We Wuz Robbed - The Full Story Of Yate Town FC Vs Chipping Sodbury CC
Article Date: 1st May 2006
'We Wuz Robbed' - A report by Tony Garton
Having given the footballers of Yate Town Football Club a lesson in 20 over cricket last July, they reciprocated the invitation for a 'Gentlemens' game of football between the clubs.
A YTFC stalwart Mr Roger Berry donated a trophy, 'The Ken Edwards Memorial Trophy' named after the sad demise of the said gentleman, a former committee man at YTFC and a former cricketer of the now defunct Yate Cricket Club.
The grapevine was alive with rumour that the footballers were looking to exact revenge, and were selecting a side of strength. The 'Gentlemens' game appeared to be no longer. Early season net injuries suddenly took a toll on the preferred Chipping Sodbury Cricket Club side!! 'The Special One' had to call on his resources and 15 cricketing footballers duly turned up at Lodge Road on Thursday (18th April) to prove a point.
With strength, experience and poise running through the spine of the side, Hobbs, Bennett, Soper, Bell and Bush at the heart of the defence, Clapp and Brooks pulling the midfield strings, Walters and Febry (jr) providing the ammunition for Deane and Garton (both jrs of the snrs) to blast us to victory.
Your correspondent can duly report in a cold, journalistic non – bias fashion.
The first 10 minutes showed CSCC at its best, attacking with gusto, defending resolutely. 'The Special One' and his master tactician awaiting the first (of what we thought would be many) goals. A raid down the left by YTFC full back a scuffed shot resulting in a fluke goal for the home side. Followed by another one!
Urged on by the master tactician, a small change here a tweak there, and we were in!! Jim Deane opening up the defence, was about to pull the trigger, and then cynically, cruelly cut down by the home goalkeeper (ex – Sodbury cricketer whose services we were denied!!) hang your head Tony Court.
The YTFC appointed referee failed in his duty (to give a red card) and we were momentarily winded. During this period a further goal was conceded!
'The Special One' urged on by his master tactician then made his substitutions. Allowing Woody to rampage at the home defence, Jamie Wakefield to hurl himself down the touchline, and Rich Deane with Barry Granger to settle the defence. More goals were conceded.
A half time pep talk (and a fag or two for Sopes) saw CSCC emerge and nearly control the next ten minutes. And then it happened. The beautiful game burst into glorious technicolour for this correspondent at least. A flowing move resulting a corner, whipped in with such pace and venom to be virtually undefendable. The big lad wearing 10 partially cleared the ball which fell to Tom Febry, who unerringly lashed the ball into the top left corner past a bewildered and shocked goalkeeper.
The footballers came back strongly, but Ian Hobbs backside was big enough, except for two more goals.
Substitutions flowed, 'accidentally' putting more than the eleven on the pitch. But the game was up and the trophy lost.
The evening was right royally continued in the YTFC clubhouse where the ale flowed, the game replayed and recriminations levelled. The Cup Final player (Sunderland 1992) just happened by, the four 1st teamers needed run, the ex – pro centre half fancied a game!! At least we won the raffle (well done Rich Kingscott you kept our end up.)
It was heard that more than one YTFC player was honoured to have played on the same pitch as Ian Hobbs.
We look forward to coming back next year, hopefully with our full contingent of pros’. Scott, Rendell, Toghill to team up with other returning luminaries Jeff Long, Rob Wakefield and if required Norm!!
We look forward to the footballers returning to The Ridings in July, better bring your helmets lads, you might need ‘em.
A big thank you to all who participated and supported on Thursday night at Yate Town Football Club. DJ was busy taking photos all night so hopefully they'll be in the CSCC photo gallery very soon!!
