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CREWE VAGRANTS  HOCKEY MATCH REPORTS

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CREWE

Men’s hockey report, 16 April 05, Crewe Vagrants 1st XI vs North Staffs 1st XI

 

       Vagrants see out season in style

 

        North Staffs 0   Crewe Vagrants 4

 

Looking much the sharper and hungrier team in what is usually a very close contest,

Crewe wound up their season on Saturday with an unexpectedly comfortable away win in their annual end-of-term friendly against Midland League side North Staffs,

 

The hosts opened in hustling style, troubling Crewe with slick passing, an early short corner and a shot over the bar, but the visitors soon settled, defending coolly and stringing together some good passes of their own, and it was they who got off the mark on 11 minutes when Andrew Ashworth collected the ball after combining with James Capper and Steve Bourne in a fine move, rounded the keeper and stabbed home for 1-0. Though North Staffs pressed forward briefly in reply, this was the prelude to a long period of dominance by Crewe, with the hosts besieged in their own half. Bourne, Capper and Gary Roberts combined well near the home ‘D’, Ashworth found Capper at the front with a fine pass and Bourne sent in a good cross to Jon Beech before Dave Holland finished off a smooth short corner routine with a rocketing drive to double Vagrants’ lead on 17 minutes. The visitors grew in confidence as they continued to peg North Staffs back with slick passing by Dave Johnson and Henry Weir and a promising assault by Roberts, Weir and Phil Morant, and on 21 minutes Capper stretched the lead to 3-0, poking the ball high into the net from close range. Crewe pressed again, competing keenly for possession, and when North Staffs mounted their first assault for some time, Johnson produced a fine clearing run to send play back upfield, Roberts and Jon Woodhart dealing coolly with a further raid. Keeper Will Murphy and Paul Lambsdale also denied the home side with solid defence. As half-time approached Crewe drove play forward again with a fine aerial pass from Nick Marshall, skilled dribbles by Roberts near goal and a fluent move by Capper, Johnson and Woodhart, and whenever North Staffs tried to break out the visitors retrieved possession well to force them back.

 

The hosts attacked on the resumption, but dithered in the ‘D’ and shot wide from a corner, and Crewe dispossessed them easily on the break, Ashworth and Roberts threatening at the other end before Weir darted in to complete a fine move by Bourne and Ashworth and slot home on 4 minutes to make it 4-0. Faster on the ball, Vagrants continued to dominate, not letting North Staffs over the halfway line and pressing hard in the home ‘D’, with Beech firing just wide after a fine run by Weir, and Ashworth, Holland and Bourne dribbling well in front of goal. Murphy saved well at the other end from a rare North Staffs break, and was tested again as the hosts pressed harder, but Crewe defended solidly, counterattacking as play now repeatedly see-sawed. Woodhart, Capper and Beech produced a good break and Bourne saw his shot from Roberts’ pass blocked, before Crewe failed to convert a corner. Though North Staffs won a corner in reply, they had no better luck and never looked really dangerous in front of goal, the alert Crewe defence dealing coolly with their raids. Vagrants knocked the ball round fluently in the final minutes and Ashworth had a goal disallowed, while Murphy dealt confidently with a last-ditch effort by the hosts. All round this was a competent display and well-earned win by Crewe, who showed impressive skill, spirit and appetite at the end of a hard season.

 VAGRANTS HOCKEY MATCH RESULTS

Matches Sat 2nd April 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 6 V 4 Deeside Ramblers 1st  XI                

Friendly

Goalscorers: Nick Marshall, Dave Holland, Gary Roberts, Henry Weir          

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 4 V 0 Deeside Ramblers 3rd XI                

Friendly

 

MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

 

Deeside Ramblers 1st XI 6 V 4 Crewe Vagrants 1st XI

                     Vagrants leave it too late

 

NHL Division 1 third place finishers Deeside showed their superior class in this end-of-season friendly as they cruised to a comfortable first-half lead, leaving Division 2 neighbours Crewe just too much to do to complete a dogged second-half comeback.

 

Vagrants made a lively start, winning three short corners in quick succession, but could not convert, and fell 1-0 behind on 7 minutes as Deeside put away a simple chance with keeper Ravi Kaler well out of position. The hosts put together some neat passes and were penetrating the Crewe defence unchallenged, and might have doubled their lead minutes later, slotting the ball just wide of an open goal. On 11 minutes, however, they made no mistake, pouncing on a sloppy clearance

to go 2-0 up with an easy tap-in. Crewe made some amends three minutes later as Nick Marshall stabbed home the rebound from Andrew Ashworth’s short corner drive to make it 2-1, and Ashworth had a chance to equalise from a further corner

just two minutes later but saw his shot blocked. Deeside pressed Crewe back in their own half and threatened with good short passing in front of goal, and after another fruitless Crewe corner they went 3-1 ahead on 24 minutes, again luring Kaler out to tuck away an easy chance. Crewe’s misfortunes continued as Mark Bateman failed to convert yet another corner and Deeside again broke forward, slotting slickly past the prematurely committed Kaler to make it 4-1 on 26 minutes.

The visitors struggled to get forward, and though winning another corner, Gary Roberts’ fierce effort was denied by the keeper. A further missed chance from a corner on the stroke of half-time added to Crewe’s frustrations.

 

Deeside attacked straight from the restart, but were denied by Kaler, and at the other end a promising move from Jon Woodhart, Henry Weir and Roberts was thwarted by the grounded keeper. Crewe continued to look very fragile at the back, with Deeside breaking through with ease, and on 6 minutes they extended their lead to 5-1, once again dribbling around Kaler to tap into an empty net. The visitors rallied spiritedly, winning a further two corners, but could not convert, Roberts hitting the post from the first. Deeside again put the Crewe goal under severe pressure, besieging the visitors in their own half. On 17 minutes, however, after a further abortive corner, Crewe won another and Dave Holland fired in off the keeper to reduce the arrears to 5-2. The visitors made promising assaults through Ashworth and Roberts, then Ashworth and James Capper, but Deeside replied with further pressure, winning two corners and forcing a save from Kaler. On 26 minutes, however, Crewe’s fight back continued, Roberts netting for 5-3 after a fine one-two with Weir, and the visitors’ subsequent pressure in the home half brought further reward on 33 minutes when Weir fired in a high shot on the run to make it 5-4.  Just as Crewe scented an upset, Deeside broke again and dribbled round Kaler, firing in an angled drive a minute from time for 6-4. A gritty recovery, but the visitors had left it too late and were in truth somewhat flattered by the final score line.

 

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Matches Sat 19th March 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 7 V 0 Bramhall 1st XI                                            

North League Division Two West

Goalscorers: Dave Holland 2, James Capper 2, Andrew Ashworth 1, Jonathon Beech 1, Tim Alexander 1,

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 2 V 1 Morecambe 2nd XI                          

North West Division Four

Goalscorers: Graham Cooke 2.

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 2 V 7 Colwyn Bay 2nd XI                           

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers: Steve Douglas 2.

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 V No Match

Friendly

Crewe Vagrants Badgers Vs North Staffs                                      

Friendly                                                                                               

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 6 V 1 Northern                                          

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Goalscorers: Helen Cray, Gilly Blythe 3, Dionne Johnson. Bev Jackson

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V No Match

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 V No Match

 

MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 7 V 0 Bramhall 1st XI

On target Vagrants dish out a hammering

      

Vagrants made a welcome return to their best form and marksmanship on Saturday, racing to a four-goal lead against struggling hosts Bramhall within the first 20 minutes and adding a further three strikes in the second half to complete a comprehensive victory.

