CRICKLADE TOWN NEWS

Cricklade Reserves - 1 May

On Monday morning Alisdair Ross Chairman/Secretary of Cricklade Town advised the uhlsport Hellenic League that the Reserve team would be unable to complete their scheduled matches for season 2012-2013 and that the club wanted to withdraw from the competition.

Following receipt members of the UHL Administration Sub Committee were e-mailed and required to respond to a series of questions. The responses received late Monday pm indicated that all respondents required the record to be expunged and Cricklade to be fined in accordance with CR’s.

This has now been enacted and clubs will see the changes reflected in the League table.

Allen Should Start - 8 February

Cricklade's Jack Allan came through last weekend’s cup win over Shrewton unscathed so should start the derby fixure against Wootton Bassett Town in Hellenic League One West, while Lee Hedges and Tommy Johnson return.

The Stones Lane side are without Ryan Thomas, Adam O’Bree, Dane Moulden and Gareth Davies so a number of reserve players could again be heavily involved.

Semi-Finals For First Time – 5 February

Cricklade have booked a place in the semi-finals of the Wiltshire Senior Cup for the first time in their history after an extra time win at Shrewton.

Chairman Alisdair Ross comments. “ A great result for the club, one that was deserved on the second half performance, a real squad effort as we had so many missing, the reserve players from Dave Jonson, Kane Wheatley and Dave Young who all contributed, along with debutant Rob Marder.”

“We were poor in the first half and were second to the ball to many times, the goal we gave away, but credit to the lads they worked hard in the second half a deserved their goal, I wish they had not left it to the last minute.|

“With semi-finals over one game it can go either way, the draw is on Tuesday night so looking forward to seeing who we get, we know the semi will be a tougher game, but it will be a great day out for the lads. Trowbridge won this cup a few years ago, so it’s one that the clubs at our level can win.”

Semi-Final Target - 1 February

Cricklade are targeting their first-ever Wiltshire Senior Cup semi-final when they visit Shrewton in a rescheduled clash.

Graham Jackson’s men last made the last eight in the 2004/05 season and now only the Western League Division One strugglers stand in the way of history.

Cricklade are without five first-teamers, duo Gareth Davies and Dane Moulden are both serving suspensions, Ryan Thomas and Adam O’Bree (both injured), and Lee Hedges and Tom Johnson (work commitments).

Jack Allen will make a return to the bench after damaging his ankle ligaments at the start of January.

No Improvement - 25 January

Cricklade have only played three times since November 11 and chairman Alisdair Ross does not see that figure improving this weekend.

Bad weather has caused no end of problems for non-league sides over the last few months, with Cricklade no exception. The Stones Lane side have only managed 15 league games this season, with only Letcombe and old Woodstock having played less on 14. Cricklade’s problems have been compounded by their success in the Wilts Senior Cup, a competition in which they still have up to three matches left.

Graham Jackson’s troops are due to host Malmesbury tomorrow, Vics themselves having played twice in the league since November 18, but Ross reckons the chances of the game going ahead are slim. “There is snow on the pitch and if that melts we may have rain on Friday or Saturday, so either way it will be frozen or waterlogged,” he said. “It’s going to be a problem for us this year, as we are eight or nine games behind some teams and are still in the Wilts Senior Cup. It is also difficult as players are getting unfit, as it’s hard to find training slots indoors at late notice.”

Cricklade Town Doubtful Again - 29 December

Cricklade have played three games since the beginning of November, all off those games being cup fixtures, the last league game was back on 27 October at Tytherington Rocks.

They now sit on only twelve league games played, some seven games behind some teams. The weather has taken its toll on Stones Lane with four home fixtures cancelled due to waterlogged pitch, a free weekend, and change of date with our Boxing Day fixture being moved to the 9th January.

Today looks like another washout, the pitch was still waterlogged yesterday and more rain coming only a major change in the weather will allow play today. Pitch inspection set for 9:30 this morning. This week’s item for the players will be flippers and snorkel!

It’s Been A While - 24 November

Cricklade and Fairford compete against each other for the first time in 5 years. Back in 2007 Fairford visited Stones Lanes in a Supplementary Cup First Round fixture, on the day the visitors went through to the next round with a 3-1 win. These days things are different as the clubs compete in the League for the first time.

Fairford relegated from the Premier Division last season have made an up and down start to life in the First Division, with some good wins followed by losses and currently hold 6th place 2 places above Cricklade. Todays game is in doubt with the weather, having driven to Cricklade most of the roads were flooded, surprisingly the pitch was better than we thought it would be, but any rain would rule the game off, and looking at the forecast we could see both Cricklade sides without a fixture, as yesterday Cricklade Reserves v Letcombe fell foul to H&S issues due to the weather.
 
