CRICKLADE TOWN NEWS

Derby Re-Visited - 2 February

Cricklade take on old foes Purton in the re-arranged Hellenic League Supplementary Cup tie, with the first game being abandon due to injury to Ed Jose after 15 minutes.

Thankfully Ed has made the recovery and will hopefully play in the tie. Cricklade go into the game on the back of a poor run, mostly due to availability of players, the run stands at no wins in 7. With both clubs having one win a piece this season, it will be one to win for the players and management, but Purton have to be favourites with their good run in the league, now occupying 2nd place.

Graham Jackson said; "It's a big game for us, the past month has been tough with the injuries, suspensions and players away. From what I would call the 18 man first team squad that I had on the opening game of the season, the games missed by that 18 have been staggering, we have seen those players only playing 47% of the games, almost all of the players have missed a quarter of the season so far, and you can't continue to compete with that many missing, last week we only had 4 of those first team players available. Hopefully this week we will see some of them return."

This week we will see the return of Tom Price, with late fitness tests on Ben Carter, Ed Jose, Kyle Moulden and Bill Charman.

Squad from: Ben Mitchell, Amjad Sultan, Matt Povey, Kyle Moulden, Adam Smith, Tom Johnson, Bill Charman, Anthony Hogg, Dave proverts, Tom Price, Alex Povey, Ben Carter, Ben Read, Aaron Webb, Ryan Lytham, Ed Jose, James Lee

Tough Trip To Hooky - 27 January

Hook Norton poses a tough trip for Cricklade Town, who are on the back off a poor run of form.

With so many players being unavailable due to injuries and personal commitments over the past few months its been difficult for to maintain the early season form.

"I have never known a season like it, we have had too many suspensions, some very tough to accept, and some that are very justified. But put that together with the number of quality players that are sat watching due to long term injury it's hard to maintain our early season position in the league. We have competed in many of the games and picked up some good wins, but it's not something the players can keep doing over the season with missing that bit of quality. Sadly a lot of the games that we have drawn and lost would be games that we would have targeted as 3 points with a full squad. But this is not just a problem for us as many teams have this issue over the season, and players have to realise that they have to roll up their sleeves in game like this, you cannot put your strongest side out every week." said manager Graham Jackson.

Tom Johnson and Tom Price back from suspension, Johnson will go back into the side, while Price will miss out due to illness as will Ed Jose. Rob Walker also returns after injury as does Kyle Moulden, with Ben Carter still sidelined through injury after only managing 10 minutes last week.

Squad from: Ben Mitchell, Adam Smith, Dave Proberts, Kyle Moulden, Tom Johnson, Bill Charman, Alex Povey, Matt Povey, Alisdair Ross, Aaron Webb, Ben Read, Ryan Latham

Uncharted Territory - 21 January 2012

Brimscombe make the trip to Cricklade's Stones Lane ground, the first time for a competitive match.

After the first meeting between the two clubs earlier in the season it should be a good contest, Cricklade won the trip to the Meadow with 3 second half goals, but the game could have been very different had Brimscombe capitalised on their domination in the first half. Cricklade go into the game with several players missing, Gareth Davies, Tom Price, Tom Johnson and Aaron Sanghera missing through suspension, and 6 players that will be missing through injury. Players that will be coming into the side will be new signing Dave Proberts and Ben Mitchell who will have a late fitness test, but should return after his fractured leg sustained prior to Christmas, Ben Carter hopefully will also make a return after missing last week through a thigh strain.

Squad from: Ben Mitchell, Alisdair Ross, Adam Smith, Ed Jose, Amjad Sultan, Dave Proberts, Bill Charman, Aaron Webb, Ben Carter, Anthony Hogg, Ryan Latham, Matt Povey, Alex Povey

Mitchell Suffers Fractured Leg - 23 December

Cricklade Town go into the festive games without first choice goalkeeper Ben Mitchell as he was diagnosed with a fractured leg sustained during the midweek game at Carterton.

Ben was injured in the first 5 minutes of the fixture, and showed great commitment in continuing the game throughout the 90 minutes, unaware of the injury. Ben has been ever present in goal this season playing in every fixture and will be a great loss to the team for the next 4 weeks while he recovers.

"Respect your Hosts" - 19 December

Too many times over the past few seasons Alisdair Ross has been left disappointed and disgusted with the state that the away team have left the changing rooms after games at Stones Lane.

Chairman of Cricklade Town Ross states."Why do team management allow their players to clean boots in the showers? Throw the mud off their boots against the walls? At what point do the Managers of those teams think that this is acceptable behaviour of players from their club?."

He continues. "This past weekend I went into the changing rooms after the game to find mud all over the walls where players had used the walls to clean their boots off, something that could have been done outside. Then we turn to the showers that more resemble a mud bath, as players seem to think this is where they clean their boots for the following game. Again something that could be done at home or outside using the outside tap."