 

Crewe shared the opening exchanges, making some promising attacking forays, but having to defend against dangerous breaks at the other end, before Dave Holland rifled home a first-time short corner conversion for a 1-0 lead after just 5 minutes. Bramhall won a corner in reply, but could not convert, and Crewe began to dominate territorially, with forward moves by Holland, Nick Marshall and Jon Woodhart, then Andrew Ashworth and Tim Alexander. On 13 minutes, Holland put  the visitors 2-0 up as he connected with Capper’s cross, netting with an angled shot from the right. Crewe pressed again and only two minutes later Ashworth drilled in a fierce drive just inside the post to make it 3-0. Within a further three minutes, Capper made a fine interception, slipping the ball to Gary Roberts who crossed to Jon Beech and he netted Crewe’s fourth goal with an oblique close-range shot. The visitors were now well in command, defending well as Bramhall finally managed to penetrate into opposition territory, keeper Ravi Kaler saving acrobatically from a further attack. At the other end Crewe had several more chances, with Roberts’ close-range shot stopped, Capper firing wide from Roberts’ pass and Holland, played in by Capper, just beaten by the keeper’s smothering save. The visitors also had several successive attempts on goal from a further assault well saved by the keeper, Holland fired over the bar from a short corner and a fine forward move involving Steve Bourne, Alexander, Roberts and Ashworth ended in dispossession close to goal. Bramhall rallied briefly, shooting wide from a short corner and forcing two spectacular saves from Kaler as they went desperately close from a break, but Crewe ended the half back in the ascendant as they took play forward again with raids by Ashworth, Capper, Roberts and Bourne.  

 

Bramhall made an early solo break on the restart, but Kaler saved well, and Roberts and Bourne were prominent as Crewe twice drove upfield. However, Bramhall broke again, giving the visitors anxious moments as they hit the post then just failed to net the rebound, Kaler coming to the rescue with a fine save. Crewe also showed signs of complacency with some slack defence, and some promising forward moves came to grief as first Holland then Alexander lost possession near goal. Persistence paid off on 11 minutes, however, as Beech fired in a cross and Capper slotted home to put Crewe 5-0 up. As Crewe continued to press, both Capper and Roberts had shots saved and finally, on 14 minutes, Capper again connected with a Beech cross, rifling in from the right to make it 6-0. The visitors followed up with good runs by Alexander, Capper and Holland, a miss by Ashworth and two unconverted corners, and some skilful defence by Marshall, before a further challenge by Ashworth on 22 minutes was smothered, but the ball ran loose and Alexander darted in behind the hapless keeper to stab it home for 7-0. Crewe might have scored again almost instantly, but Alexander was upended by the keeper after a fine run and pass by Roberts. Bramhall forced a smothering save by Kaler and then shot wide, but Crewe continued to press, with efforts by Ashworth and Holland thwarted, then two shots blocked after a short corner. Bramhall rallied again with isolated breaks in the closing stages, but Woodhart, Marshall and Paddy Leese defended coolly and the visitors twice went close with further attacks. A heartening win for Vagrants after recent reverses, the scale of which might well have been even more impressive but for the heroics of the home keeper.

 

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 2 V 1 Morecambe 2nd XI

Vagrants 2nd team finished the season in fine form defeating bottom team Morecambe 2-1 with two goals from Graham Cooke.

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 2 V 7 Colwyn Bay 2nd XI

Vagrants 3rd’s with 3 Senior players not available took a young side away to Colwyn Bay.  Colwyn Bay had a much stronger side and took the initiative from the off, Vagrants youngsters did well but could not hold Colwyn Bay back and were on the wrong side of 7-2 defeat with Steve Douglas scoring twice for the Vagrants. 

LADIE’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 6 V 1 Northern

Crewe Vagrants Ladies first team finished their league season against Northern on a high defeating them 6 v 1.  Crewe were quick to push forward pinning Northern back into their half, after neat build up play by the midfield quartet Kim Jones, Ruth Kennedy, Helen Cray and Lisa Bebbington.  Crewe's first goal came from Helen Cray when she pounced on a loose ball from just inside the circle and smashed it into the goal giving Northern's keeper no chance. Crewe' second came from short corner which was slotted home with a thunderous shot by Gilly Blythe. Crewe continued to push forward and were again awarded another short corner, but this time Crewe were unable to keep possession and Northern went an the counter attack scored their solitary goal.  Crewe didn't let that damped their spirit and by this time they were playing some good fluent hockey.  Northern worked hard to try and break down Crewe's solid defence of Lou Crosbie Tracey Brookfield, Nova Bentley and goalkeeper Hayley Agnew but they stood firm and were equal to everything.

 

Crewe were looking for goals and they were not disappointed when Dionne Johnson scrambled home the third and Blythe grabbed her second go got into half time with a 3 goal cushion.

 

Crewe relaxed and seemed to thriving on the amount of space that the opposition were giving them.  Their fifth came from some good work from Shez Tomkinson who set up Bev Jackson for her first.  Blythe capped of a excellent all round team performance by completing her hat trick with a pin point accurate shot leaving Northern's keeper rooted to the spot.  Final score Crewe 6 v Northern 1.

 

Crewe have finished a comfortable 5th in the league but have to got to a play off with another Cheshire team due to only being allowed to have 2 Cheshire team in the North Feeder League .  It is a game Crewe must win if they want to continue to play in the North Feeder League next season.

 

 

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Matches Sat 12th March 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 1 V 2 Northop Hall 1st XI                                      

North League Division Two West

Goalscorers: Dave Holland

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 3 V 3 Oxton 3rd XI                                     

North West Division Four

Goalscorers: Andrew Ticehurst 2, Graham Cooke 1.

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 1 V 9 Wilmslow 1st XI                                           

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers: Steve Douglas

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 V NO MATCH

Friendly

Crewe Vagrants Badgers Vs NO MATCH

Friendly                                                                                               

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 0 V 5 Wigton                                                          

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V Runcorn                                                 

Cheshire Women's League Division 4

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 V Chester College                                     

Cheshire Women's League Division 6

 

 

MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 1 V 2 Northop Hall 1st XI

          Vagrants frustrated yet again

       

Workmanlike opposition, vulnerable defence and a lack of sharpshooters, to say nothing of some mystifying umpiring decisions, all conspired to thwart Crewe as they crashed to their fourth successive defeat at home to Northop Hall on Saturday.

 

Crewe opened confidently, knocking the ball around well, and enjoyed a good spell of play in the Northop half. Dave Holland rifled in a shot from an early short corner, but saw his effort well saved, and his subsequent drive into the ‘D’ was just too fast for Neil Darling to connect. A fine cross by Jon Woodhart likewise went begging. Northop threatened at the other end, but Paul Lambsdale, Gary Roberts and Nick Marshall tackled well to deny them. Despite fluent passing near the visitors’ ‘D’, Crewe could not make it pay, Roberts and Andrew Ashworth each missing a chance in front of goal and Jon Beech cracking the ball just wide after Holland had played him in. However, Crewe were containing Northop well. The visitors countered briefly, but Marshall, Holland and Paddy Leese defended coolly, and Holland and Roberts stormed forward, only to get in each other’s way, while Ashworth sent a fine ball up to Tim Alexander. Crewe passed the ball around well in the Northop ‘D’ and covered well at the back, Lambsdale and Leese making good tackles to avert danger. Vagrants continued to press, but to no avail, and Northop countered, forcing a hassling tackle and solid clearance from Marshall, and threatening with a dangerous ball across the face of goal. The home side were alarmingly easily dispossessed in their own half, but Leese, Holland and Ashworth combined to take play upfield. On 30 minutes, however, Crewe were caught on the break as Northop played the ball in and a forward deflected it just inside the post for a 1-0 lead. Crewe replied with a forward move by Woodhart, Holland and Darling and some good attacking play by Roberts and Beech, but had to finish the half undeservedly still trailing.

