The game started on a somber note when both teams held a minutes silence following the sudden death of 22 year old former Cirencester goalkeeper, Carla Heaton. Our thoughts go out to the family for their loss.

Having improved on our possession and passing last week, we discussed the importance of being composed and clinical prior to kick off. We need to start brightly and to put Stoke Lane on the back foot.

Cleeve got off to the ideal start after just 5 mins when Immi O’Brien converted a spot kick. Cleeve then dominated possession but rarely troubled the Stoke Lane keeper. On the odd occasion when Cleeve did penetrate the Stoke Lane defence the keeper made a couple of good saves.
The possession and passing was laboured and failed to have that cutting edge.

HT 1-0

Although ahead at half time, i was more than aware that it would only take a wonder strike or a mistake to allow Stoke Lane back into the game. A scenario which occurred against Dursley Town in the 1/4 finals of the league cup last year. A game we lost on Penalties. I emphasised the need to move the ball quicker, but for the players the be brave and positive. I urged the need to have a picture of the play around them in order to help them make the right decision when receiving the ball ans then when to play safe and when to turn, drive and draw out the opposition…playing sideways and backwards was not going to achieve the desired outcome.

Cleeve scored a second when Saffi O’Brien scored on 50 mins. Saffi scored her second, and Cleeves third, with a commanding header from a corner on 54 mins. Immi O’Brien scored her 2nd with a fine strike on 64 min, and completed her hat-trick on 79 mins after Jess Stirling was brought down in the box.

FT 5-0

Once again Cleeve managed to give game time to players just coming back to fitness and also gave the coach the opportunity to see players in different positions. Although the possession stats today were impressive the pedestrian nature and lack or cutting edge, especially in the first half is one that the coaching staff need to address at training over the next few weeks.

The O’Brien girls stole the show with all five goals….well done to them both. Not surprisingly they dominated the player of the match vote with Saffi just edging out her sister.

Attention. Now turns back to the league with an away trip to Abbeymead next Sunday.