"And what reason do we get from visiting teams?" . . . "Ah well teams do it at our place!".

"Well Cricklade Town don't, we fine players that clean their boots in the changing rooms, and if they did we clean up before we leave, as we do after every away game prior to leaving the changing rooms."

"Respect should not just be confined to the football pitch and the match."

Reaction Required - 24 November

Cricklade go into this weekend's Supplementary Cup derby game against Purton on the back of 4 straight defeats. 

Over the past 15 games against Purton, Cricklade have won 6 and lost 5, with 4 draws, scoring 29 and conceding 25. The most recent result being 5-0 win for Purton last weekend after a 2-1 win for Cricklade at the Red House in August. 

After last Saturday's heavy loss against Purton manager Graham Jackson will be looking for a reaction from his players.

Jackson stated. "Last was a disappointing result, but one that was not as bad a the records will show, for two thirds of the game it was an even contest, only when we conceded the penalty did thing start to go wrong, but up to that point we competed well and created a couple of good opportunities, and restricted them to chances from set pieces. This weekend will see the return of Ben Carter after his suspension and that should help at the top half of the pitch. Apart from the past four games we have had a good season, and you don't become a bad side over night, I expect us to get out of this run soon and start putting a good run together, and a local derby there is no better game to start that".

Squad From: Ben Mitchell, Chris Green, Gareth Davies, Kyle Moulden, Ed Jose, Kyle Murdoch, Adam Smith, Aaron Sanghera, Tom Price, Rob Walker, Tom Johnson, Ben Carter, Ahmed Sultan, Anthony Hogg

Crick v Bassett - 11 November

Cricklade take on Wootton Bassett in this weekends derby game, it’s the first game between the two sides since 20th February 2010 after Bassett returned to the Division One West after an unfortunate demotion from the Premier League.

Previously Cricklade and Bassett have played 10 times in the Uhlsport Hellenic League with winning 6 and losing 3 with 1 draw, scoring 17 and conceding 15.

Cricklade go into the game with 13 first team players missing, 3 away for personal reasons, 8 injured and 2 suspended, most notably Ben Carter, Gareth Davies both suspended, James Hogg and Lewis Dancer away with personal reasons, Chris Green, Ed Jose, Richard Blankley and Adam O’Bree injured, sadly Adam O’Bree returned to action last week after his hernia operation only to break down after 25 minutes with a re-occurrence of the same injury.

With so many missing which seems to be a recurring theme this season as with many clubs, its good to know that we have back-up from our reserve team that are no in action at the week-end and can fill in, the problems will arise when our reserves return to Saturday games next weekend.

Giving his thoughts manager Graham Jackson said: “We had a good start to the season, and very good one considering the players that we have had missing, but this is the problems in the game today, too many players are not available week in week out, also injuries have played their part this season with some key players that have not been able to make themselves available, and some of them no long term. The players that we have brought in have done well up to now, but you can not challenge in this division (One West) with changing the side every week.
We go into a big derby game for us with 13 players that we would consider first team missing for various reasons.  Over the coming weeks we will be looking to strength the squad with some new players that are more committed to playing every week, this would be for both squads as I know that Tony will be doing the same, as our problems are pushed onto our Reserve team as when we bring players up, they have to replace them, and it tough being a Reserve Manager.”

Squad from: Ben Lewis, Kyle Moulden, Matt Povey, Alex Povey, Anthony Hogg, Tom Price, Adam Smith, Sam Reason, James Lees, John Himple, Tommy Johnson, Aaron Sanghera, Kyle Murdoch, Robert Walker.

You Get What You Deserve - 6 November

Cricklade got what they deserved on Saturday against a hardworking Cirencester, according to manager Graham Jackson.

An infuriated Jackson comments. "People make excuses with players missing, referees, formations and many more, but at the end of the game if you have not worked hard enough you get what you deserve, and that’s what we got, a 3-1 loss".

He continues. “This was our worst performance of the season against what is a Development side, in our squad we have experienced players that should have know how to see out a game like that. We were in control for 30 minutes and went 1-0 up, we didn’t create enough chances with the possession but looked in no danger, then our discipline went, and with that our footbal. Players stopped working giving little chance of retaining possession of the ball, and leaving us with only the long ball option, which is not our game. The second half after re-grouping we should have grabbed hold of the game and went on to win it, but with a lack of effort and desire we gave them space and time, and you can’t do that against any side".

"When you have 3 or 4 players not putting the work rate in it effects the whole team, the hard working Price and Hogg in the middle got out numbered and pulled out of shape, and that cost us big time. I wont accept this from my team as I know that we are better than this. The next two games are big games with Wootton Bassett and Purton, let’s see who turns up to training and wants to turn this around, showing a desire to have a shirt for those games.”

Last Minute Signing - 5 November

Cricklade Town have signed Kyle Murdoch from local rivals Purton just before the 24hr deadline, signed at 2pm on Friday, which makes Kyle available for the visit of Cirencester Town Development.

