Combe FC Match Reports 2020/21
Nailsea V Combe First
Combe Ladies V Porlock
Combe First vs Ashcott
Combe Ladies V Paulton Rover Ladies
West & Middle Chinnock Vets vs Combe Vets
COMBE A Vs CREWKERNE RANGERS A
Combe Ladies v Bishops Lydeard
Banwell v Combe 1st
Combe Saint Nicholas A v Ilminster Town B
Combe St. Nicholas Ladies v Pen Mill Ladies
Combe St Nicholas A v Merriott Dynamos
Combe St Nicholas A v Donyatt United - 08/08/2020
Cutters Friday v Combe Firsts - 07/03/2020
Combe Reserves Vs Donyatt - 07/03/2020
Combe A Vs Merriott Saints - 07/03/2020
Combe A Vs Farway Res - 08/02/2020
Forton Rangers Res Vs Combe Res - 08/02/2020
Yatton & Cleave Vs Combe 1st - 01/02/2020
Combe A Vs Merriott Dynamos - 01/02/2020
Combe 1st Vs Cutter Friday - 18/01/2020
Dowlish and Donyatt 3-6 Combe Res - 18/01/2020
Combe A Vs Kingsbury - 18/01/2020
Cleavland Res Vs Combe 1st - 11/01/2020
Crewkerne A Vs Combe A - 11/01/2020
Combe Res Vs Winsham Res - 11/01/2020
Banwell Vs Combe 1st - 04/01/2020
Combe Res Vs Ilminster Town A - 04/01/2020
Combe A Vs Merriot Saints - 04/01/2020
Combe 1st Vs Winscombe Reserves
Combe 1st Vs Somerton Reserves 7/12/2019
Donyatt Utd Vs Combe Reserves 7/12/2019
Combe Ladies Vs Cheddar Ladies
Combe 1st Vs Nailsea Utd Res - 30/11/19
Farway Reserves Vs Combe Reserves - 30/11/19
Chard Rangers Vs Combe Reserves - 30/11/19
Crewkerne Rangers Ladies Vs Combe Ladies - 24/11/19
Combe 1st VS Congresbury - 16/11/19
Combe Ladies VS Isle of Wedmore - 10/11/19
Draycott V Combe First - 19/10/19
Hawkchurch V Combe Reserves - 19/10/19
Combe 1st V Middlezoy - 12/10/19
Combe 1st Vs Uphill Castle - 5/1019
Lost 1 – 2
Combe welcomed high flying division one team uphill castle to Slade’s cross in the 2nd round of the county cup knowing it would be a tough game.
Uphill soon took control of the game and took the lead on 8 minutes, the saints were at 6’s and 7’s with the visitors movement and so had to change formation to get a foot in the game.
Combe soon settled and were unlucky when Kieran Manley cut out a short back pass but saw his shot drift just wide of the goal.
2nd half and Combe came out a different side and upped their tempo and against the run of play conceded a 2nd goal after a defensive mix up.
The saints kept their heads up and got a goal back after great play by Joe Allen down the left crossed for a great header to make the last 15 minutes a tight affair.
Uphill showed their experience to see the game out and to progress into the next round.
Lyme Regis Rovers Vs Combe Reserves - 5/1019
Lost 2 – 1
Lyme were desperate to respond after our win at home two weeks ago and they started very brightly, having a shot go just wide 20 seconds in.
It was obvious that Combe had a battle on their hands and Lyme finally opened the scoring half an hour in when miscommunication at the back meant the ball wasn’t cleared from the edge of the Combe box and their striker hammered it home.
Combe got frustrated and started trying to play long balls over their defence and while Capper and Dallimore both had chances in the first half, the Lyme defence were able to easily win the headers to clear the ball each time it arrived.
Just before half time Combe conceded a silly free kick right on the edge of the box which the Lyme player lifted beautifully around the wall into the top right hand corner, making it 2-0 right on the stroke of half time.