The game will be a tough one, they are a well organised unit that work hard for each other, couple with a few players returning to their previous clubs it will be well contested by both clubs. After our poor spell we have got our season back on track, with missing 7 or 8 players previous it was tough to put the results together, but with most players now back from suspension and injury we should have a strong team to pick from.
 
Squad from: Jack Allan, Devon Brown, Ben Carter, Gareth Davies, Lee Hedges, John Himple, Thomas Johnson, Kyle Moulden, Dane Moulden, Adam O’Bree, Alex Povey, Aaron Sanghera, Adam Smith, Ryan Thomas.

Stop The Rot – 10 November

Cricklade go into the local derby against Clanfield on the back of three defeats in a row, until then the season was looking rosy.

Cricklade have contested fourteen games in the Hellenic League over the past seven seasons, with 8 wins to five in Cricklade’s favour, with one draw, with twenty eight Cricklade Goals to Clanfields seventeen. Stones Lane has been a poor hunting ground for Clanfield, losing all seven games, only scoring 4 and conceding twenty five, most notably an eight-nil score line on their last visit in August 2011.

Manager Graham Jackson comments.“After last week’s cup exit Cricklade we will be looking to get the league form back on track, over the past couple of weeks too many players have been missing, from suspensions, injuries which is part of the game, but players missing for other reasons.”

“This week should see the return of a few players, Ben Carter, Dane Moulden, Kyle Moulden, Lee Hedges, and Anthony Hogg all who missed last weeks game at Penn & Tyler’s Green.”

“Clanfield will line up differently on the touchline compared to the last fourteen games, as Osborne has stepped aside this season, a new opponent in Chris Hurley will be in the dug-out, and I am sure his team will play differently, so unsure of what to expect.”

Squad from: Jack Allan, Devon Brown, Ben Carter, Lee Hedges, Anthony Hogg, Thomas Johnson, Kyle Moulden, Dane Moulden, Alisdair Ross, Alex Povey, Aaron Sanghera, Adam Smith, Adam O’Bree.

Road Trip – 3 November

Cricklade’s road venture takes them to Penn & Tylers Green today in the 2nd Round of the Challenge Cup.

This will be only Cricklades’ second trip to Penn & Tylers Green, with the last back in April 2006 for a Second Leg Supplementary Semi Final, in which Cricklade lost 2-1 to go out 3-2 on aggregate.

The team should have had a slightly more familiar look to it with Gareth Davies and Jack Allan returning from suspension, but with the non availability for several players it will be some of the reserves that will travel.

First team players unavailable this week: Out Ben Carter, Lee Hedges, Dean Hughes, Anthony Hogg, John Himple, Thomas Price, Ryan Thomas.

It will be a tough game this week, have a few missing, however it gives players a chance to prove themselves in the first team and stake a place for the upcoming games, last week we have had a rude awakening with our biggest defeat in the Hellenic League 7-0 at Tytherington, not a game that should have been that score, but if you make mistakes you get punished. This week it’s a break from the League and a chance to get onto the quarters of the Challenge Cup something we have not done before.

Squad from: Jack Allan, Vladamir Bedrich, Kubo Bedrich, Devon Brown, Thomas Johnson, Lavel King, Kyle Moulden, Dane Moulden, Jamie Penfold, Alisdair Ross, Alex Povey, Aaron Sanghera, Adam Smith, Adam O’Bree.

Table Toppers Visit Stones Lane - 20 October

Cricklade go into their biggest game of the season today against One West league leaders Brimscombe & Thrupp.

With a goal difference of +29 Brimscombe can be considered as the fixture favourites. In past games Cricklade have met Brimscombe only twice in competitive games, with one win a piece last season.

Cricklade are in good form this season with only two defeats this season against Hook Norton, but Saturday is the big test on how far we can go this season. Brimscombe are the form side alongside Wootton Bassett, the two teams that if you finish above you will be doing well.

Cricklade have a full squad to chosen from this weekend, with Alex Povey and Kyle Moulden returning to the side that won at Malmesbury in the Wiltshire Cup last weekend.

County Cup Derby Day - 12 October

Cricklade Town travel to Malmesbury Victoria in the Wiltshire Cup this weekend for the second competitive game between the two clubs at the Flying Monk this year.

Previous record: Played 15, with 6 wins, 5 draws and 4 losses, goals 26 to 17 in Cricklade’s favour. Record at Flying Monk: 7 games with 3 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses, goals 13 to 6 in Cricklade’s favour.