 

Crewe resumed aggressively, Alexander making a fine run and seeing his high shot stopped, but Northop responded by pressing hard and winning a short corner which home keeper Ravi Kaler saved. Beech had an effort blocked at the other end, but Northop again took the game to Crewe who were making hard work of it, and on 7 minutes the visitors struck again with a neat shot just inside the post to extend their lead to 2-0. Crewe fought back with blocked efforts by Ashworth and Alexander and a good run by Holland, and were moving the ball around better, but found themselves frequently out tackled. On 14 minutes, however, they won a short corner which Holland converted with a cracking first-time drive to make the score 2-1. Northop quickly countered, forcing a fine save by Kaler, but Crewe drove forward again through Roberts, Beech, Holland and Woodhart and won a corner, but could not convert. Northop pressed again, bringing excellent defence from Marshall, but Crewe rallied with a fine cross from Holland and good run by James Capper, and though winning two further corners again could not convert. They continued to press hard, but were making little real impression, and the defence looked vulnerable. Beech, Darling and Holland produced a good break as Crewe chased the equaliser and both Capper and Darling were denied by the keeper, but it was just not the home side’s day, with a shot saved on the line from another corner a minute from time and a fine solo run downfield by Holland coming to naught.

 

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 3 V 3 Oxton 3rd XI

A depleted 10 side of Crewe 2nd X1 faced Oxton this week needing and knowing that they could quite easily take away all 3 points from this fixture and it started very well for the visiting side.  Crewe took the game to Oxton and within minutes were pressurising the Oxton goal forcing the defence to play hard and the Oxton keeper to make some good saves.  However it wasn’t long before Crewe took a very well deserved lead, Steve Bowyer fought hard against the Oxton defence and passed the ball to the Rob Jepson who slipped it to Andy Ticehurst and he made a fantastic on the spot turn to fire Crewe into a 1-0 lead.  Oxton then turned on the pressure and Crewe had to defend well with excellent performances throughout from Phil Morrant, Dave Pickthall, Danny Oaks and Russ Howard they kept Oxton at bay.  Crewe, good on the break with only 10 men managed to extend their lead to 2, as a shot from the Crewe side was deflected into the air, Ticehurst added his second with a mid air take into the back of the net and a 2-0 lead for Crewe.  It wasn’t long however before Oxton replied, with a series of short corners kept out but Crewe Oxton packed the D with players out manning Crewe and managed not 1 but 2 goals in a short space of time to bring themselves back level after R Will Murphy had made some amazing saves.  Crewe responded well and who else better than Graham the Cooke, as Jepson went in on the keeper Cooke picked up the rebound and made no mistake of hitting the goal giving Crewe the lead back once again that they deserved.  As the second half begun Crewe knew they were going to be in for a bit of a dogfight.  The game was all Crewe’s outplaying and outwitting the Oxton side yet they were unable to hit the back of the goal with numerous shots missing by a whisker and the Oxton keeper making some fine saves. Henry Weir with his strength down the right hand side of the pitch was unable find away around the Oxton defence as Crewe pushed on.  It was Oxton however who levelled the scores with the next very controversial goal.  As Danny Oaks took a stick to the head from a dirty tackle the Oxton umpire allowed play to continue as Oaks was left with a large cut to his head.  Oxton played on too and of the Oxton forwards he slipped the ball to a team mate who hit home.  Crewe Managed to hold on for a 3 – 3 draw and should be safe from relegation, playing bottom team Morecambe this Saturday.  Bottom place has gone to Warrington 1st team who withdrew from the league at the start of the season.  

 

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 1 V 9 Wilmslow 1st XI

Vagrants 3rd team struggling against second in the table Wilmslow, suffered heavily after losing defender Mike Fowles with head injury, Steve Douglas scored a consolation goal for the Vagrants.

 

 

LADIE’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 0 V 5 Wigton

Vagrants Ladies 1st team lost heavily to Wigton (near Carlisle) after a long journey North.

 

 

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Matches Sat 5th March 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 4 Bolton 1st XI                                     

North League Division Two West

Goalscorers: Tim Alexander, Jonathon Woodhart

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 4 V 1 Bolton 2nd XI                                               

North West Division Four

Goalscorers: Graham Cooke 2, Andy Ticehurst, Steve Bourne.

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 2 V 3 Triton 1st XI                                     

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers: Paul Owen 2

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 V NO MATCH                                          

North West Division Nine South

Crewe Vagrants Badgers Vs South Cheshire Badgers                              

Friendly                                                                                               

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 2 Kirkby Steven                                             

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Goalscorers: Kim Jones, Lisa Bebbington.

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V Oxton                                                     

Cheshire Women's League Division 4

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 0 V 6 Macclesfield                                     

Cheshire Women's League Division 6

 

 

MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 4 Bolton 1st XI

Weary Vagrants cave in after taking a shock lead

 

Chalking up an early goal in each half, a seriously under-strength Crewe side looked set to spring a surprise win over high-flying hosts Bolton on Saturday, but two lightning strikes within a minute knocked the spirit out of them and their brave challenge collapsed as tired legs failed to hold off a revitalised opposition.

 

After weathering early Bolton pressure, which brought two vital saves from keeper Ravi Kaler, Crewe stunned the home side as they broke forward and scored after only 9 minutes, Dave Holland slipping a pass through for Tim Alexander to round the keeper and slot neatly in. Bolton replied by knocking the ball around well and putting Vagrants under pressure, but failed to convert a short corner, and Holland sent play upfield with fine passes to Gary Roberts and Neil Darling, while Nick Marshall’s excellent long through ball just beat Andrew Ashworth for pace. Bolton continued to press, bringing good defensive cover by Kaler, Richard Slater and Phil Morrant, but failed to convert a further two corners, and Crewe were holding their own well, with Henry Weir prominent in a fine forward break and promising attacking moves first from Ashworth and Holland, then Roberts and Holland. On 25 minutes Crewe were within a whisker of shocking Bolton again, Gary Roberts slipping the ball through for Neil Darling to see his hammered shot ricochet against the inside of the post and out again. Undaunted, Crewe compiled another good upfield move through Roberts, Morrant and Ashworth, and after thwarting a further Bolton assault saw Holland play Ashworth and Darling forward with a fine ball. Weir produced some excellent play near the home ‘D’ and just failed to get his stick on the end of Holland’s pass to convert a short corner. Crewe defended well as the half closed, with Paddy Leese, Morrant, Holland and Darling all working hard to neutralise Bolton pressure and see the visitors safely into the break with their deserved lead intact.

 

End-to-end play on the resumption saw first Crewe, then Bolton pressing, with the home side firing narrowly past the post. Marshall, Slater and Jon Woodhart defended solidly, however, and it was the visitors who again sprang an early shock, Woodhart driving home from Ashworth’s pass for a 2-0 lead after just 4 minutes. After a fine save by Kaler to thwart a Bolton attack, Holland was released on a tremendous pitch length solo run, ended only by the advancing keeper’s smothering tackle. At the other end, Bolton shot wide from a short corner, and Slater, Holland and Leese all cleared well, but Crewe remained under pressure, Kaler saving a high shot from another corner, On 11 minutes, however, Bolton scored at the second attempt from a further corner to pull up to 2-1. This galvanised the home side, and within a minute, before Crewe had a chance to recover, they were hit on the break with another opportunist strike, levelling the score at 2-2. Though Woodhart replied with a fine ball forward to Darling, and Roberts with a great dribble in Bolton territory, the home side were now transformed and much the livelier, and on 18 minutes Crewe, with only one substitute, found themselves without the fresh legs needed to deal with Bolton’s fast break and emphatic strike, sending them 3-2 up.  Sensing victory, Bolton were now passing fluently and creating space, and forcing Crewe firmly on to the defensive, Marshall making a crucial goal line clearance and Kaler a vital save. Inevitably, on 27 minutes, Bolton broke again and extended their lead to 4-2. Crewe attempted to reply, but with their spirit crushed and energy evaporated they were a largely spent force, vulnerable to further home pressure. Minutes from time, however, Holland was desperately unlucky not to reduce the arrears when his short corner drive was stopped on the goal line. A courageous display by the visitors who simply ran out of steam when the tide turned against them. 