Kyle (pictured) was previous in the Green of Cricklade making 37 appearances scoring 2 goals then moved across to the Red of Purton for the past couple of seasons. A big thank you to Chris Pethick and Alan Eastwood who waived the 7-days and helped with the transfer at the last minute.

Manager Graham Jackson commented. “Kyle is a welcome addition to the squad and can play in various positions, with the problems we have this weekend its great that we got the transfer done in time. Kyle should go straight into the team at the back with so many defensive players missing, from Gareth Davies (Suspended), James Hogg (Injured), Ed Jose (Injured), Chris Green (Injured) and Lewis Dancer (Work Commitments), leaving only 2 recognised first team defenders”

Cricklade Enamel Badges

Cricklade Town FC for the first time now has on sale Club Enamel Badges.

Anyone interested in purchasing one at £3 each can purchase them on our website www.crickladetownfootballclub.co.uk or apply to Alisdair Ross 47 Melstock Road, Taw Hill, Swindon, SN25 1XF. Please send a SAE plus a cheque payable to "Cricklade Town Football Club" and a badge or badges will be sent by return of post.

Suspensions Start - 3 November

Without a game last week Cricklade Town go into some important fixtures with players missing due to suspensions, Ben Carter to Miss Cirencester, Wootton Bassett and Purton, with Gareth Davies missing the first of those two. With player injuries still recovering from injury it will be a squad game and the support of Reserve players helping out the First Team again.

This Saturday we entertain Cirencester Town will be a tough opposition and have had some good results recently in beating Headington and Wootton Bassett, the only time the two clubs have met in the Hellenic League is earlier this season where Cricklade Triumphed by 3 goal to one at the Corinthian Stadium.

Injury news, Adam O’Bree is back in training after his operation and only time will tell if the operation has been successful and he might be back playing in a couple of weeks, Chris Green still missing for another 3-4 weeks with a broken foot, Arron Webb still out until the new year with ligament damage but this looks better than first thought, so a few players on their way back.

Squad from: Ben Lewis, Ed Jose, Lewis Dancer, Kyle Moulden, Daniel Hull, James Hogg, Matt Povey, Alex Povey, Anthony Hogg, Tom Price, Adam Smith, Craig Shand, Sam Ockwell, Sam Reason

Top Table Clash - 21 October

Cricklade go into this weekend's fixture with high flying Tytherington Rocks for a battle to see who will be second in Divison One West come 4.45pm on Saturday.

Games in the past against have been close encounters with Tytherington edging the games on most occasions with 7 wins versus only 2 by Cricklade with 3 draws, Tytherington scoring 30 and conceding 23. Cricklade have had the upper had not losing in their last 3 games against Tytherington including a draw a one win in their last two visits to Hardwicke Playing Field.

This weeks fixture will be another test of the squad with several players still missing and a few more that will be absent from last weeks game at New college, with James Hogg picking up and injury and Lewis Dancer and Sam Ockwell unavailable. This is on top players still missing through injury, from Chris Green, Adam O'Bree, Richard Blankley, Aaron Webb, Like Mitchell.

Graham Jackson commented: "This is a big game early in the season, with last weeks result we put a little daylight between us an 4th place, they have games in hand, however if we can get a result at the weekend it will give the squad a great lift before we have a free weekend next week. Tytherington have always been a tough side and they look to have some impressive results, we went to watch them play at Bassett earlier in the season where they played below par on the night, I would expect a tough game at their place on the back of a good run of form. But this league is like that if you can string 4 or 5 wins on the bounce you move up the league quickly."

Squad from: Ben Mitchell, Adam Smith, Ed Jose, Kyle Moulden, Gareth Davies, Tom Price, Sam Reason, Anthony Hogg, Ben Carter, Daniel Hull, Alex Povey, Rob Walker, Alisdair Ross, Craig Hogg

It's a Squad Game - 16 October

"Too many sides don't use their reserve players to good effect, and from the outside it often looks like two separate teams" comments Cricklade chairman Alisdair Ross.

"As we have had in Cricklade in the past few seasons". Ross pictured continues. "Managers that look to only progress themselves and their team rather than the club, what is working well this season is that it's a Cricklade squad not two separate teams. Already this season we have seen seven players making their debuts for the first team, and not just making up the numbers to fill the bench, with the first being Arron Webb showing promise with some good early season games up top netting twice before his injuries, and the past weekend we had James Hogg and Daniel Hull starting against New College for their debuts, and performing well with Hogg looking comfortable at right back creating one goal, and Hull getting a goal on his debut."

" It is great credit to Tony and Ben running the reserves to get players that can step up, while still having a side that can challenge every week in the Reserve section, with the first team taking players its hard to build a side, even though the result have not gone their way, they are showing some promise and with a good result against Kidlington Reserves at the weekend we have confidence that they will start to climb the league over the next few months."