Combe used the break to settle and remember what they do best, and started the half much better, passing the ball around with purpose. Tom Lee worked well with Neil Govier to score however it was judged to have been narrowly offside.
Combe continued and Neil Govier made the breakthrough, again after good play by Tom Lee. Combe continued to press in a very high tempo game and would have got the equaliser had it not been for two superb saves stopping the ball from going in the top corner from two Stephen Every strikes.
A disappointing score but a pulsating game and we can definitely take on the challenge to try and win the title this season if we stay focused and take it one game at a time. We go again next weekend against Shepton Beauchamp reserves.
Combe Ladies Vs Crewkerne Ladies - 6/10/19
Won 3 – 1
With 2 wins and a draw on the road, it was time Combe ladies entertained local rivals Crewkerne at the Combe fortess.
The first obstacle to over come was selecting a team and formation using only 9 players, a rule that forces you to match your opponents line-up.
An instant headache for manager Gary Biss even Mourinho would of struggled with.
With extra subs available, a lot of space on the pitch and a fitter looking squad a betting man would of thought an easy 3 pts were in the bag.
Alas,
Straight from kick off it was easy to see the last minute tactical changes weren’t working.
Combe looked like the confused dancing Granny on “Britains got talent” being flung around trying to get a break and find their feet.
However, the ladies “Assembled” and adapted to the job at hand.The wind blew against them……
they blew back!
The sun shone in their eyes……
They shone brighter!
The slope tired them out…….
MORE TRAINING LADIES!!!The game went on.
Poppy provided the usual hurricane down the right hand side and Roxy provided a more calm strategy on the left wing with some great one two’s getting into some great crossing positions.
It was Roxy’s approach that lead to the break through Crewkerne’s barriers.
A great defence splitting pass from “Man of the match” Helen left Roxy to swing in a cross come shot that wrong footed the keeper….it was in.
The team looked instantly settled after taking the lead, Rosie took control of the game and started pulling all the strings.
She swung in yet another trade mark corner that Crewkerne failed to deal with.
Helen not only defending like a pro showed the frontline how to finish into the roof of the net from the edge of the box.
The smiles on the Ladies faces were soon wiped away when Helen uncharacteristically slipped leaving keeper Jamie out of position and the forward finished well.
The second half should of been straight forward, down hill, with the wind and fresh subs at the ready.
Crewkerne stood strong, but Combe always looked like they could go up a gear or two.
Defenders Terry, Steff ,Jenna, Charlie, Helen and Miki all composed themselves well and mopped up all the sparks Crewkerne tried to create.
Rosie expressed passing ability that would earn her a place in any team.
Ky initially looked lost without midfield partner Fiona but by the end of the match she had covered every blade of grass and reminded every Crewkerne ex-team mate what they were missing.
Sadie’s endless energy will be long remembered in the Crewkerne defences minds, never giving them a second to settle, she may not of got on the score sheet but her efforts were worth a goal for the team.
Beth too helped tire the defence but got caught offside before setting up Rosie’s disallowed goal.
It took a stroke of genius from alcohol side lined team captain Kelly. standing in as “Tactical co-ordinator” she placed Poppy into her favoured central forward position and she netted a Roxy cross in less than 1 minute.
The game was put to bed, yet another excellent job well done.Their performance this week reminded me of a one nightstand I once had……
Sometimes the chemistry isn’t there,
But if you finish well………….who cares?
Combe Veterans Vs Huish Tigers - 6/10/19
Lost 1 – 6
It was always going to be a tough week for Combe as many of the legends were unavailable.
However it paved way for some new blood and Craig Tovey and 69 year old Ian Manley both made first appearances.
However when a couple of lads didn’t turn up for kick off the vets went out with 10 men.
Starting a man down against a strong Huish Tigers side was always going to be a challenge and at the end of the first half Combe had fallen to 3 goals down.
But at half time reinforcements arrived and the spirits of the lads lifted as original Combe legend Luc Logan arrives and who knows what is in his box of tricks!