 

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 4 V 1 Bolton 2nd XI

Crewe 2nd X1 with a win under their belt from last week knew that another victory against Bolton was well within their grasp.  It didn’t take very long either and it was from a short corner that Crewe took the lead.  As the ball came out to the top of the D it ran through to Rob Jepson who slipped it back to Steve Bourne waiting near the penalty spot, Bourne with the ball on his stick waited for the keeper to commit and calmly lifted the ball over the keeper to give Crewe a 1-0 early lead.  Crewe dominated the game well with a strong defence of Pickthall, Howard, Bowyer and Rep Danny Oaks.  The three forwards for Crewe Ticehurst, Cooke and Allcock saw a lot of the ball and with that little bit of extra space they created each other had several shots narrowly missing the back of the net as Bolton held Crewe at bay.  Crewe worked hard all over the pitch with youngster Chris in the mid field alongside Bourne and Jepson.  Crewe midfield stole the ball on the half way line that gave Crewe their next goal and  Jepson picked the ball running with it to the top of the ” D” and slipped it to Ticehurst free on the right hand edge of the “D”, as Ticehurst slowly running out of space fired home from the back line with a perfect strike Crewe took a two goal advantage to half time.  Sitting on a 2-0 lead Crewe still knew that this game was not dead and buried yet and pushed hard to that extra goal.  Cooke from a series of short corners narrowly missed the net as the Bolton keeper made some fantastic saves.  However it was Bolton that hit back and capitalised on this by beating the Crewe keeper Murphy who up until now had had very little to do.   Crewe hit back and who better than top scorer Cooke who after receiving the ball nice and early fired Crewe home back to a 2 goal cushion crushing the spirits of the Bolton side.  Well this sparked Crewe on even more this time it was man of the match Ticehurst who ran the ball from the half way line into the Bolton” D” one on one with the keeper who had committed himself to Ticehurst, however what he hadn’t seen is Cooke running in at the left edge of the “D”.  Ticehurst slipped the ball left to an unmarked Cooke, who couldn’t fail to miss and secured Crewe with a 4-1 victory and a much need 3 points for a high spirited Crewe side.

 

 

 

 

 

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 2 V 3 Triton 1st XI

Vagrants 3’s were very unlucky to lose against 3rd placed Triton 1st team on Saturday,  the first half was fairly even with both sides creating goal scoring opportunities, but it was Triton who scored first, Vagrants hit back with a well taken goal from Paul Owen, to leave the score even at the break, the second was similar to the first with both teams creating chances, bit Triton took the lead from a dubiously given penalty flick, Triton increased their lead before the vagrants pulled a goal back through Paul Owen, Vagrants were unlucky not to equalise in the dying minutes with Paul Owen putting a shot just over the bar.    

LADIE’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 2 Kirkby Steven

For the second week running Crewe Vagrants Ladies first team came from 2 down to draw level against an evenly fought game against Kirby Steven. Crewe were slow to start and were giving Kirby Steven to much room all over the pitch.  Crewe gave a penalty flick away which was saved superbly by Hayley Agnew, but this didn't lift Crewe and they went 2 goals down in quick succession the first one conceded was a thunderous strike by Kirby Steven's midfielder the second went in with a helping hand from a Kirby Steven's player's foot which the umpire failed to see.  Crewe grabbed a goal back through Kim Jones to go into the break with a glimmer of hope. The second half started and Crewe looked more at ease and Crewe grabbed the equaliser through Lisa Bebbington.  Final Score 2 v2

 

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V Oxton

 

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 0 V 6 Macclesfield

Crewe were away on sat 5th march and were off to a bad start having to play with only ten players. Crewe were strong in the first ten minutes holding macclesfield at bay. Crewe conceded a short corner, which Jenny Davies saved well but the rebound was put away by Macclesfield. Crewe tried to push forward but struggled and were caught on the break goal from Macclesfield made it 2-0 at half time. After the break crewe battled on gaining a short corner, the shot from the Sue powell just crept wide. Crewe disheartened and conceded goals through out the second half. Final score 6-0 to Macclesfield, an harsh score line for crewe as all players worked so hard in the match.

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CREWE VAGRANTS HOCKEY MATCH RESULTS

Matches Sat 26th February 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 0 V 2 Wrexham 1st XI                               

North League Division Two West

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 1 V 0 Deeside Ramblers 3rd XI                

North West Division Four

Goalscorers: Graham Cooke

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 4 V 3 Macclesfield 2nd XI                         

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers:

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 1 V 2 South Cheshire 4th XI                                  

North West Division Nine South

Goalscorers:

Crewe Vagrants Badgers Vs Northop Hall                         

Friendly                                                                                               

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 2 Springfields                                      

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V Northop Hall                                          

Cheshire Women's League Division 4

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 0 V 1 Knutsford                                         

Cheshire Women's League Division 6

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MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 0 V 2 Wrexham 1st XI

                  Dismal Vagrants just not good enough

 

In a lacklustre display in which they showed little cohesion, spirit or determination, Crewe were outplayed at home on Saturday by a well disciplined, skilful and altogether hungrier Wrexham side.

 

Wrexham had the best of the initial exchanges, forcing vital clearances by Paul Lambsdale and Nick Marshall in front of goal, and good forward dribbles by Tim Alexander and Marshall fizzled out in lost possession, while Dave Holland failed to convert a short corner with a fierce drive. Wrexham pressure brought good defence from Gary Roberts, but Crewe looked far from sharp and were penned in their own half. They rallied briefly, but could not find a shot from a melee in the Wrexham ‘D’, and Holland was once again denied with another short corner drive that was parried past the post. Crewe continued to look unimpressive as Wrexham dictated play again, firing just wide from a short corner and forcing vital defensive covering from Steve Bourne. Though reviving briefly, with a fine interception and upfield dribble by Roberts, and a promising attack from Lambsdale, Jon Woodhart, Marshall and Bourne, Crewe did not look dangerous near goal and again found themselves under pressure and vulnerable in defence, keeper Ravi Kaler having to make a crucial save. After surviving another Wrexham corner and breakaway, the home side were thrice thwarted as both Alexander and Andrew Ashworth were sent forward only to lose possession and then Ashworth shot wide instead of crossing to the waiting unmarked Alexander. Crewe were again frustrated, seeing two shots from a short corner well saved, and wasted chances through hesitancy in front of goal. They were allowing Wrexham far too much room in midfield, and looking vulnerable at the back, Woodhart and Marshall having to work at full stretch to contain the visitors. Crewe reached the interval with the score still 0-0, but only thanks to two diving saves by Kaler, first from a penalty flick and then a corner.  

 

Barely a minute into the second half Wrexham did what they had long been threatening to do, breaking fast and sending in a cross for a waiting attacker to smash high into the net. They continued to pass the ball around well, creating space, with Crewe struggling to get forward, promising moves first by Jon Beech and Holland, then twice by Woodhart and Roberts, and finally by Woodhart and Ashworth all ending in lost possession. Wrexham penned Crewe back in their own half and on 17 minutes they again broke quickly, a forward dribbling around Kaler to slot home and double their lead to 2-0. The visitors continued to find their men well with long passes and contain Crewe well inside the home half, forcing Marshall, Roberts and Leese to battle hard for possession in defence. Lambsdale made a crucial clearance from in front of goal and Kaler another vital diving save,

but Crewe were dispossessed time and again and still unable to break out, play

for long enough hardly crossing the halfway line. Roberts, Alexander and Holland finally managed to drive upfield, but another Wrexham break followed and though Crewe began to pass the ball around in their half they still could not get forward. In the final 10 minutes Crewe redoubled their efforts and pressed frantically on goal, with a fast run from Ashworth, Marshall and Woodhart sending players upfield, Marshall hitting the post from a short corner and a shot flying wide from another corner. It was, however, all too little too late, the home side paying the price for their lack of cohesion and commitment.