New College – New Challenge - 14 October

Cricklade Town take on New College for the first time in the Hellenic League, Cricklade last encounter with New College was back in 2006 in the Wiltshire Senior Cup and previous to that back in 2006 in the Wiltshire Premier Division in 2004/05 season, in those games Cricklade have the upper hand with two wins and one draw.

With New College now back in the Hellenic league they will be a different team that we have previously played, I would expect a difficult game from a young side that will chase down everything, they have not had a bad start to their league campaign with some good results and we will have to play well to get the three points. This weekend we will have Lewis Dancer and Nick Latham missing, and still on the injury list Aaron Webb, Chris Green, Richard Blankley and Adam O'Bree, however, some good news is welcoming a couple of new signings that could make their debut for the club.

Squad from: Ben Lewis, Ed Jose, Gareth Davies, Kyle Moulden, Adam Smith, Sam Okwell, Tom Price, Sam Reason, Anthony Hogg, Ben Carter, Alex Povey, James Hogg, Rob Walker, Jason Milhench

Webb Another Set-Back - 14 October

Cricklade Town youngster Aaron Webb suffered another set back last night, as he was working on getting his fitness back after missing seven weeks with knee problems.

Aaron again damaged the ligaments in his knee, after turning sharply on the astro turf. Having played 70 minutes for the reserves and a full 90 minutes on Saturday it looked although he would just need to work on his fitness as the injury was behind him, but sadly not. This setback could see the youngster out for some time, after a good start with the club, scoring two in two games for the first team prior to his Injury, he will be missed and all the players wish him a speedy recovery.

Carter Will Be A Loss- 13 October

Cricklade Town suffered defeat against lower league opposition and slipped out of the Wiltshire Senior Cup for third year in the early rounds.

It will be hard for the players and Management to take, Marlborough are a team in a league below us, and struggling in that league. Chairman Alisdair Ross said; "The result is disappointing enough without the loss of our leading goal scorer Ben Carter, with his sending off in the 45th minute for kicking out after being bundled to the ground. Ben will be looking at a 3 game ban, and missing some key games, on top of that it will be a big fine for him, I don't think the punishment fits the crime sometimes, as you see tackles that will hurt people and you get a yellow, and like Rooney's sending off, it's not a career threatening tackle but is still punished the same. I did agree with the referee that it was a send off so no complaints just think that the punishment will be a bit harsh, as it was for Tom Price earlier in the season Tom handled the ball on the line, just a reaction to the ball being hit at him and that has cost him £30. But as with everything in football it's about opinions, and if we all had the same opinion we wouldn't love the game as much as we do"

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Wilts Senior Cup Weekend - 5 October

Cricklade Town start their Wiltshire Senior cup campaign this weekend against Wiltshire League Opponents Marlborough Town at Stones Lane.

Marlborough Town were the last opponents that Cricklade faced in the Wiltshire League before promotion to the Hellenic league back in 2005, with Cricklade needing a win to secure promotion Marlborough came to spoil the party and came away from Stones Lane with a 0-0 draw, leaving Cricklade in a discussion with the Football Association about promotion, thankfully with the support of the Hellenic League this was achieved.

'Crick' Manager Graham Jackson said; "After last weeks performance Cricklade will be looking to improve after a lacklustre performance against Letcombe. "We didn't play well last week with too many players off their game, and that will have to improve, Marlborough are a league below us and will come with the hope of knocking us out, and if we don't respect them and put in a performance our cup run will be over. This week we will have Ben Carter back and that should improve our cutting edge, the only player missing form last week will be Tom Price who is suspended. I am hoping for a good run in this cup as we did in 2004 with a narrow defeat in the quarter finals against Highworth who won the Hellenic Premier league that season, with previous winners being from our level it's a cup that can be won with a bit of luck and a good draw, and one that I think is a good competion that this club has never won".

Squad from: Squad from: Ben Mitchell, Lewis Dancer, Anthony Hogg, James Hogg, Gareth Davies, Kyle Moulden, Ed Jose, Adam Smith, Alex Povey, Devon McAlla, Sam Reason, Rob Walker, Nick Latham, Craig Shand, Ben Carter.

Mixed Weekend - 3 October

Cricklade had a mixed weekend with great weather, a defeat and a good start to the Zambia appeal.

With the hottest October day on record Cricklade suffered their 6th early exit from the Challenge cup in 6 years, and poor and consistent run and one that did not please Graham Jackson. "We had a great opportunity to pit ourselves against last years Premier winners in the next round, what better incentive should you need, yet it was Letcombe that wanted it more than us. We only showed any real urgency after were 2-1 down, we played like it like a pre-season game without any hunger or desire, we didn't press the ball well enough, we were too far off them, our passing usually the part to our game was off. Throughout the game some of our stuff was good until the final ball, but too many players had an off day, and Letcombe deserved their win. Next week will have to improve for the visit of Marlborough in the Wiltshire Senior Cup."

