The home side got off to a strong start with player/manager Leigh White getting on the ball in midfield and setting the tempo in getting the talented young duo of Ben Griffiths and Joe Creese driving forward and creating all sorts of problems for the Worle defence. The first chance at goal came from a Mike Rowcliffe shot that was deflected away. Chris Bradley headed against the crossbar from an Ollie Clements free kick. Griffiths again got away from his markers and found Holland and his shot also struck the crossbar.

Worle were playing more of a long ball game and with the wind at their backs were causing problems for the home defence and Callum Briggs and Jason Potter facing his old club had their work cut out as Worle forwards Ryan Down, Ryan Hodrien and Chris Taylor were very sprightly on the counter attack. It was Down who struck twice to take a fortunate half time lead. His first effort was driven past Matt Hill from just inside the box on 20 minutes and shortly after a powerful drive rocketed past Hill leaving him with no chance to save.

Before the interval arrived Wrington Redhill spurned three more scoring opportunities. Griffiths fed Creese and his cross somehow eluded Holland for a tap in and then Griffiths brought a good save from Jack Hodrien at a foot of the post and the last kick of the half saw his effort again strike the crossbar.

To counter the long ball threat White moved to the back to direct his defence and Rowcliffe withdrew into a midfield role still allowing Griffiths to cause his opposition all sorts of problems with his pace and jinking runs to compliment his determination and ferocity in winning the ball back for his team mates. Rowcliffe had a shot pushed away for a corner and Creese had a shot saved following good work from Holland. Another Griffiths run found Holland who again missed connecting his shot effort. Wrington Redhill were in the ascendancy although another scare came when a Clements free kick was cleared and a swift counter attack resulted in Down shooting wide.

The home side got right back into the game with a goal on the hour mark. White found Rory Thomas who fed Griffiths who cleverly slid the ball into the path of Holland who made no mistake this time in slotting the ball past the advancing keeper. Worle had another attempt thwarted when Callum Briggs held off the advancing Taylor forcing his shot wide. Clements fired a free kick straight at Hodrien whilst Ryan Hodrien fired a free kick just wide of a post.

Simon Lee and George Martin replaced Holland and Thomas and still the home team worked tirelessly to get some reward for their efforts. With tenminutes to go Griffiths took a free kick from just outside the box which a defender handled and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Griffiths who fired home high into the net for the well deserved equaliser. It looked that this might be the final result when White headed a Ryan Hodrien free kick clear with the clock ticking down.

With just minutes remaining there was drama and controversy when the referee awarded a penalty to Worle. Ollie Clements won a tackle inside the box and as the ball was being cleared the Worle player fell over. No one appealed and only the referee reacted with the spot kick decision which caused consternation among the frustrated home players and ended up with Rowcliffe shown a red card and Hill a yellow card for their vehement protests.

Eventually Ryan Hodrien netted from the spot clinching a 3-2 victory bringing a sour end to a well contested game from two fully committed sides. 

Bill Gough man of the match was awarded to Ben Griffiths

GK, Matthew Hill

Defence: Ollie Clements, Callum Briggs, Jason Potter, Rory Thomas

Midfield: Chris Bradley, Leigh White, Ben Griffiths, Joe Creese

Forwards: Mike Rowcliffe, Chris Holland

Subs: George Martin (for Rory Thomas), Simon Lee (for Chris Holland), Adam Caulfield(not used), Jack Biggs (not used)

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Only one change from last week’s starting eleven with the return of Jason Potter to the defence and Ethan Johnson playing in a more forward role in the place of the absent Mike Rowcliffe. On the bench were Paul Faulkner, Adam Caulfield and a welcome return to the club Sam Clements.

An early chance came Wrington Redhill’s way when Potter fed the ball to Ben Griffiths on the left who passed to Joe Creese who saw his shot at goal pass the wrong side of the far post. Middlezoy were playing some neat football and Matt Hill had to be alert to a cross into the penalty area from Jake Horsley which he duly collected.

Approaching 20 minutes Matt Connick found space on the left flank and his cross into the area caught the strong wind and ended up curling into the top right hand corner of goal leaving Hill no chance to make a save. Shortly after Griffiths was unlucky to see his goal bound effort deflected by a defender withthe ball spooning into the hands of the visitor’s keeper Greg Turner. The half time break came after Hill made a couple more saves from danger following corners keeping the score at 1-0 to Middlezoy.

The home side had to make a double substitution early after the restart with Paul Faulkner on for injured Ethan Johnson and his brother Sam replacing Sam Clements struggling with an old injury in the very heavy conditions. The weather deteriorated even further as the wind increased bringing driving rain for all the players to cope with. To both teams credit they continued to produce all hearted performances with Callum Briggs working tirelessly at the heart of the defence but it was the visitors who came out on top with two further goals from Aaron Waites and Connick completing a brace for a 3-0 victory.

The squad will be in for training next Saturday as there is no scheduled fixture as they continue to find a change in fortunes to move away from theirlowly league position.