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 1 V 0 Deeside Ramblers 3rd XI

Crewe lined up against local rivals Deeside this week knowing that they had to secure 3 points against them to help themselves within the league.  From when the starting whistle went Crewe were on the offensive, when Deeside ran towards Crewe Jepson stole the ball from them and then quick linking play between Ticehurst, Cooke and Allcock saw Crewe narrowly miss the goal within the first 60 seconds.  Crewe settled into the game well linking balls with short quick passing movements and took the ball around the Deeside players in comparison to Deeside’s long ball approach at times which was easily snubbed by the sound defence of Morrant, Slater, Howard and Bowyer.   The play worked well from the Crewe side and it was not long before Crewe got the reward they deserved when Pickthall. Weir and Allcock passing well down the right hand side of the field picked out Cooke on the top of the D, and with one punishing strike fired the ball into the back of the net giving Crewe a well earned 1-0 lead.  Crewe then pushed on knowing that another goal would seal the victory diminishing the home side.  With a series of short corners Cooke was unlucky not to hit home with some great saves by the Deeside keeper and Jepson hitting the inside of the post only for the ball to bounce back out of the goal and not into it.  Crewe keeper Murphy, had little work to do, however a couple of spectacular acrobatically amazing saves looked good to the crowd of onlookers watching the match.  The second half saw Crewe again turn on the pressure on Deeside again having several short corners against the home side Cooke and Ticehurst were unlucky not to hit home with some on the line saves from the Deeside defence including a defender kicking the ball off the line, only for the umpire not to award the penalty flick it deserved from Jepson’s strike.  The Crewe midfield of Weir, Jepson and Pickthall all worked well fro each other up and down the pitch non stop trying to supply those balls to Allcock, Cooke and Ticehurst who each had numerous shots on goal only for them to narrowly wide or forcing the keeper to defend his goal.  Crewe were held to a 1-0 much needed win and with 3 points in the bag spirits had picked up and gaining another 9 points from the remaining 3 games seemed feasible. 

 

 

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 4 V 3 Macclesfield 2nd XI

 

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 1 V 2 South Cheshire 4th XI 

Vagrants started well with fine breaks from Jamie Thomasson and had several fine chances saved the home keeper who made some excellent saves, the first half ended nil all. After the break, Crewe went 2 - 0 down thanks despite some good saves from Dominic Bailey. This however sparked Crewe back into life with Matt Potts scoring from a fine short corner routine. This though was too little too late. Crewe were unfortunate to lose after some excellent play from the young team.

LADIE’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 0 V 1 Knutsford          

Crewe started well but early on in the match Crewe were caught on the break by Knutsford and conceded a goal. Crewe tighten up the defence for the rest of the first half, Sue Powell, Nicola Powell and Nicki Wallace keep the defence strong.

The second half Crewe were forced play with only ten players, Alison smith made some excellent saves to keep the score at one nil. Crewe really dug in Charlotte Tomlinson, Cath Reiser, Joe Martain and Rachael Garry all tackling well, trying to win the ball to pressure Knutsford for a much needed goal to raise spirits in the Crewe team. Crewe had their chances but Lynn Taylor couldn’t get through the Knutsford goalkeeper. Unlucky loss for Crewe.

Alison Smith received player of the match.

 

 

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CREWE VAGRANTS HOCKEY MATCH RESULTS

Results Sat 19th February 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 4 Manchester 1st XI                           

North League Division Two West

Goalscorers: James Capper, Neil Darling.

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 0 V 13 Brooklands MU 3rd XI                              

North West Division Four

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 3 V 5 City of Manchester 2nd XI              

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers: Paul Owen 2, Ali Reed

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 1 V 1 Northop Hall 4th XI                          

North West Division Nine South

Goalscorers: Matt Potts.

Crewe Vagrants Badgers No Match

Friendly                                                                                               

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 0 V 2 Bolton                                                           

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 2 V 2 Newton Le Willows                         

Cheshire Women's League Division 4

Goalscorers: Alison Smith, Becky Crowther Green

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 3 V 3 South Cheshire                                             

Cheshire Women's League Division 6

Goalscorers: Alison Smith, Rachel Miller 2,

 

Sunday 20th Feb

Crewe Vagrants ladies Colts 2 V 2 Whitchurch Ladies Colts

Goalscorers: Robyn Dowding, Kim Jones

 

 

MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

                                                Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 4 Manchester 1st XI

Crewe put up a gutsy display away to skilful and often bruising league leaders Manchester on Saturday and might well have managed at least a draw, but were let down by crucial lapses in defence which ultimately cost them the game. 

 

Things started badly for Vagrants when, inside the first minute, Manchester broke through and slipped the ball past marooned keeper Ravi Kaler to open the scoring. Crewe continued to look exposed to attacks from Manchester’s pacy forwards, ever ready to pounce on some poor passes and loose play. On 11 minutes, however, they hit back with a good move from Gary Roberts and Andrew Ashworth, who slipped the ball across for James Capper to smash home the equaliser. Manchester continued to dominate territorially, keeping Crewe on the defensive, but Jon Woodhart, Dave Holland, Steve Bourne and Jon Beech all intercepted well. The visitors were, however, giving away possession all too easily and conceded a short corner, Kaler’s diving save keeping out a fierce on-target drive. Play swung briefly in their favour, with a fine upfield clearance by Paddy Leese, good midfield hassling by Holland and two successive short corners, Holland almost converting the first with a rocketing strike that flew just wide. A fluent forward thrust involving Beech, Capper and Ashworth found Neil Darling near goal, but he was unable to capitalise, and on 24 minutes Manchester clinically stabbed home the rebound after Kaler had parried a fierce short corner drive to regain the lead at 2-1. Crewe were again thrown on the defensive, Manchester threatening from a crowded ‘D’, but unable to convert the ensuing corner. Then, after good attacking play by Capper, Nick Marshall, Holland and Roberts, the home side again broke quickly, rifling in a fierce shot and hitting the post with another. On 33 minutes the pressure told when Leese’s weak clearance was pounced on and the ball hammered in to extend the lead to 3-1. Crewe ended the half under siege with another home forward striking the post.

 

Within seconds of the restart, Crewe were again stunned as Manchester sent a long ball downfield, crossed from the right and smashed past Kaler to go 4-1 up. Only two minutes later, however, the visitors pulled a goal back when Marshall fired in a fine cross for Darling to volley home in style. Crewe followed up with brief pressure in the home half with good moves by Beech, but Manchester drove forward again, forcing a fine save by Kaler and good clearance by Marshall. Kaler then parried the ball out after forwards were let in by slack defence and was lucky to see them miss the rebound. Crewe rallied again with good passes upfield by Roberts to Alexander, then Holland to Bourne, but repeatedly lost possession. They began to take the game to the home side, however, Holland going close with two rifled short corner efforts, Marshall, Holland and Roberts passing well and Marshall and Holland controlling the midfield. Roberts also combined well with Bourne, and Holland, Leese and Tim Alexander compiled a good attacking move, Crewe looking threatening but unable to find the finishing touch. After solid defence by Marshall and Paul Lambsdale, Ashworth and Roberts took play forward again with fine dribbling runs, but were denied by a melee of home players. Crewe dominated in the closing stages, with Marshall sending Alexander on a great run, two fine short corner efforts and a great forward move by Capper, Roberts and Alexander. Try as they might, however, they could not reduce the arrears and were left to rue a defeat that should not have been.                           

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 0 V 13 Brooklands MU 3rd XI           

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 3 V 5 City of Manchester 2nd XI

Crewe thirds dismal run of second half performances continued in Manchester. Paul Owen and Ali Reed had given the visitors a deserved 2-1 lead at half time, but a disastrous fifteen minute spell early in the second half saw the game put out of reach. Owen added his second towards the end but by then there was no way back.

