De Cymru & The Marches 2

Cheltenham C 1 Wotton-under-Edge 2nds 7

IT was a case of seven is heaven for Wotton-under-Edge second team as they wiped the floor with Cheltenham in the De Cymru and Marches 2 League last weekend.

The victory means that Wotton remain in second place in the table, having lost just one match in the six played so far and are unbeaten at home after three games at Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School where they return on Saturday to play top-of-the-table Ross-on-Wye.

It was a successful return to Cheltenham for the second time in as many weeks for Wotton, with the sun glaring from one end of the pitch and an opposition looking strong while warming up, Wotton didn’t know what to expect.

Once again extreme pressure from the off forced Cheltenham into early errors.

Darren Pearce capitalised on some strong passing play to put Wotton one ahead early on in the game.

Then a high, looping shot from Dan Jones over the goal keeper looked to soar towards the top corner. Pearce was ready to capitalise on the new rules and ensure Jones’ shot went in to score the second goal.

Under the intense sun, Wotton continued to work hard running off the ball, creating space to play simple passing hockey with Seb Culpepper attacking down the right and trying to force a hole in the strong Cheltenham defence.

Rolling subs allowed Wotton to maintain intensity and a quick break involving one touch hockey between James Bull, Henry Collins and Andy Stockley allowed Pearce to seal his hat trick.

A noble stint up front from Richard Goodwin saw him play out of position hoping to score a first of the season, instead selflessly setting up Collins for Wotton’s fourth goal.

Injury-stricken Chris Price didn’t let his hamstring hinder him, deceiving the goal keeper to score Wotton’s fifth from a short corner.

Will Cave worked hard up and down the left flank to create pressure.

As Wotton settled in, their back four were able to push up to half way enabling Steve Dexter to pivot the ball from side to side. Strong defence from Neil Forsyth and Leo Murray-Davey prevented Cheltenham from creating any opportunities other than from set play and Wotton’s alert keeper Charlie Thomas kept these at bay.

Just before half-time, Pearce scored his fourth goal and Wotton’s sixth of the match to end a devastating period for the visitors.

As both teams tired, poor decisions were made and Wotton gave away a short which Cheltenham capitalised on.

Several chances went wide, but further creative play from captain Matt Tait and Bull allowed Stockley to coolly finish past the keeper.

Wotton and they delivered this week but how long can they last?

They may find out one of the answers on Saturday against Ross.