For Cricklade this is a big competition, and one that used to mean a lot within Wiltshire, a couple of games and you’re in the Quarter Finals playing some of the big boys.

Crickleade have played Malmesbury once this season already, on that day we played well and could have walked away with a bigger margin than 4-1, however Malmesbury are not a poor side, and their league position does not reflect the strength of their squad, last season they knocked us out of this competition on penalties, local derbies are always well contested, and even more when it’s a cup competition.

Kyle Moulden and Alex Povey are missing through holiday, and into the squad come John Himple and Tom Johnson who missed last weekend defeat at Hook Norton. We have had a good start to the season and will be looking to get back to winning ways, wins breed confidence and a cup run for the club will be good for the players and supporters, as in previous years our cup pedigree has been poor, defeating in early rounds.

Squad from: Jack Allan, Devon Brown, Ben Carter, Gareth Davies, Lee Hedges, John Himple, Anthony Hogg, Dean Hughes, Thomas Johnson, Adam O’Bree, Tom Price, Aaron Sanghera, Adam Smith, Sam Theil, Ryan Thomas.

Tough Trip to Hooky - 6 October

Cricklade Town travel to Hook Norton to play the reverse of the second game of the season, a game that resulted in Cricklade’s only defeat of the season 2-3 at Stones Lane back in August.

Previous results: Played 9 times, with two wins, two draws and five defeats, scoring 14 goals and conceding 20. At Hook Norton we have played 4, won 1 and lost 3, scoring 4 goals and conceding 7.

The manager commented: “We have had a good start to the season, with 6 wins, two draws, and the one defeat against Hook Norton. Saturday will be a good test against Hooky. We have not usually travelled well to the north Oxfordshire club with only one win in 4 visits. This week we had a few injury scares after last week’s good win against Ascot in the cup with 3 players picking up knocks, thankfully they all travel on Saturday and will play, Tom Price will miss out through work, but Anthony Hogg returns after missing last week."

Squad from: Jack Allan, Devon Brown, Ben Carter, Gareth Davies, Lee Hedges, Anthony Hogg, Dean Hughes, Adam O’Bree, Alex Povey, Tom Price, Aaron Sanghera, Adam Smith, Sam Theil, Ryan Thomas

Red Cards In Abundance - 1 October

Four red cards were shown by referee Malcolm Carter in Cricklade's 4-2 extra-time defeat of Ascot United in The Bluefin Insurance Challenge Cup.

Jack Allan opened the scoring midway through the first half, only for the visitors to level just after the break through Rob Saunders. Striker Jon Bennett was sent off for Ascot before Liam Woozley received his second yellow for bringing down Allan in the area, and Ryan Thomas struck home the spot kick. Despite having a goal and a two-man advantage, Cricklade somehow allowed their opponents to level, Ian Brooks scoring after the defence had failed to clear.

In extra time, Saunders were denied what looked a clear penalty after Lee Hedges lunged in, but the spot kick was not given and moments later Ben Carter skipped round the Ascot keeper to make it 3-2.

For their reactions to the penalty not being given, Saunders and his manager Jeff Lamb were both dismissed. Cricklade made the game safe in the second period of extra time when Carter's cross was tapped in by Allan.

New Challenge – 29 September

Taking on Premier Division teams is not new ground to Division One Cricklade Town, however winning against them and playing Ascot is.

In previous seasons Cricklade have struggled to progress further than the 2nd round of the challenge cup with defeats against Letcombe last season and Henley Town, Pegasus Juniors, Lydney Town, Pewsey Vale, Winterbourne United in previous seasons.

Graham Jackson said. ”We have had a good start to the season and currently lie in 2nd place in Division One West, so confidence is high within the club, this is a good cup competition and one that I think we can progress further than we have in previous attempts, but with any cup competition it’s who turns up on the day. Ascot will be up for this game after their good cup win against Chinnor in the Vase a couple of weeks ago, and it will be a good distraction from their league form, which they will be looking to get a win and get their campaign back on track.”

The squad should be strong this week, with only Kyle Moulden missing through work, and back into the squad is Bragg, Hughes, Sanghera.

Squad from: Jack Allan, Ashley Bragg, Devon Brown, Ben Carter, Gareth Davies, Lee Hedges, Dean Hughes, Thomas Johnson, Adam O’Bree, Alex Povey, Tom Price, Aaron Sanghera, Adam Smith, Sam Theil, Ryan Thomas

.

Odds On Draw? – 14 September

Cricklade take on local rivals Malmesbury Victoria in Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West this weekend.