                       

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 1 V 1 Northop Hall 4th XI

Crewe dominated early play with Matt Potts scoring a scrappy goal. Crewe then self-destructed with Tom Fielding putting the ball past his own keeper. Crewe then spent the reminder of the match under Northop Hall pressure - only earning a draw because of the
opposition’s poor finishing.

 

LADIE’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 0 V 2 Bolton

Vagrants Ladies first team lost 2-0 away at top of the table Bolton.

 

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 2 V 2 Newton Le Willows

Crewe ladies played a friendly against Newton who are a league above Crewe. The game started with tension in the air.  Crewe were passing the ball around well, the defence staying solid, cutting out Newton’s attacking play, Sophie Molley saving the shots on target and the half time score stood at 0-0. Crewe started the second half with the desire to win A Woodhart controlled the midfield, the ball passed to Robyn Dowding who fired a the ball across the circle where Alison Smith got the clinical touch. 1-nil to Crewe.

Crewe seemed to lose their spark and some strong words exchanged between players on the pitch. Newton scored twice in quick succession the scored 1-2. The game was now edgy as Crewe battled on, Crewe finally found a goal through Becky Crowther Green who finished a neat move by Crewe.

Nat Stevenson put in a strong tackle on the Newton captain much to Newton’s disgrace, the captain kicked out which caught Nat Stevenson who could not control her stick, it hit the captain on the leg, which made the Newton player dive for Nat Stevenson, Nat gave as good as she got! The umpires calm the situation. It finally finished with Nat Stevenson walking away from the incident. The game finished 2-2.

 

A good performance by Crewe, which was over shadowed by Newton’s childish behaviour.                            

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 3 V 3 South Cheshire

Crewe ladies 3rd team played away against South Cheshire, Crewe’s start was excellent, keeping possession well in midfield, with Cath Day and Sue Holt taking control, allowing Charlotte Tomlinson and Cath Resier to make good runs on the wings. Sue Powell switched the ball across, holding the defence strong, the ball was thread though and Rachel Miller got the final touch to put Crewe in the lead.

Crewe continued to work hard, Alison Smith picked the ball up and calming took the ball round the South Cheshire defender her accurate shot went straight into the corner of the goal. 2-0 up Crewe were flying high! It wasn’t long before Rachel Miller got her second goal of the day putting Crewe 3-0 up.

In the second half the tables turned, Crewe were forced to defend, and finally cracked under pressure with South Cheshire scoring, the score was now 1-3. In quick succession South Cheshire scored again. The score 2-3. Crewe were unlucky to conceded a short corner in the last two minutes of the game, South Cheshire made no mistake knowing it would be the last hit of the game, and the ball went over the line much to Crewe’s hard work to keep it out. The game finished 3-3.

 

Crewe Vagrants ladies Colts 2 V 2 Whitchurch Ladies Colts

Crewe ladies 4th team played Whitchurch at home, Crewe put up a good fight to get a draw after going behind by two goals.  Crewe started brightly but had to defend as Whitchurch attacked strongly, the defence, Ruth Hardness, Kim Booth and Laura Christie saw off the Whitchurch players. Laura Webb helping to get the ball clear, Crewe were unable to stop some good play by Whitchurch, which lead to the first goal. Whitchurch scored again shortly after their first goal.

After half time Crewe came on the pitch wanting to win, they began to string some good passes together, and Robyn Dowding put the ball over the line 2-1. Crewe was now determined to come back and an outstanding run by Kim Jones from the half way line, passing Whitchurch players, as soon as she entered the D she shot and scored a fantastic goal. 2-2, Crewe were ecstatic!

All Crewe players worked hard the midfield Lisa Booth, Kate Parr, Charlotte Tomlinson, Simone Williams and Cath Reiser keeping possession. In the last five minutes Whitchurch put the pressure on, Jenny Davis, Crewe’s goalkeeper kept the ball out. Final score 2-2 Crewe played well.

 

 

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CREWE VAGRANTS HOCKEY MATCH RESULTS

Matches Sat 12th February 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 4 V 0 Formby 2nd XI                                              

North League Division Two West

Goalscorers:  Tim Alexander, Andrew Ashworth 2, Nick Marshall

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 0 V 5 West Bowdon 3rd XI                        

North West Division Four

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 2 V 5 Knutsford 2nd XI                              

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers: Paul Owen, Chris Steele

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 2 V 3 Sale 3rd XI                                        

North West Division Nine South

Goalscorers:

Crewe Vagrants Badgers V  Preston – Match Cancelled                                      

Friendly                                                                                               

Ladies

Crewe ladies Colts  2 V 0 Leek ladies Colts

Goalscorers:  Sophie Mellor, Lynn Taylor

 

MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

                                                Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 4 V 0 Formby 2nd XI

Vagrants grow in confidence after nervy moments

Crewe survived some close shaves and missed several good chances themselves in their home clash against a lively Formby side on Saturday before eventually finding their form and pulling away for a comfortable win.

 

In a fast-paced opening, Formby almost stunned their hosts with a first-minute effort which forced a fine save from keeper Ravi Kaler, but Crewe began to pass fluently and take play into the opposing half, with Tim Alexander and Dave Holland prominent in attack. Formby replied with heavy pressure, however, giving the home side some anxious moments, but defenders Paul Lambsdale and Jon Woodhart, along with Gary Roberts and Holland, intercepted well. Crewe drove forward again to win a short corner, but were unable to convert, and Andrew Ashworth was then narrowly denied by the advancing keeper. On 20 minutes, however, Ashworth slipped the ball across from the left for the waiting Alexander to slot high into the net and put Crewe 1-0 up. The home side threatened again with a fine run down the middle by Alexander and another short corner, but Formby countered with a fast break, firing just wide. Crewe missed a good chance when Paddy Leese and Holland combined well to play Roberts in, but he scuffed his shot, and Holland was unlucky not to convert a further corner with a fierce high shot that flew wide. Then, as Crewe continued to press, Ashworth should have done better, missing a yawning open goal from Holland’s pass. Minutes later Jon Beech shot inches wide, and Holland fired across goal after a fine run and pass from Steve Bourne, but no one was able to connect. The home side was again denied when Alexander was unable to find the final touch after a fine run by Roberts, and had to end the half holding grimly on to an all too slim lead.

 

That lead looked decidedly fragile on the resumption, with Formby now missing an open goal in the first minute and Crewe under pressure. Leese and Roberts defended well, however, and Nick Marshall, ever composed, put in some fine clearances. The home side rallied to take play to Formby, with a good run up the middle by Holland, a fine dribble in front of goal by Ashworth and a chance for Alexander. Formby retaliated by pegging Crewe back, but were contained by Marshall and Leese and solid interceptions from Woodhart. On 10 minutes, Crewe at last seized a chance to double their lead, Ashworth slotting home after a fine aerial pass upfield from Holland. Two minutes later Ashworth almost scored again, seeing his shot saved after a fine long ball from Roberts. Though Formby tried to respond, Woodhart, Ashworth and Roberts all covered well and Crewe looked decidedly more confident, duly extending their lead to 3-0 on 16 minutes when Holland sent in a fine pass for Ashworth to smash home from the left for his second goal. Though Formby again took play to Crewe, Kaler, Leese, Roberts and Marshall all made solid clearances and the home side looked in control, breaking forward once more for Marshall to rifle in on 23 minutes from the edge of the ‘D’ to make it 4-0. Formby pressed again, forcing a diving save from Kaler and a cool clearance from Leese, but minutes later Beech put in a superb fast break, crossing to Ashworth who lashed in from the left, only to see his shot saved. Never-say-die Formby, probably the most sportsmanlike side Crewe have met this season, tried to salvage something in the closing minutes, but were denied by fluent passing and excellent defence from Leese and Marshall and fine tackling by Holland.  

 

Vagrants 1st team take on top of the table Manchester needing a victory to keep them in the race for the title.