Cricklade Town's support to Swindon Town Football in the community Trust started in the best fashion as Des Williams from Letcombe help the cause with presenting Cricklade with a full U16 kit to pass on the Swindon Town, that now makes a total of 4 kits collected within the first week. We now have 8 weeks to see how many kits, old equipment and old professional shirts we can collect for The STFITC team who will be embarking on their 3rd trip to Zambia in December 2011 and will be taking with them all the donations from local football teams, schools, parents and children that they have gratefully received.

Just like Scotland - 30 September

Cricklade Town take on Letcombe in their first cup match of the season in The Bluefin Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup, a cup competition that has not proved to be a successful one for "Crick", a record that ranks along side Scotland in major competitions as we failed to pass the 2nd round in any season to date.

The Challenge cup would be a great trophy to win, but it's a success that has not really crossed our minds, the record shows that, it's a tough competition with some really good strong sides from the Premier Division involved, but you never know Trowbridge some years ago and Holyport last season showed that it can be done. But in past experiences I have found the Supplementary Cup is a good one to be involved in so have not been too disappointed with the early exits. 3 seasons ago we reached the semi-finals and last season Purton reached the final only losing out to Kidlington. Lets see how this campaign goes. Alisdair Ross

Letcombe who have moved to the Eastern section this season have a good record against Cricklade with 8 wins out of the last 12 games, with 1 draw and two losses, scoring 33 goals and only conceding 13. Cricklade go into the game without Division One West top goal scorer Ben Carter who will be missing due to social commitments, Adam O'bree who will be looking to return mid November, Chris Green and Richard Blankley missing due to injuries.
Squad from: Ben Mitchell, Lewis Dancer, Anthony Hogg, James Hogg, Craig Hogg, Gareth Davies, Kyle Moulden, Ed Jose, Adam Smith, Tom Price, Alex Povey, Devon McAlla, Sam Reason, Rob Walker, Nick Latham, Craig Shand.

One West A Competitive Division - 26 September

In the opinion of the scribe from Cricklade, Saturday highlighted this season One West is a very competitive division. If you don't turn up and perform against anyone in the division, it will cost you.

Trowbridge came to Cricklade without a win this season and on the end of a coupe of big defeats, but for the first half looked nothing like a team that were without a win this season. This was a bit due to the Cricklade performance but also credit due to Trowbridge who worked hard a fought for every ball and deserved their lead at half-time.

So far we, Cricklade, have seen some of the top teams struggle against teams in the lower half and no team now unbeaten after Clanfield's very good win at Old Woodstock last week. There are only 6 points separating the top six teams in the division and Wootton Basset who have turned their season around from their opening two defeats will be challenging the top teams with their games in hand. This is all a far cry from last season where Headington took the league by storm at this point with ten wins out of ten.

With most clubs now going into cup action over the next few weekends it will be good to see how the positions look when a few of the clubs in league action have caught up a few games.

Evenly Matched - 23 September

Cricklade Town face Trowbridge in Saturdays fixture with both clubs being evenly match in the past.

Cricklade and Trowbridge faced each other in many competitive games in the Wiltshire League, then when Cricklade joined Trowbridge in the Hellenic League in 2005 it has continued, with 12 games play Cricklade hold 6 wins against Trowbridge 5, with one draw, the goal average could not be closer with the score are 26-24 in Cricklade favour. At Stones Lane it is a better outlook for the home side with 4 wins 1 loss and 1 draw in the 6 games with the goal average at 20-12.

After last weeks results it is a very competitive league, with only 3 points separating the top 6 clubs, this week is a great chance to push up the league for Cricklade with a few of the top 6 playing each other, but as with all Hellenic Div 1 West games you cannot expect any easy games, Trowbridge will be coming to Cricklade for 3 points to get their season back on track after a dispaointing start by their standards.

Squad from: Ben Mitchell, Lewis Dancer, Ben Carter, Anthony Hogg, Gareth Davies, Kyle Moulden, Ed Jose, Adam Smith, Tom Price, Alex Povey, Devon McAlla, Sam Reason, Rob Walker, Nick Latham

Short Trip to Cirencester - 14 September

Cricklade Town go into the weekend's fixture against Cirencester Town Reserves with two defeats on the bounce against Headington and Old Woodstock.

This will be the first meeting between the senior side and Cirencester, with Cricklade Reserves playing the Cirencester side twice last season with one win and one loss.

"With a couple of defeats against teams that will be challenging for this division this season we have lost a bit of ground, and we need to start picking up the points again this weekend, the good news is that we have a few back from injury with Lewis Dancer and Devon McAlla making a return, and hopefully Anthony Hogg. Cirencester will be a tough team, having looked at their results they have only lost games against some of the stronger teams in the league, and being their first season they will be looking to impress teams, having watched them last season I would imagine that they will be a hard working side with lost of energy, and that is something that we will have to match on the day."