The short trip to the Flying Monk is one that has been very even on the past 6 years, the 6 games between the two clubs in that time have produced 2 wins, 2 draws a piece. This is a fixture that appeared 3 times last season, with all three games finishing in a draw, the cup fixture was won by Malmesbury after penalties.

Graham Jackson commented. “We are on a good run at the moment, and this weekend we go into the fixture at almost full strength, only Jack Allan, Tom Johnson and Ed Jose still missing through various reasons. The league this season looks quite open with several clubs beating each other, but its early days and the next couple of months will show which clubs come the end of the season will be challenging, our aim is to make sure that we can pick up as many points as possible in that time to keep us at least within touching distance.”

Cricklade have some familiar faces back into the squad, Ben Carter, Tom Price and Kyle Moulden, and Sam Theil coming up from the reserves.

Squad from: Devon Brown, Ben Carter, Gareth Davies, Lee Hedges, Anthony Hogg, Dean Hughes, Kyle Moulden, Adam O’Bree, Alex Povey, Tom Price, Alisdair Ross, Adam Smith, Sam Theil, Ryan Thomas.

Where Are They All? - 7 September

Cricklade Town go into this weekend’s fixture with no less than 11 of the first team squad missing through injury, holidays and working.

Cricklade have only played Carterton on two occasions in the past, the visitors last game at Stones Lane ended in a 5-0 loss back in August, and the only other meeting ended in a 2-2 draw with both sides being reduced to 9 men.

Manager Graham Jackson comented.  “We have been on a good run with 3 wins on the bounce, beating some good sides in Lambourn, Purton and Old Woodstock. I would be hoping that after 3 wins players would be looking forward to Saturday and pushing up the league. But I find myself this week looking to bring in 4 or 5 of the reserve players due to so many absences, we are lucky they don’t have a fixture until Tuesday night. We have good first team squad of 21 players this term, compared to just 16 last season, and we still seem to have the same problems of too many players not being available. To compete in this League you need you players available week in week out, players need to understand that and make themselves available, injuries I can understand, however too many go away these days during the season, currently we have 5 on holiday, you just can’t complete with that many away.”

This week we have Alex Povey, Anthony Hogg and Lee Hedges back, but missing are Ed Jose, Max Leslie, Adam O’bree and Amjad Sultan through injury, Jack Allan and Nathan Rekowski with work, and Ben Carter, John Himple, Tom Johnson, Tom Price and Kyle Moulden.

Squad from: Jakub Bedrich, Vladimir Bedrich, Devon Brown, Gareth Davies, Tom Glass, Lee Hedges, Anthony Hogg, Dean Hughes, Rob Mckinley, Alex Povey, Alisdair Ross, Aaron Sanghera, Adam Smith, Ryan Thomas, Dave Young

Bank Holiday Derby Day - 26 August

A traditional bank holiday fixture faces Cricklade as they make the short trip to the Red House to take on local rivals Purton.

Cricklade and Purton have met in league and cup 16 times in the past 7 years, with Cricklade holding the slight advantage of 7 wins to 5, and 32 goals to 27. Fixtures at the Red House stand at 3 wins to Cricklade with 2 lose.

With both teams having good wins on Saturday it will be tightly contested fixture on what looks to be a very rainy day, Purton winning impressively at Lydney and Cricklade getting their first 3 points at home to Lambourn Sports. From Saturday’s squad Devon Brown looks to be missing through work commitments, as will Tommy Johnson, back in from missing Saturdays game against Lambourn is Alex Povey and Captain Adam Smith.

Squad from: Aaron Sanghera, Adam O'Bree, Adam Smith, Alex Povey, Alisdair Ross, Ashley Bragg, Ben Carter, Dean Hughes, Gareth Davies, Jack Allen, Kyle Moulden, Lee Hedges, Ryan Thomas, Thomas Price.

Into The Unknown – 24 August

Cricklade go into this weekend’s Division One West fixture with Lambourn Sports with a bit of an unknown as this will be the first time the clubs have met in the Uhlsport Hellenic Football League.

Crick Manager Graham Jackson commented: “I think Lambourn will be a tough challenge, they have drawn at Bassett which is a good result, and have scored goals, as with us they don’t seem to be able to stop them going in the other end. You would expect a high scoring game. This week we have a few missing with Captain Adam Smith, Nathan Rekowski and Alex Povey away at a wedding, but back into the team is Ben Carter who has missed the start of the season.”

