone in at the interval level, from where I was stood it was a good tackle by Bowen, but you have to accept the Referees decision, they have a different view from where I am stood and they have to go with what they see. With some 9 players unavailable this week we had to bring up a few from the reserves, and change the shape that we have been playing all season. All 12 players played well, up top Carter and Gambling had their first starts of the season and both impressed in performance and goals, the back four had their best game of the season and held a good line, with McGunigall the pick of them."

Said spokeman continued. "The pleasing side of the performance was not the come back as I know my players a capable of that, as they have turned games in the past, the pleasing bit was that we dug in when they put pressure on us in the last 10 minutes, in past season we would have thrown away the points.”

Two Road Points For Crick - 3rd September

Cricklade completed their 3 games on the road with 2 points after their trip to the Red House on Monday. After a disappointing performance and draw at Clanfield on the 21st, Cricklade travelled to Headington on the 28th with a better performance, and one that would have gain a point on most occasions, and against most other oppositions, with it being a close game and a few good opportunities missed, but most that watch the game would have agreed that Headington shaded the game and deserved the 3 points, and looked to be the team to beat this term. Monday was derby day against the local rivals, not more so than Cricklade Managers Jackson who still lives in the Purton, without a win in a while at the Red House Cricklade put in a good performance that should have just about taken the 3 points away, but with good chances to both sides either team could have staked claim to that.

Manager Jackson commented: “Against Headington we didn’t play to our strengths for enough of the game, we had a 15 minutes spell at the end of the first half the we played to the game plan and it worked, although Headington were the better side for half an hour, we could have gone in leading. Conceding within 30 seconds of the restart with a shot that he would never strike that well again, the boys thought they had to rush the game, we fought hard in the final 20 minutes and could have got back into it, but for some good saves and a denied penalty, but overall Headington looked a good side, and one that if anyone finish above them this season they have done well".

He continued: "Monday was a different story, I though we controlled the first half, and played some really good stuff at times, and the performance should have been enough to take us into the break with a 1 or 2 goal margin, but the second half was broken up to much, and really never got any tempo going in it due to fouls, long balls, and us lacking that final ball. In the second half we had some good chances and so did they, over the weekend I would have been happy with a point at Headington, but thought that we would pick up the three points at Purton, but 1 point is more than we had their last year”.

Monday’s Derby Day - 27th August

Bank Holiday Monday will be a short trip to the Red House to take on local rivals Purton for Cricklade. Last season Purton had a good run at the league until the final month, and they look like they could repeat last season and be one of the teams to beat with a good opening day win against Cheltenham. In the past two seasons Cricklade have been on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat, and you would have to go back to December 2007 for a win for Cricklade at the Red House.

“Monday will be another test for us, Purton have been a tough team for us to beat over the last couple of season. Chris Pethick has done a good job in his four years building a side, and the team has come a long way under his management. Without a win in our last four attempts against The Reds it will be tough losing last season 2-1. The clubs only being some 10 miles apart it is only natural to have a rivalry, and in the past the games have been well contested, and this one should be no different with several players moving between the two clubs, from Avenal, Smith, Murdoch, Townsend and Bowen, its one of those games that you should not have to motivate your players, they should know what derby games mean. The squad for the Bank Holiday derby would be hard to call at the moment, we will look to get the trip to Headington out of the way, and see what players have left in the tank, and what injuries they have picked up. For so early in the season it’s a defining week with games against two potential winners this year” commented Chairman Alisdair Ross.

Tough Trip For Cricklade -26th August

After a disappointing trip last week at Clanfield, Cricklade are on the road again against the impressive Headington, who have started this campaign with two wins out of two. In past season Cricklade have struggled at Headington with only 4 points from a possible 12 at Barton Recreation Ground.

Adam O’Bree returned last week from the bench after recovering from injury and could make his first start, along with Jake Lloyd and Adam Smith who both made impressive contributions from the bench. Kyle Moulden will still missing through injury as will last seasons top goal scorer Steve Winchcombe, the starting 11 will change for the first time this season.

Graham Jackson comments: "Headington were one of the better sides last season and only just missed winning this division on the last day of the season, if they have kept their squad together they will be the team to beat this year. We played Headington at home the first game of the season and recorded an easy victory, unlike the return game towards the end of the season, where they played some of the best football I had seen in that year, they had some good players that kept the ball well and moved it quickly. If we are to get anything out of the game we need to improve on our last performance where we looked flat, and could not find out usual passing game."