Squad from: Ben Mitchell, Lewis Dancer, Ben Carter, Anthony Hogg, Gareth Davies, Kyle Moulden, Ed Jose, Adam Smith, Tom Price, Alex Povey, Devon McAlla, Sam Reason, Rob Walker, Nick Latham

It's A Squad Game This Season -12 September

Cricklade Town suffered another injury in Saturday's clash with Old Woodstock as Chris Green limped off after 30 minutes with ankle ligaments, Chris will be missing for at least 3 weeks.

Chris joins other key players on the injury list at Cricklade this season, with Defender Lewis Dancer still unavailable after picking up an injury at Milton in Pre-season, Winger Adam O'Bree who has not played this season, and has just undergone a double hernia operation this week, Midfielder Richard Blankley who has been playing through injury but has now been advised that he must rest, Midfielder Anthony Hogg missing with a broken wrist and hopefully will return soon, Aaron Webb injured a couple games into the season, and will be missing until Christmas with cartilage problems, Devon McAlla who has been missing for the past 3 weeks with a groin injury, and finally Max Lesley who has only been available for pre-season games due to a heart condition that will keep him out for some time, we all hope that he will return at some stage.

Manager Jackson said; "Things have not gone for us so far this season, I think we have had a good start considering the quality of players that we have not been able to put out on the pitch for a lot of the games. The starting 11 changes every week with players missing due to holidays, injuries and suspensions, and with losing the quality of Ryan Thomas to Highworth early in the season it been a real squad effort with several of the reserve players stepping up, coupled with a few new signings like Sam Reason and Nick Latham we should be able to hold our own and start pushing for the top of this table when we get the full strength side out. As with any club you have players missing, but it's the quality that you miss and cannot replace easily"

Sincere Reason's - 9 September

Cricklade Town player Sam Reason expounds on his six month return journey to Cricklade, via Clanfield and Wootton Bassett Town.

Reason explained. "A lot of people were surprised when I left Cricklade last season but I felt at that moment in time a change was the right thing for me. I never left 'Crick' under any dark cloud and was honest with the management from the start. I highly respect Jacko and Rossi and I really wanted to leave the club the right way. I enjoyed my time at Clanfield and we had a pretty decent 2nd half of the season. Even whilst I wasn't playing at Cricklade I would always check for their scores and hope they would do well. I have a lot of friends there so would always wish them the best. I started pre-season with Wootton Bassett and although I enjoyed working with Dave Turner, who in my eyes is one of the best managers around at this level it just didn't work out and I always knew where I wanted to be".

He continued. "When I spoke to Jacko and he made it clear he would like me back I did not have to think twice about my decision. Its a great club with great people involved in it and I have never seen a team spirit like that at Cricklade in any other club. I always knew I wanted to come back and play here at some point but its happened sooner rather than later and I'm very pleased about that. The team has had a good start to the season and I just want to get my head down, work hard and help the club in any way I can. There has always been a good feel about the place and I'm glad that hasn't changed in the time I've been away, if anything the team unity is stronger than ever and at this level team spirit can pull you through some tricky games. I would like to thank Bassett for making the move an easy one and also M4 Van Centre for Sponsoring me again. I'm glad to be back and this is where I belong. Stone Lane is my home!"

Reason Returns To Crick - 2 September

Previous club captain Sam Reason returns to the club this weekend after a transfer from Wootton Bassett on Friday, after spells at Clanfield last season. We would like to thank Wootton Bassett has been very helpful to Cricklade in releasing Sam early so that he is able to play in this weekend's game against Headington.

This week also see's the return of Rob Walker to the Green of Cricklade after playing for Aston Keynes over recent season's, a local lad that will go straight into the first team squad due to injuries and players being away, some other good news is that Lewis Dancer will make a return from injury that was incurred in a pre-season game at Milton.

Manager Jackson said; "Its been a good start to the season, I would have taken 2nd place moving into September, however we still have a lot of the season to go. Its testament to the squad that we have at the moment, as with most clubs we have not been able to field our strongest side as we wont again this weekend with several players missing". Players absent this weekend: Gareth Davies – Holiday, Adam Smith – Honeymoon, Adam O'bree – Injured, Anthony Hogg - Suspended
Squad from Ben Mitchell, Chris Green, Ben Carter, Ian McSherry, Tom Price, Adam Brooks, Richard Blankley, Alex Povey, Rob Walker, James Baker, Sam Reason, Ed Jose, Kyle Moulden, Ian McSherry, Lewis Dancer

Tough Derby Game - 29 August

Cricklade Take on Purton today, with both sides in good form over the weekend it should be an entertaining game.

It's good to see a local game on the bank holiday, giving a short distance to travel for players and supporters. Cricklade go into the game on the back of 3 wins on the bounce, scoring 14 goals and conceding none, with Purton lying in fourth only one place behind in the league, and only separated from us in third by goal difference the teams look closely matched. In the past both team have enjoyed success in these derby games with 5 wins to Cricklade and 4 to Purton, with 4 draws, recent games have gone the way of the hosts with the last win at the Red House coming back in December of 2007 since then Purton have picked up 4 wins without reply, tying 3 of the games.

