Clevedon Town 4 Wimborne Town 0
Clevedon Town produced a convincing display to ensure their FA Cup passage this afternoon. Up against Wessex Leaguer's Wimborne Town in the first meeting between the sides since December 1994, Town dominated a one sided game with new signing Steve Cook, making his full competitive debut for the Seasiders, bagging all four goals. With Mike Green unavailable for selection as part of his loan agreement from Bath City, Town fielded Dominic Graffagnino in midfield, while Cook and Tyron Toppar were promoted to the starting line-up, with Mitchell Page and Christian Sylvester dropping to the bench.
Clevedon started in earnest, with Tyron Toppar, a constant threat down the left flank embarked on an enterprising run which ended with his shot taking a deflection. Although dealing with the early pressure Wimborne were always in danger of being overrun and Steve Cook served an early warning to the Magpies with two long range efforts, the first of which was particularly unlucky to strike the corner of the bar and post. However Wimborne did send Town an early warning when striker Scott Joyce robbed Scott Hendy of the ball before rounding ‘keeper Danny Greaves, only to strike weakly with his left foot when well placed.
Clevedon were beginning to create many chances. The enterprising Kyle Bassett producing a fine run and cut back for Symons, whose shot was superbly saved. Moments later Toppar crossed for Symons again, yet the striker could only skew his volley high and wide when well placed. However the Seasiders weren’t to be denied, as incisive pass from Basset played in Symons, who rolled his man to square for Steve Cook to strike the ball into the largely unguarded net.
The home side doubled their lead soon after when a customary long throw from Kris Leek was nodded on perfectly for Steve Cook by Scott Hendy, who quickly got the ball out from his between his feet to finish with aplomb from close range. Cook was so nearly celebrating his hat-trick soon when he crashed a shot against the upright as Town threatened to run riot.
Despite not creating as many clear cut chances the second half saw the home side continue to dominate the game. Messrs Bassett and Leek had both gone close before Symons produced a fine run and cross down the left flank, only to see Leek again denied by a clearance off the line from Wimborne’s Ollie Phillipson-Masters.
Clevedon were now playing at ease and substitute Daine O’Connor nearly extended the Seasiders’ lead when firing over in a goalmouth scramble following a corner. At the opposite end a spell of good play from the visitors was almost rewarded when Scott Joyce’s cross was volleyed over by midfielder John Mulhern.
In the closing stages Cook was able to celebrate his first hat-trick for his new club. Kris Leek produced a fine break from midfield and hit a fiercely struck shot that ‘keeper Hutchings did well to save in the visitor’s goal. However his luck truly wasn’t in as the ball rebounded to Steve Cook who made no mistake from 12 yards out.
Just when it appeared the scoring was complete for the afternoon, the home side added a fourth. Daine O’Connor and Steve Cook, harried the Magpies’ defenders Phillipson-Masters and Warren into a corner, as they had throughout the afternoon, with the former undercooking his backpass to the visiting keeper and allowing Steve Cook to nip before the despairing tackle, and in doing so becoming the first Town player since Andy Mainwaring against Fisher Athletic in 2001 to score four goals in one game.
In summary Clevedon can be delighted with their performance. Although well beaten on the day Wimborne promised to be tricky opposition, especially given Town’s disappointing last showing against Banbury. However a performance characterised by good passing, fast attacking football, and most crucially incisive finishing from Steve Cook well please Town boss Phil Bater greatly.
The Seasiders will hope to continue their fine form against Hitchin Town at the Hand, this Saturday 22nd September, 15:00 kick-off.
Gallery
Team Sheet
| No: | Name: | Sub: | Goal: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greaves | ||
| 2 | Brigham | ||
| 3 | Haines | ||
| 4 | Scott (Capt) | ||
| 5 | Hendy | ||
| 6 | Graffagnino | ||
| 7 | Bassett | ||
| 8 | Leek | ||
| 9 | Symons | ||
| 10 | Cook | 4 | |
| 11 | Toppar | ||
| 12 | Page | 9 | |
| 14 | Sylvester | 12 | |
| 15 | O'Connor | 11 | |
| 16 | - | ||
| 17 | - | ||
| Own Goal | - |
Match Details
| Date: | 15/09/07 |
|---|---|
| Competition: | FA Cup |
| Opponents: | Wimborne |
| Venue: | The Hand Stadium Davis Lane Clevedon North Somerset BS21 6TG |
| Half Time: | 2 - 0 |
| Full Time: | 4 - 0 |
| Attendance: | 173 |
| Match Report: | Will Wright |
| Photographs: | Tony Merrett |
| Notes: |
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Downloads
| Appearances & Goal Scorers | Word Document |
|---|---|
| Team Sheet Matrix | Excel Document |