 

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 0 V 5 West Bowdon 3rd XI

Vagrants 2nd team lost heavily again this time away at second in the table Bowdon, this defeat keeps them rooted in the relegation zone, Vagrants have another tough match on Saturday when they take on top of the table Brooklands MU 3’s at home.

 

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 2 V 5 Knutsford 2nd XI

Crewe were comfortably beaten in the end by Knutsford in their Division 5 encounter. Knutsford bagged an early goal but Crewe responded through Paul Owen and an excellent breakaway finished by Chris Steele. Knutsford pressure drew them level just before half time. The second half was fairly even until two goals in three minutes gave Knutsford a cushion and they added a fifth in the closing minutes.

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 2 V 3 Sale 3rd XI

Vagrants suffered defeat away at Sale, and this defeat means that they swapped places with Sale, with the Vagrants dropping to 5th in Division 9 South.

LADIE’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe ladies Colts  2 V 0 Leek ladies Colts

In very cold and windy conditions Crewe played well winning 2-0 in a well-fought match.

Crewe started brightly, passing the ball around the pitch Kim Jones helping to organize Crewe. When Leek pushed forward the defence stayed strong with Laura Webb cutting out the play. Ruth Hardness and Kim Booth marked the Leek players keeping them at bay. Jenny Davies with great awareness made some excellent saves to keep Crewe in the game.

Crewe got the break just before half time with some nice build up play by the midfield, Lynn Taylor, Lisa Booth and Simone Williams all connecting and pushed the ball forward to Sophie Mellor who’s accurate shot went into the corner of the goal. Crewe battled on with Charlotte king and Charlie helping to keeping possession, and mid way through the second half the ball fell to Lynn Taylor who’s strong shot could not be stopped by the keeper making it two nil.

A fantastic win away from home for the up and coming Crewe players

 

Vagrants Ladies 1st team have a tough away match on Sat 19th when they are away at top of the table Bolton.

 

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CREWE VAGRANTS HOCKEY MATCH RESULTS

Matches Sat 5th February 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 4 V 1 Nelson & Rossendale 1st XI                       

North League Division Two West

Goalscorers: Andrew Ashworth, James Capper 2, Jonathon Beech.

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 1 V 4 West Cumbria 1st XI                        

North West Division Four

Goalscorers:

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 2 V 3 Winnington Park 2nd XI                   

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers:

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 1 V 6 Northern 3rd XI                                            

North West Division Nine South

Goalscorers: Ally Reed

Crewe Vagrants Badgers V  Chester                                              

Friendly                                                                                               

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 0 V 0 Oxton                                                           

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Goalscorers:

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V Timperley                                               

Cheshire Women's League Division 4

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 V Bowdon 2                                    

Cheshire Women's League Division 6

 

MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 4 V 1 Nelson & Rossendale 1st XI

Vagrants take command after early shock

 

After unexpectedly falling behind early on to bottom-of-the-table Nelson at home on Saturday, Crewe recovered well, surviving some shaky defence to outplay their physical opponents and run out comfortable winners.

 

Crewe pressed hard in the opening exchanges with the best of the territorial possession, Dave Johnson and Andrew Ashworth making incisive runs and James Capper and Dave Holland both going close, but Nelson shook them by exposing defensive frailty and taking an early 1-0 lead from a breakaway attack after just 9 minutes.  The home side rallied, however, and hit back three minutes later when Ashworth touched in the equaliser from Capper’s pass after a fast counterattack. Crewe continued to look fragile at the back with passes going astray, but on 16 minutes Neil Darling put Gary Roberts through and his shot was nudged in by the waiting Capper for a 2-1 lead. Nelson briefly put Crewe under pressure, but Jon Beech almost extended the lead with a fierce angled drive and Holland also went close. Nelson threatened again, however, keeper Ravi Kaler diving to parry a lone forward’s shot and Paul Lambsdale scrambling the ball away, and the visitors missing an open goal soon after following a short corner. Crewe countered strongly with Jon Woodhart and Holland both blasting drives into the ‘D’, but finding no one to slot home. On 24 minutes, however, Nick Marshall found the net from a short corner, only to have what seemed a good goal disallowed. Crewe kept up the pressure, Holland going just wide from another corner and Roberts’ powerful drive just eluding Capper’s touch. Ashworth was also unlucky when he almost lobbed the ball over the keeper after a fast run, and Capper saw his shot saved. Ashworth then uncharacteristically missed an easy chance in front of goal and Woodhart had two successive shots smothered. Crewe faltered when a Nelson forward sliced through the defence, but Kaler made a crucial stop to preserve his side’s slim lead into the break.

 

Crewe resumed determinedly, pegging Nelson back, with Darling seeing his fierce drive saved and Capper blasting over the bar with only the keeper to beat. Nelson managed two fast breaks, and though Lambsdale made some good interceptions the home defence again looked vulnerable. Crewe were soon on the offensive, however, Ashworth’s shot from Johnson’s pass being saved by the grounded keeper. On 10 minutes they were rewarded when Holland, refusing to be dispossessed, slipped the ball through for Capper to net for a 3-1 lead. Now well in command territorially and knocking the ball around fluently, Crewe continued to press, Capper and Holland both seeing fierce drives saved, and Ashworth firing across the face of goal. Nelson countered briefly, but Marshall made a vital interception to clear upfield, and Crewe attacked again with fine efforts from Darling and Holland. In the first minute of injury time, Beech slotted in from a cross to make it 4-1, stinging Nelson into last-ditch counterattack. Marshall and Paddy Leese tackled and cleared brilliantly to deny them, however, and Crewe drove forward again with Capper unlucky not to extend the lead in the final minutes. A fine win for the home side, who must, however, tighten up their defence if they are to prevail against stronger opposition in their remaining games.

 

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 1 V 4 West Cumbria 1st XI

Contact Steve Bowyer Mobile 07799 181909

                                   

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 2 V 3 Winnington Park 2nd XI

Contact Neil Gibbons Mobile

Or Martin Woodhart 07771-727876

                       

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 1 V 6 Northern 3rd XI

Vagrants started by putting league leaders Northern under pressure. Vagrants pressure was then converted into a goal with an Ally Reed flick shot. But Vagrants pressure came to no avail as Northern struck back several times leaving the half time score at 4-1. The second half started as the first ended with Northern wasting chances or having them finely saved by stand in keeper Keiron Hopper. Eventually their chances found the net to leave the final score at 6-1.

                                               

LADIE’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 0 V 0 Oxton

Crewe Vagrant's Ladies first team were unlucky not to take all 3 points in their derby game against Oxton which ended in a goalless draw.  This was always going to be the crunch game of the season and to make it even more nail biting both teams were on 19 points lying fourth and fifth in the league.

 

With both teams wanting to take all 3 points to ensure North League hockey next season it was Crewe who were first out of the starting blocks and were the more positive of the two team putting pressure straight from the off on Oxton's defence.  Early chances fell to Bev Jackson and Dionne Johnson but they were unable to steer the ball goal bound after good work on the flanks by Anna Woodhart and Helen Cray.

 

On the odd occasion that Oxton looked dangerous was on the counter attack but defenders Gilly Blythe, Lou Crosbie and Tracey Brookfield were equal to everything and snuffed out their attacks with ease with firm, solid tackling leaving Crewe's goalkeeper Hayley Agnew with little to do which was frustrating Oxton's forwards.

 

Crewe's midfield quartet were running the show and Oxton were finding it hard trying to contain them and changed their formation to try and stop the tantalizing skills and runs of Lindsey Inman and Kim Jones who were in unstoppable form.

 

In the second half Crewe believed they could steal all 3 points and continued to press Oxton back into their own half, but Oxton stood firm and Crewe couldn’t find that vital ball that would open Oxton's defence.  At times Crewe played into Oxton's hands by attacking down the centre but Shez Tomkinson worked hard to try and spread the ball wide to stretch Oxton's defence who looked content in packing their defence and settling for a draw.