With good wins in our past three games and unable to field the same team in any game this season, it has shown the strength in depth that we now have, and credit to Tony and Ben who have ensured that players are available and can step up. Cricklade will be without a few key players, as Anthony Hogg starts his suspension for disciplinary last year in the Sunday leagues, Adam Smith on his honeymoon and long term injuries with Max Leslie, Adam O'Bree, Devon McAlla, Lewis Dancer and Aaron Webb.

Squad from Ben Mitchell, Chris Green, Ben Carter, Ian McSherry, Tom Price, Adam Brooks, Richard Blankley, Alex Povey, Matt Povey, James Baker, Tom Johnson, Ed Jose, Kyle Moulden, Ian McSherry, Dave Young, Gareth Davies

Bells Replace Whistles - 26 August

For what he admits is perhaps the first time in his life, football will have to take a back seat for Cricklade Town captain Adam Smith this weekend due his impending nuptials.

Smith gets married today, meaning he will miss tomorrow's Hellenic League Division One West game with Carterton and Monday's derby showdown at Purton due to being on his honeymoon.

He told The Swindon Advertiser. "I'm disappointed to be missing the Purton game especially because I used to play for them," said the midfielder, who is expected to return for the visit of Old Woodstock Town on Saturday September 10. The lads haven't been too bad. I'm sure there will be some sort of fine in place for not being able to play for reasons other than being injured."

Chris Green is expected to take over the captaincy from Smith, who was also absent from Crick's 8-0 thrashing of Clanfield on Wednesday evening. He said: "I spoke to the lads and they said we completely dominated. Their keeper made a couple of errors, but we were dominant in midfield. Carterton are a bit of an unknown and on the back of an 8-0 win you would expect us to be going into the game full of confidence, but you just don't know in this league."

Cricklade also waved goodbye to Ryan Thomas (right), who is looking to progress his playing career in the Premier Division with Highworth. Ryan has been with the club since November 2010 playing 22 games scoring 9 goals, and was a pivotal part of the midfield. All the Management and Players wish him a great success for the season.

After a great win midweek, Cricklade would have liked to have kept the same squad for Saturday, however due to Ryan's departure and Davies missing due to Wedding commitments its time for a few of the fringe players to get their chance. Manager Graham Jackson said: "Its always disappointing to lose players, especially ones of his quality and commitment, we had hopped to bring in a couple of new players for the weekend but those avenues have fallen through, we have a good squad here and this season a reserve team that can and has stepped up into the first team. Wednesday was a great team performance and one that should give the team some confidence going into the Bank Holiday Fixtures"

Squad from Ben Mitchell, Chris Green, Ben Carter, Ian McSherry, Tom Price, Anthony Hogg, Adam Brooks, Richard Blankley, Alex Povey, Matt Povey, James Baker, Tom Johnson, Ed Jose, Kyle Moulden

First Win - 23 August

Cricklade go into the midweek fixtures with their first win of the campaign under their belts.

A hard earned victory gives them confidence going into the tough local derby with Clanfield, a fixture that produced an entertaining game last season at Stones Lane, with Cricklade earning a 3-2 victory with goals in the last few minutes. Over the past 6 years it has not been a great ground to visit for Clanfield, losing all 6 games conceding 17 goals and scoring 4, however as Cricklade know from the weekend's fixture with Winterbourne that history can be changed. We know that Peter Osbourne and his side will be looking to reverse last season result that dented their promotion ambitions. Cricklade's squad will be boosted by the Return of Ben Carter this week after missing the season through holiday, and a delayed flight that saw him miss last week game against Winterbourne. Also returning will be Ed Jose and Kyle Moulden.
Squad for Saturday:
Ben Mitchell, Chris Green, Adam Smith, Ben Carter, Ian McSherry, Gareth Davies, Tom Price, Ryan Thomas, Anthony Hogg, Adam Brooks, Richard Blankley, Alex, Kyle Moulden, Ed Jose

Good Result With Consequences - 19 April

Cricklade Town gained their first point of this year's campaign, with a consequence, new striker Aaron Webb suffered knee ligament damage in an innocuous challenge ruling him out for up to 6 weeks.

It's a blow to the young player that was just making his mark in the first team with 2 goals in two games, hopefully we will see him back in the green shirt sooner rather than later. Due to the injury Cricklade Town have put in 7-days for a local striker to bring into the squad, as we have a shortage of fully fit strikers within the first team squad, Ben Carter suffering from injury, Max Leslie sideline for medical reasons, and now Arron out for a while.

