Cup win was not the best
Clevedon United U15s 1
A patchy display saw Cheddar through to the cup quarter-finals, although they will need to up their game to progress further in the competition.
At a windy Sharpham Road, an injury-depleted home side passed the ball well in the first quarter and were rewarded with a Dan Bond goal.
Clevedon then upped their tempo and, with an increased physicality, levelled following a good move down the right. Cheddar struck twice in three minutes before the break, James Chinnock completing a good first-half performance with a fine strike from the edge of the box and then Joel Butcher planting a perfectly struck free-kick into the corner of the net from 25 yards out.
However, Cheddar lost the plot in the second half, seemingly thinking the job was done, and only a number of fine saves by Dan Mehlig saved the sleepy home defence from embarrassment. Zach Gittings finished well from an acute angle with minutes remaining to put a gloss on the scoreline.
Cheddar Dynamos U13s 3
Merriott Youth U13s 0
Cheddar progressed into the next round of the County Cup with a great all-round team performance.
They had to be at their best defensively to keep out a dangerous Merriott forward line who were keen to shoot at any opportunity with the breeze behind them.
Cheddar went ahead midway through the first half. Good work from Douglas Spinks set up Liam Hathway, who made no mistake with the keeper stranded.
In the second half, Merriott kept searching for a way back, but Daniel Harris lead the defence in commanding fashion with great support from Kyran Gale and Lucas Gorodi.
When Merriott did find a way through, Billy Standen showed excellent bravery to twice block shots at point-blank range.
Cheddar nerves were settled when Josh Lutner doubled the lead with a neat lob from 20 yards. Cheddar were in no mood to let the game slip and Ben Harris typified their battling spirit with his nonstop running. Robbie Wallis sealed the victory with a sharp finish into the corner of the net.
Cheddar Valley Jets U13s 3
Portishead United U13s 0
This game was evenly matched in the first 10 minutes, with Spencer Williams, James Porter-Hunt, Jamie Mason and Matthew Prestidge keeping a solid Cheddar defence.
Cheddar took the lead when a pass from Connor Vipond found Adam Wood, who ran through the Portishead defence and slid the ball past the keeper.
Within minutes, Cheddar made it two when Sam Willcock caught the Portishead keeper off his line with an impressive 25-yard chip-shot.
In the second half, Cheddar keeper Troy Williams saw more of the action when Portishead piled on the pressure, but he managed to foil any attempt at goal.
Cheddar's third goal was well-worked, with Oscar Smith passing to Adam Wood. His lay-off to Vipond saw the resulting shot detour across the goal but it found Jack Miller at the far post, who slid the ball home.
Cheddar created three more chances in the last 10 minutes, with a Shaun Adams' through-ball teeing up Miller whose shot was well-saved by the keeper.
Cheddar moved into second place in the league after this win.
Cheddar U10s 1
Portishead Juniors U10s 0
This was an excellent all-round whole-hearted team display.
From the start, Cheddar were well organised and committed to the cause. They started well, with Joe Burgess making some good early runs along with Josh Polden, who was a constant threat all match, and it was he who scored with a superb chip over the keeper.
When called upon, Leighton Williams again showed his recent good form with some excellent saves and handling, while defenders Ryan Mulvihill and Luke Adams showed their class with some timely interceptions.
In midfield, Olie Hucker worked hard and man of the match Michael Maloney was outstanding with his all-round performance.
Cheddar nearly increased their lead when Joe and Josh combined well to set up Olie, who hit the bar with a spectacular shot.
The second half saw constant pressure from Cheddar, who continued to be well disciplined and play some great football.
Cheddar U9s A 2
Nailsea U9s 7
Cheddar knew the match would be a challenge and it showed in the first half, with fifth-placed Nailsea putting five past goalkeeper Ollie Willis, one of which was a cracking half-volley from the halfway line.
With a poor defence and midfield, and with little play up front, it was always going to be difficult, especially with the poor weather conditions.
With a team-talk at half-time and a change of keeper, Cheddar came out much stronger and matched Nailsea with some great play.
Thomas Sercombe in midfield covered much ground and, with a pass to Willis through to Matthew Charles, Cheddar were on the scoreboard.
Nailsea came back but were denied several chances by strong defending from Ollie Grant, Jack Ballard and Tom. With Jonathan Russell now in goal, Nailsea's score rate was kept to only two more, with Jonathan putting in some great saves, one being tipped over the crossbar.
In the last few minutes, great play from Ben Hill, Andrew Ford and Willis set up Matthew Charles for a fine goal.
Nailsea U9s B 2
Cheddar U9s B 1
The visiting supporters from Cheddar breathed a sigh of relief as ace defender Joe Bracewell and and goalkeeper Cameron McColm emerged into the morning drizzle.
The first half was evenly-matched until the talented James King blasted Cheddar ahead with a fantastic strike, set up by a dynamic William Spinks throw-in.
After the break, Nailsea levelled the game, despite the efforts of Alisdair Davies and James Poyner in the Cheddar defence.
Sam Catling, Fintan Carroll and Thomas Wechman fought hard into the final minutes and were unlucky to concede a late goal as the clouds swept in.
Player of the match: Cameron McColm.
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