Back up to full strength Combe came out strong but let another one in after 10 mins.
Step up Alex Paul from the kick off, a little nudge from Nez and Alex smashes it from the half way line and the whole field watched it glide over the keepers head into the back of the net!
Could this be the start of a Combe come back – unfortunately not as man if the match keeper Steve Chadwick took a head to the face (not the other way around as some may suggest) and had to take an on field role up front.
Northy put his hand up to go in goal and looked like the son of Peter Shilton as he pulled off some show boat saves to keep the vets hopes alive.
It was a spirited performance from the Saints against a well drilled physical side but with tired legs and no subs it drained every ounce of energy from the boys. Next match is home against Street and the old boys will be looking to get one over on them!
Combe 1st Vs Banwell - 28/0919
Drew 1 – 1
Banwell were the visitors to Slade’s cross to take on the saint’s with some fantastic form in tow.Combe started the game well and were working hard to keep the opposition at arms length.Banwell threatened on the counter attack but both teams were battling hard.Jack Steer was unlucky with a half chance as the game was bubbling along nicely.With 10 mins remaining Banwell scored a great team move ending with a fantastic long range effort into the top corner.Combe came out flying 2nd half and Jack Male had a shot saved by the keeper,the saint’s had their tails up and a cracking run down the line by Joe Allen resulted in a cross that the keeper parried on to the post only for Jack Steer to tap in,game on.The reds were flying now and the away keeper was sent off for pulling down Kieran Manley when he was in on goal but with half chances falling to Charlie Male, Dan Anjos and Sam Sheldrake it just wasn’t meant to be and so both teams shared the points.
Ilminster Town A Vs Combe Reserves - 28/09/19
Won 1 – 3
A dominant display from the off. Within 5 minutes we had set up camp in their half and had three shots. We continued to feed Govier and Robins who had efforts go wide or be saved, but it was clear that the game was ours for the taking of we could capitalise on our dominance.
The first half was a frustrating one however, with our dominance not leading to a goal. Stephen Every tirelessly bossed around the midfield with Charlie Hine and Tom Lee but 25 minutes we momentarily went down to 10 men with Stephen Every in the sin bin for 10 minutes for dissent.
Ilminster failed to take advantage however and right at the start of the second half, Every made his return to the pitch count with a cross to Charlie Gibson who headed the ball to the near post to see the keeper spill it in.
Celebrations didn’t last long however as Ilminster quickly got a goal back after their striker managed to go one on one with Joe Draper who otherwise had little to do.
Combe kept pushing and it was Ayrton White who put the ball forward for Tom Lee to beat their left-back with ease before blasting the shot to the far bottom corner of the net.
Combe had a scare when the Ilminster striker somehow had an empty net to volley in to but under pressure from Joe Draper running to block the shot from behind him, the striker scuffed it wide.
Every went on a fabulous run with 5 minutes to go, getting sandwiched by two Ilminster defenders leading to a free-kick which Tom Lee beautifully whipped into the top right-hand corner.
The defenders once again showed their strength in not allowing much past them, putting the ball back into the Ilminster half early on. The front players looked bright, and once the team has finessed the deadly finishing, we will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in this league.
The result sees Combe top of the league but there is still a long season ahead.
Porlock Ladies V Combe Ladies - 22/09/19
5-5
Match report was written by Ian Banfield
“with a great opening day, 10-0 victory under their belts Combe ladies second match took a trip to the coast to face a more formidable opponent. Combes’ new squad was down to only 12 available players, so the team had to gel well and showed great versatility playing in various positions for the greater good of the team.
The game got off to a scrappy start. Porlock took advantage of their only two chances in the first half and netted both times. In reply, Combe had four good chances before Poppy Hill smashed the ball in from the edge of the box. The second half epitomised what Combe is all about, straight off the ladies piled on the pressure and Rosie Manning finished well to get back to 2-2. Porlock went up a gear and quickly took back a two-goal lead.