He added; "Steve Winchcombe will be missing from last week, and that should give a chance to one of the other three forwards to stake a claim in the starting eleven, with a possible recall for Reece Gilliver, or a first start for Aaron Maximen or Nathan Gambling last season's “Young Player of the Year”, I have decide yet on what changes will be made this week, as a few came of the bench and looked sharp and added a bit more energy to the side, it will be up to players to impress during training."

This One Never Got Going - 24th August

!n a poor game Cricklade and Clanfield shared the spoils, with League General Manager Brian King in attendance as Match Assessor.

The previous week four goals in the Clanfield clash with Lydney and eleven goals in the game with Cricklade and Tytherington most would have though that this would be game with lost of goals and goalmouth action, but it was far from that. On poor pitch that did little to aid any type of passing game, players looked for the long ball on to many occasions in a scrappy game.

Cricklade management commented; “We played badly in the first half and gave them too much room, our passing was bad, it was hard to find any positives about the first half except we were still at 0-0, and you would have thought we had picked a different eleven from the previous week. In the second half we improved a lot, getting the ball down and passing when we could, we scored early and looked comfortable creating a couple of openings that would have sealed the game, and I think it would have but for a gift that we gave them. Overall a point that we didn’t deserve after the first half, but in the second half we could have and should have walked away with three points, we need to improve next week with a trip to Headington”.

Short trip to Clanfield - 19th August

Cricklade make the short trip to local team Clanfield on Saturday for the 12th meeting in recent history against the Robins, Cricklade hold an advantage with 8 wins and only 3 defeats

.With history and a good opening game Cricklade go into the game with confidence, but also with a bit of respect for their neighbours, in 2008 and 2010 Cricklade went to Radcot Road in good form only to find themselves on the end of a loss, and one of them an embarrassing defeat 6-0, last season was a 2-1 defeat at Radcot Road. With an opening day win for Cricklade against Tytherington 7-4 we should not see too much change from the starting line up, as all players look to have reported fit for duty, this week should also see the return of Adam O’Bree who has looked good in pre-season, Adam injured in a preseason game against Woodley. Also returning will be Adam Smith who was away last week.

Graham Jackson said: “We should be going into the Clanfield game with a bit of confidence after a good win last week against Tytherington Rocks, we have been playing well through pre-season, the result was more pleasing last week as we have a few good players missing through injury and personal reason, it just shows the strength in depth that we have; this could also be a problem when everyone is fit and they all want to play. Our only problem at the moment is giving goals away, teams don’t seem to have to earn them against us, we give them away, although we look like we can score goals at this level, the game will come when the ball just does not go in, and that’s my worry, we have to be more resilient when the opposition has their time in the game”.

Jackson further commented: “Against Tytherington we singled out Potts as the danger, but this week I don’t think that Clanfield will have a player of that calibre, like most teams don’t, people sometimes worry about the opposition to much, but if we play to our potential we should be ok, if we don’t put it in you only have to look back a few years to 6-0 and see what happens, Clanfield are decent on their own patch and we will have to work hard to pick up the 3 points.”

Cricklade Hit Top With 7 -18th August

Cricklade Town hit top of the One West table at the weekend after hitting 7 past Tytherington Rocks, in a game with 11 goals, 6 bookings and a sending off.

Cricklade made hard work of getting three points as Tytherington came back from 2 goals down twice, and looked like they would be taking home the points, but 3 points was deserved by Cricklade, as after 30 minutes the game could and should have been all over, the day was soured by the red card shown to Richard Blankley who will now receive an automatic ban for his two yellow cards.

Crick manager Graham Jackson commented: “We played some of the best stuff that I have seen in this league in the first 30 minutes of the game, and don’t think anyone could have lived with us. We thoroughly deserved the 3 points, I told the players that we would not go over the 4 goals conceded as it would detract from a great performance. The key was great work rate, with Price, Reason and Blankley dominating the midfield giving Tytherington no time on the ball, and upfront Winchcombe, Povey and Mcgunigall closing down the back 4 it was causing them problems. But we passed the ball well and at pace. Before the game we singled out Potts as being the danger, and the best way to stop him was cut off the supply, and we did that well. I was really pleased with the result and performance, but know that we will have to improve when the opposition have their spell, as you won’t dominate at this level for 90 minutes.”