 

Crewe were having none of it and worked hard for each other going in for every ball with 110% commitment and determination but were starting to tire due to a having a depleted side with 4 first team players out through injury but their was no way Crewe were going to give up hope and throw in the towel, although they had to be satisfied with a vital point.  Final score Crewe 0 v Oxton 0.

 

Crewe play top of the league Bolton in two weeks time in a game in which Crewe must win.

 

 

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CREWE VAGRANTS HOCKEY MATCH RESULTS

Matches Sat 29th January 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 1 Bebington 1st XI                               

North League Division Two West

Goalscorers:  Andrew Ashworth 2.

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V No Match

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 5 V 3 Bebington 3rd XI                              

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers: 

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 0 V 2 Deeside Ramblers 6th XI                 

North West Division Nine South

Crewe Vagrants Badgers V  South Cheshire                                  

Friendly

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 4 V 2 Prescot                                             

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Goalscorers:  Tracey Brookfield, Bev Jackson, Dionne Johnson, Shez Tomkinson

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V Warrington                                             

Cheshire Women's League Division 4

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 V Brooklands 2                                          

Cheshire Women's League Division 6

 

MEN’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 2 V 1 Bebington 1st XI

Weakened Vagrants scrape lucky win

With a seriously under-strength side, missing four first-choice players, Crewe looked far from their best in a scrappy away tussle with close rivals Bebington on Saturday and were more than a little fortunate to emerge victorious.

 

Bebington had the best of the initial territorial possession, forcing good defensive work from Nick Marshall and Richard Slater and a diving save from keeper Ravi Kaler, but against the run of play Crewe took an early 1-0 lead after 7 minutes when Andrew Ashworth took a pass from the left to touch home.  Bebington responded with an immediate short corner, but could not convert, and Marshall and Paddy Leese did well to hold off further attacks, the home side being given a lot of space. Crewe regained the offensive, however, with Marshall and Jon Woodhart sending play upfield, Jon Beech stabbing in a fierce angled shot which flew just wide and Dave Holland sending raking passes through to Ashworth and Neil Darling at the front. Bebington then took the game back to Crewe, Kaler making a crucial goal line stop and Leese and Slater defending solidly. Tim Alexander had a chance at the

other end, but shot wide, before Bebington mounted another raid, forcing desperate defence by Crewe, who were lucky to escape unscathed. A long ball to Ashworth from Marshall and good runs from Steve Bourne and James Capper rallied Crewe, but they were unable to capitalise, and Slater and Marshall both had to clear under pressure. Crewe responded with forward moves from Holland, just failing to find Ashworth with a fine long pass, and Marshall, sending aerial passes up to Capper and Alexander, and Holland, Alexander and Capper combined well in front of goal. Despite further pressure through Ashworth and Beech, however, the visitors could not increase their slender lead, a single goal still separating the sides at the break.

 

Crewe restarted shakily, with missed interceptions by Marshall and Woodhart in defence, but Henry Weir produced some neat stick work in attack. After a lengthy delay for treatment to an injured home player, Ashworth, Capper and Bourne combined well in the ‘D’ and Bourne and Capper produced dangerous crosses. Crewe were looking vulnerable with some poor tackling, however, and Slater and Marshall were having to work hard in defence. Alexander had a chance in front of goal, but scuffed his shot, and on 13 minutes Crewe were punished when Bebington won a short corner and converted confidently to level at 1-1, forcing the visitors on to the back foot. A shot from a further corner a minute later was saved, and though Woodhart, Leese and Marshall defended well, Crewe found themselves under severe pressure. They rallied again, but to no effect, with Holland’s fine effort smothered by the home keeper before Darling could connect, Capper and Holland both failing to find forwards with drives into the ‘D’, and a corner unconverted. Bebington regained the offensive, cutting through the Crewe defence, forcing a good save from Kaler and outmanoeuvring the visitors with slicker tackling. Crewe tried to counter through Darling, Ashworth and Marshall, but could not make any impression, continuing to press hard but passing wildly and losing possession. Bebington threatened again in the closing stages, bringing a good tackle from Weir in midfield and a fine diving save from Kaler. Crewe persevered, however, and were rewarded in the fifth minute of injury time when Capper’s shot ricocheted off the keeper and Ashworth slotted in the rebound for his second goal and a narrow 2-1 victory.  A ragged performance from a seriously depleted Vagrants side and, if truth be told, a win that flattered them. 

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 5 V 3 Bebington 3rd XI

                                   

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 0 V 2 Deeside Ramblers 6th XI

           

LADIE’S MATCH REPORTS

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 4 V 2 Prescot

Crewe Vagrants Ladies 1st team hit bottom of the league Prescot for 4 with a 4 v 2 win

Although this wasn't vintage Crewe they were by far the best team.  From the off Crewe dominated play and took the game by the scruff of the neck playing some excellent fluent hockey.  Crewe had several chances to score the first goal but they just couldn't find the back of the net.  It was 20 minutes into the game when Crewe finally broke the dead lock, when they were awarded a short corner, the first shot by Tracey Brookfield was saved by the Prescot goalkeeper but it was Crewe's forward Dionne Johnson who reacted first and jabbed the ball back towards the goal only for one of Prescot's defenders to stop the ball on the line and a penalty flick was awarded.  Up stepped Brookfield who made no mistake, coolly and accurately placing the ball into the corner to go 1 v 0 up.

 This lifted Crewe and it wasn't long before they scored a second when Bev Jackson was in the right place at the right time and went clean through from a   superb ball by Gilly Blythe to make it 2 v 0.  Dionne Johnson capped a fine first half off performance with a third goal to take Crewe into the break 3 v 0 to the good.  In the second half Crewe took their foot off the gas and Prescot took advantage of it and managed to score from a short corner when Crewe hadn't got all their angles covered.  This gave Crewe a wake up call and they managed to restore their 3 goal lead when Shez Tomkinson slotted home to make it 4 v 1.   Crewe were always in control but Prescot put up a fight - literally and refused to lie down and scored again from a short corner to make the final score 4 v 2.

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Matches Sat 5th February 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 V Nelson & Rossendale 1st XI                  HOME 1.30pm Start

North League Division Two West

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V West Cumbria 1st XI                               AWAY 2.30pm Start

North West Division Four

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 V Winnington Park 2nd XI              HOME 12.00pm Start

North West Division Five South

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 V Northern 3rd XI                                       AWAY 12.00pm Start

North West Division Nine South

Crewe Vagrants Badgers V  Chester                                               HOME 2.30pm Start

Friendly                                                                                                At Middlewich L.C.

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 V Oxton                                                      HOME 3.00pm Start

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V Timperley                                                HOME 4.30pm Start

Cheshire Women's League Division 4

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 V Bowdon 2                                     AWAY

Cheshire Women's League Division 6

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CREWE VAGRANTS HOCKEY MATCH RESULTS

Matches Sat 22nd January 2005

Men’s

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 1 V 3 Lytham St Annes 1st XI                   

North League Division Two West

Goalscorers:  James Capper

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 1 V 3 Manchester 1st XI                           

North West Division Four

Goalscorers: Rob Jepson

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 3 V 7 Alderley Edge 3rd XI                                    

North West Division Five South

Goalscorers: Paul Owen 3

Crewe Vagrants 4th X1 2 V 1 Chester 6th XI                                               

North West Division Nine South

Goalscorers: Matt Potts 2.

Crewe Vagrants Badgers V  Bramhall                                            

Friendly

Ladies

Crewe Vagrants 1st X1 4 V 2 Mantos                                             

North Women's Hockey League Feeder League West

Goalscorers: Bev Jackson 2, Lynsey Iman, Dionne Johnson

Crewe Vagrants 2nd X1 V      Neston 2                                            

Cheshire Women's League Division 4

Crewe Vagrants 3rd X1 V      South Cheshire 2       &nb