Squad from: Aaron Sanghera, Adam O'Bree, Adam Storer, Ashley Bragg, Ben Carter, Dean Hughes, Devon Brown, Gareth Davies, Jack Allen, Kyle Moulden, Lee Hedges, Ryan Thomas, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Price

Hooky Visit - 13 August

After the weekend both Hook Norton and Cricklade Town will be looking to post their first win of the season on the board, at The Leisure Centre tomorrow night.

Cricklade have faced Hook Norton on 8 occasions now, with Hook winning 4 games and Crick 2, with 2 draws, and Hook leading on the goal tally 17 to 12. The results at Stones Lane are level with one win a piece, and Hook leading on goal 10 to 8.

Cricklade should be unchanged with the exception of Jack Allen coming into the squad.
Squad from: Aaron Sanghera, Adam O'Bree, Adam Smith, Alex Povey, Ashley Bragg, Dean Hughes, Devon Brown, Gareth Davies, Kyle Moulden, Lee Hedges, Nathan Rekowski, Ryan Thomas, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Price, Jack Allen.

First Transfer Of The Season - 31 July

Would you believe it, still in July, league games have not commenced yet, and Cricklade Town have completed the first transfer for season 2012/13.

On Sunday night Cricklade secured the transfer of Kyle Moulden (pictured) from Fairford Town. Kyle who has been at Cricklade for the past five years, making 88 appearances, was looking for a new challenge, but found it difficult to settle at Fairford and looked for a return to 'Crick' after only 14 days.

With this signing Cricklade now have the full squad from last season except for custodian Ben Mitchell who has made the short trip to local side Fairford. Ben was looking to play in the FA Cup to progress his career, something that Cricklade could not provide him with this season.

'Crick' manager Graham Jackson commented: "Pre-season has been tough, with players being touted by several clubs, it’s now good to be getting on with putting the side together now that they have all signed, we have brought in a new keeper in Devon Brown and fullback Lee Hedges both from FC Sanford, and we see the return Max Leslie who has been out with heart problems for a couple of years, and Ryan Thomas who had a short spell at Highworth then Canada. Next week we hope to have a couple more new faces into the club that will help strengthen the squad, as well as another possible transfer in the near future."

29 Goal Carter Signs Again - 23 June

The Uhlsport Hellenic Division One West Top Goal Scorer for the past two seasons wants to try and make it a treble in the Green of Cricklade. With 29 goals in 23 games for Cricklade Ben Carter secured the top goal scorer trophy for the 2nd season running, with last season tally Carter now has 183 goals in 202 appearances for Cricklade Town, making him the second all-time scorer, now only 6 behind Iain Ross who has 189 goals, a record that should be overtaken this season.

First Team Manager Graham Jackson (right) commented; “It’s great to get commitment early from some of your top players, it shows your intention for the season, and will hope fully will attract some of the other players to commit to another season, as well as attracting good quality new players. At the end of the day players bring players, if they see you have good players they want to be part of that. Ben’s a good honest lad that could and has been offered money to play at other places, some good teams last season put in 7 day approaches all of which he turned down, he’s expressed his desire to play for his local town a loyalty that’s missing a bit in local football these days. But as with all players he wants to be winning or least competing to win leagues and cups, hopefully this season we can give that at Cricklade”.

Jackson also said; “We should have a strong side this season if we can keep most of the 1st team from last season, I think we might lose 3 or 4 players, but they can be replaced. We have been looking at few new options and hope to have some of those faces in the first 11 this term to make us stronger, however we could do with a few new faces to make the squad stronger, but this is what every manager will be trying.”

Cricklade Prepare For Season- 19 June

Cricklade Town resume training on Thursday night in preparation for their 2012/13 Uhlsport Hellenic League Division One West campaign.

In fact the Reserves started last week with a good turn out, this Thursday sees the First team join for their first session at Stones Lane (Cricklade Leisure Centre). Starting at 7pm

First team Manager Graham Jackson and Reserves manager Tony Webb, are looking to forward to getting last teams squad back on the training field along with a few new faces for both sides. Graham Jackson "Last season we had a squad at the start that could have challenged for the Division title, but with long term injuries and players missing at keys times in the season was not to be, if we can sign up the squad again this season, with the additions we are looking at we hope to have a strong squad to compete in the League."

Tony Webb said; "Last season was my first year at Cricklade, it was tough putting a new side together and we had a few bad results, but the great thing was to see the team improving, and towards the end of the season we picked up three wins in our last five, so encouraging for the new season."

Both teams are looking for new players to join, for more information contact Chairman Alisdair Ross, Alisdair.ross@venuesevent.com 07970066581 Or First Team Manager - Graham Jackson - 07966553083 Reserve Manager - Tony Webb - 07989403520