CB Slade Backing Crick - 15th July

Wiltshire Estate Agents CB Slade have agreed to be the second sponsor added to the Cricklade Town Uhlsport kit for 20010/11.

A landmark for the club who for the first season will have two sponsors on the kit. Main kit sponsor Dave Cobb Transport, with CB Slade Estate Agents on the back of the shirts. Christian Slade advised that “We have worked in Cricklade for several years and have had some great help from people in the community, and this is a way that that I can give something back to the community, helping a worthy cause.”

CB Slade Estate Agents sponsor various clubs and events in the local community including Cricklade in Bloom and Cricklade Ruby Club. Cricklade Chairman Alisdair Ross “We are very grateful for any support from the local community, Christian has been a sponsor of ours for a couple of years, without the support of local companies we would not be able to survive at this level of football, CB Slade Estate Agents had offered to be our main sponsor and invest more in the club, but gratefully Dave Cobb Transport had already offered to continue with his sponsorship for this season. At the moment the club is looking to secure a few more sponsors from the local community to make sure all the funds are available for the coming season, then look at obtaining additional funds to improve the ground at Stones Lane that need to be upgraded to adhere to the Football Association’s ground criteria."

www.cbslade.com

Injury Strikes Charman Again - 9th July

Bill Charman was struck down with illness mid way through last season and missed several games, over half the season.

When Bill returned to first team towards the end of last season he was struck with a serious injury, missing the last couple of games with a fracture.

Starting pre-season a week ago Bill had another setback, after he was given the all clear by doctors to start training again only to find himself in plaster after the first training session, aggravating the injury that looks to have him back in plaster for 6 weeks.

It’s disappointing for the youngster that broke into the first team a couple of season’s ago, and being a regular player since. We all wish Bill a speedy recovery, and hope that he will be back in training soon, and pushing the first team players for his position back.

Cricklade "Tie Up" Players - 2nd July

Player registration started early as all of Cricklade Town’s first team squad from last season have signed up early, with a few new additions to the club, and some old faces returning.

Matthew Charlton returns this season from Malmesbury but is carrying an injury, he will be looking a few weeks on the sideline. Last seasons Club Captain, Leading Goal Scorer, Players Player, Managers Player, and young player, Sam Reason as well as Steve Winchcombe, Richard Blankley, Dane Moulden, and Nathan Gambling are all signed. The central defensive partnership of Kyle Moulden and Gareth Davies looks to be reformed with Gareth recovering from his knee injury that saw him miss the end of the season, along with Bill Charman, Dave Probets who will be looking for a better season after missing most of last season with injury. Ben Goodey the Cricklade custodian has signed along with two players that returned from Malmesbury last season Adam Smith and Chris Green. With several other players signed on the season looks like it should be one of the best since joining the Hellenic League some years ago.

With no youth squad coming through from Cricklade this season we will be looking around to try and attract some young players into the squad to bolster up the strong Reserve Team for the upcoming campaign. Cricklade Town will train on Tuesday and Thursday nights at Cricklade Leisure Centre, Stones Lane, Cricklade from 7pm until 9.30pm, all players.

Sponsorship Continues - 29th June

Division One West Cricklade Town FC is delighted to announce an extension to their first team sponsorship with Dave Cobb Transport Ltd.

Dave Cobb Transport has agreed to Sponsor the First and Reserve Kit for 2010/11 season, this will be the third season that the locally based company has sponsored Cricklade Town FC.

‘Crick’ Gearing Up For Season - 22nd June

Cricklade Town have set up their four pre-season fixtures against varied opposition, starting on the 17th July against Stonehouse from the Gloucester Northern Senior League, then against Hellenic Premier Carterton , 24th July, Gloucester County League side Taverners visit on 31st July and a visit to Hellenic Division One East Woodley Town on 7th August, this should provide a tough test that is needed in pre-season, giving a good indication of how the squad is set up for the season.

Training has started early for “Crick” with the first session at Stones Lane on the 22nd June at 6:30, continuing each Tuesday and Thursday until the start of the season starts.