At 4-2 Combe could have dropped their heads but instead refused to lay down without a fight. On 75mins after some great persistence on her debut, Steph Paynter slid the ball into the corner to spark some hope.
Porlock raised yet another gear and claimed a 5th goal making it 5-3. Combe rolled up their sleeves and battled on, the game started to get a little heated and it wasn’t long before the ref gave a penalty to Combe for a deliberate handball. Midfield general Fiona Maguire hammered home a penalty Ronaldo would have been proud of. With just a few minutes to go Combe turned up the heat and won a corner. Set-piece specialist Rosie Manning swung in the perfect corner, the keeper fumbled it and it was over the line 5-5. Jamie, Charlie, Sadie, Jenna, Kelly , Terry, Poppy, Rosie, Ky, Steph, Fiona and Sadie(2) should be very proud of the away point they earned the team today.
As a spectator today I summarise Combes performance to a one night stand I once had……” it may not have been pretty, but it got the job done”.
Tunley Athletic V Combe 1st - 21/09/19
2-3
Combe made the long trip to Tunley buoyed by their 2nd half performance the previous week.
The game started scrappily and it was the home team who got the 1st goal from poor defending by the Saints within the 1st 5 minutes.
Combe never really got going in the 1st half and were playing at a slow tempo although did create half-chances for Jack Steer and Kieran Manley but Tunley controlled much of the half.
2nd half and the saints upped their work-rate and tempo and equalised through Jack Steer after a great cross from the young Manley.
With 15 minutes remaining, Adam Male bundled the ball over the line to give Combe the lead.
Combe again lost possession cheaply and the home side took advantage to equalise with 5 to go.
The visitors pressed and pressed for the winner and with two minutes to go a Sam Sheldrake long-range effort was spilt by the keeper and Jack Male finished well from a tight angle to give Combe the win.
Combe Reserves V Lyme Regis Rovers - 21/09/19
1-0
A deserved win for Combe in a tough battle against a physical Lyme Regis Rovers side. Under me, Combe has lost twice and drawn once against Lyme, one being that brilliant cup final game last season. This made the win even sweeter from my perspective!
Combe started fantastically. The front three of Capper, Dallimore, and Govier worked well to create chances and holding onto the ball well meant the midfielders Lee and Every could advance and create chances.
The deadlock was finally broken when the ball was fed into Dallimore who poked the ball forward into Govier’s path, who finished calmly passed their keeper into the bottom right-hand corner. Combe continued to push and deservedly went in at half time 1-0 up.
Lyme however pushed much harder in the second half and battled to try and find the equaliser. They attempted to find joy with long balls forward, but the center-back partnership of Isaacs and Peasland were both in top form. Gold came on in place of the injured White and put in arguably his best performance so far for Combe Res this season, whilst Dyer came on for Gibson halfway through the half and used his power to ensure their left winger had no joy.
Combe came close to a second goal to kill the game. First, Charlie Hine had a good chance just outside the box but it whistled past the post, while a Tom Lee free-kick hit the post in the last five minutes.
Combe held on for the win, and sit second in the league.
Combe 1st V Chew Magna 14/09/19
Galmington Dragons Firsts V Combe Res -14/09/19
3-1
We knew we had a tough draw in the cup but with our near strongest side available we started the game fantastically, showing Galmington that we were not here to be rolled over as many would have expected.
Our bright start and positivity paid off when Rich Barker’s attempted shot was prodded home by Neil Govier to put us 1-0 up.
We continued to play good football but conceded two quick goals; it could have easily been more had Joe Draper not made some superb saves.
We started the second half very brightly and dominated the ball for the majority of the half, creating several chances but not getting luck in front of goal. Jack Dallimore, Neil Govier and substitute Alfie Robins tested the defense regularly but in the 85th minute, we conceded the final goal putting the game to bed.
A 3-1 loss however we were minnows in this cup and if we play like that in the league, it’s a very exciting season ahead!