Graham Jackson said: "It was a good result considering the players that we had missing, with 4 reserve players drafted in due to injuries and players away. I was pleased with the performance against a well organised side that deserved their point on the night, as both side had spells when they looked to be able to walk off with all three. We gave away a soft goal to allow them to equalise, but responded well after going behind in the 80th minute, and they we should have really take the points after that, which would have been harsh on our opponents. Hook Norton looked a stronger side this term, and will surprise a few people this season"

Cricklade travel for the first time this season to Winterbourne, a destination that has not been a happy one for "crick" over the years. With the 6 games played at Winterbourne we have only walked away with one win and one draw, conceding a massive 20 goals and only 7 in reply. Hopefully their new home at Oakland Park Almondsbury will be a more accommodating place. This week we should see the return of Ben Carter to first team action, along with new signing Ian McSherry, Club Captain Adam Smith will also return after missing the midweek game due to work commitments who will replace Ed Jose missing with work commitments. This still leaves squad missing a few key players due to injury. Arron Webb who is sidelined until October, Adam O'bree until December, we were hopeful that Lewis Dancer and Devon McCalla would return this week but that looks to be next weekend. And finally Max Leslie who will be out until at least the New Year.
Squad for Saturday:
Ben Mitchell, Chris Green, Adam Smith, Ben Carter, Ian McSherry, Gareth Davies, Tom Price, Ryan Thomas, Anthony Hogg, Adam Brooks, Richard Blankley, Alex Povey, Matt Povey, James Baker.

Cricklade Reserves start their campaign against Hook Norton Reserves this weekend, a debut for the management partnership of Tony Webb and Ben Lewis, this season Cricklade has assembled a new young squad to take up the challenge of the Reserves section. With some good pre-season results for the team it looks although they will be able to compete well within the Division Two West. However it's the same as with the first team, if not harder. You need your squad to be available every week to compete, and sometimes the first team will take your better players, but the squad is big enough to cope and hopefully will get a few more in the near future.

Fewer Mistakes - 14 August

Cricklade went into the opening day of the season with great expectations after a good season last year, but after individual mistakes it turned into a an opening day defeat.

Graham Jackson commented. "I couldn't fault the players for a great performance, they played exactly the way that I want a team to play, with good passing and movement we kept possession well, we created enough chances and scored enough goals to win the game. However you can't gift good sides like Easington goals like we did, for the first we dived into a tackle when the player was not going towards goal for the penalty, we went to sleep for their second allowing the short throw and heading the clearance into the middle of our own box and worse followed. The second half brought worse as a pass back played their player in, then let a long clearance bounce and their player was clean through. Not to take anything away from Easington Phil Lines used his experience and had them well organised and they took their chances, we had a big share of the possession and did not convert that into a win."

"Next up is Hook Norton at Stones Lane, I hope for the same level of performance and commitment for the boys on Wednesday night, without the errors as you cant concede 4 and expect to win the game."

Ready For Kick Off - 13 August

Cricklade Town take on Easington today in their opening league fixture sponsored by the Old Bear Inn, Cricklade.

With all the pre-season now out of the way it is time for Jackson's boys to step up to the mark and kick off the season in the best possible way with a win. With several new players that may well make their debuts for the club in Anthony Hogg, Devon McAlla, Aaron Webb, Matt Povey, Adam Brooks and Ben Mitchell. Doubts for the game will be Ben Carter, Lewis Dance, Adam O'Bree, Chris Green who are all injured or absent.

Graham Jackson said; "It's not been the best pre-season as in results, but we have been missing players, and trying to bed in new players, the performances have been good enough in spells to show me that we have the players to compete this year. The league will be tougher than last season with a few new clubs that I feel enhance the league, the usual suspects will be competing for the league, Bassett will be strong, along with Headington, Purton, Clanfield, and new comers Brimscombe who will provide a good challenge."

" Every season clubs change personnel so I would expect some other clubs that will surprise some of us. I don't think that you will find an easy game this time around. Saturday we will be missing a few players, as we will for the first few games, but all clubs will have that, I am really please to have re-signed most of last seasons squad and added some real quality in areas that needed it. This season I am expecting good things from my team, I know that they have the talent to challenge for this league, but they have to show they have to hunger and desire to put in a performance every week, and that's what it takes to challenge for honours at any level, commitment, Making yourself available each week, no drinking on Friday nights, putting in the work rate every game and getting to training….no one said it would be easy".

One West Top Goal Scorer Re-signs - 23 June

At a very successful first training session Cricklade Town have secured the services of most of their first team from last season, and a number of new players to support the two sides at Cricklade Town this season.

With the signatures of Ben Carter, Gareth Davies, Kyle Moulden, Tom Price, Chris Green, Ryan Thomas, Adam O'Bree, Nathan Gambling, Alex Povey from last years squad, with the remaining players expected to sign up Thursday, as many were missing due to work commitments.

It was an encouraging first training session with 20 new players to last seasons squad, Graham and Tony were both impressed with the quality and attitude of the new players that have joined. Next training session is Thursday 23rd June 2011, 7pm, Stones Lane, Cricklade.