Bill Gough man of the match was awarded to Callum Briggs

GK, Matthew Hill

Defence: Ollie Clements, Callum Briggs, Sam Clements, Jason Potter

Midfield: Chris Bradley, Leigh White, Ben Griffiths, Ethan Johnson

Forwards: Simon Lee, Joe Creese

Subs: Paul Faulkner (for Ethan Johnson), Sam Johnson (for Sam Clements), Adam Caulfield (not used)

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Wrington Redhill found that lack of goals was their downfall yet again in this game against fellow league strugglers Clutton at a heavy Recreation Ground.

The first half was virtually all one way traffic and as early as the first five minutes Simon Lee saw one effort strike a post and another cleared off the line. The home side was playing some terrific football with manager Leigh White handing debuts to two teenagers for their first starts in senior football and what performances were produced by both players. Joe Creese was causing havoc down the right flank and Ben Griffith was stamping his authority at the heart of the midfield, both making major contributions to the game. Simon Lee was making a return to the team after a prolonged absence and held the ball well up front linking well with advancing players from midfield.

Chance after chance went begging with Mike Rowcliffe, Chris Bradley and the youngsters Creese and Griffith very active but the net eluding them all by last ditch clearances or strikes wide of goal. Despite all this dominance just minutes before the break Clutton were awarded a penalty for a Sam Clements handball infringement and Adam Holcombe fiercely drove the spot kick past Matt Hill for a bemusing 1-0 half time lead.

The second half had a similar pattern Wrington Redhill on the offensive and Clutton relying on breakaways when possible. White was encouraging Creese and Griffiths to express themselves and indeed the latter grew and grew in confidence involved in much of the play and continued to create chances. Ethan Johnson got forward on the left and a stunning strike just flew past the left top corner of the goal. Shortly after link play between Griffiths and Lee found Rowcliffe who forced the ball in the net for a well deserved equalisinggoal.

Probably the best move of the game came on 70 minutes with White picking up the ball gave a short pass to Bradley who then released Creese again on the right and his cross found Griffiths who’s strike was gathered by the visitor’s‘keeper Steve Rogers. George Martin and Jack Biggs came on for Lee and Callum Briggs and more chances were created but not finished off.

As so often happens in these sort of games two late breakaways saw Rich Krugg score two goals to take the points, the last just before the final whistle. Even the visiting contingent could not believe they came away with a victory but that’s no real consolation to Wrington Redhill who now face a real fight to climb the league table. As long as the commitment and belief remains plus the added impetus of new young blood in the team this is still possible in the second half of the season. They now have to turn chances into goals!

Bill Gough man of the match was awarded to Ben Griffith for a splendid all round midfield performance on his debut for the Club and Senior football

Team:-

GK, Matthew Hill

Defence: Ollie Clements, Callum Briggs, Sam Clements, Ethan Johnson

Midfield: Chris Bradley, Leigh White, Ben Griffith, 

Forwards: Michael Rowcliffe, Simon Lee, Joe Creese

Subs: Jack Biggs (for Callum Briggs), George Martin for (Simon Lee), Jason Potter (not used)

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Johnson brace stuns leaders

After last week’s disappointing derby result, Wrington Reserves shuffled their pack and a new look formation produced a stunning all round display to match the league leaders and pull off a come back win. Aided by the return of Matt Lenny, Chris Holland and Nick Curtis, Wrington had options all over the field and started brightly. Their determination to play good football on a difficult pitch was eventually rewarded when good inter passing between Holland and Curtis put Portishead under pressure. The clearance fell to Jake Betts who produced a beautifully threaded ball for Johnson to run on to and rifle into the top corner. The home side responded with several dangerous crosses and with Olly O Hare and Calum Eastwood a constant threat this young talented side grew into the game. Wrington were now under pressure and O’Hare finally latched onto a long ball and finished expertly.

With Joe Moore and John Flynn battling tirelessly in midfield the rest of the half was an even end to end game but it took a fine penalty save from James Williams to keep things level . The visitors were therefore unlucky to find themselves behind just on the stroke of half time when Eastwood finally managed to shake off Flynn who rather ‘dived in’ giving him the time to slot past the on rushing Williams.

Having struck such a psychological blow, Portishead expected to take control of the second half  but with Andy Lilly, Dean Rix and Lenny holding firm, Johnson full of running and Marshall his usual combatitive self , Wrington more than held their own. A typical run from Holland again pressurised the home defence and when the ball broke to Johnson he made no mistake for his second to level the match. Tom Fairhurstreplaced the injured Matt Lenny but Curtis slotted into defence expertly and the visitors continued to frustrate the home side. Marshall’s header then released Johnson again and his perfect cross fell to Holland but his shot was somehow cleared only for Fairhurst to retrieve and Holland gratefully accepted his second chance to bundle home the cross.

It now took a whole team effort, throwing themselves into every block and tackle and several good saves from Williams to keep Portishead at bay but eventually Wrington ran out deserved winners. Without doubt this was Wringtons’ best performance of the season and with seven  games remaining, all at home, it will be interesting to see how far they can push up the table.

Man Of Match:  Tom Johnson

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The final score line had a rather harsh look and didn’t really fully reflect the game. Thetwo sides are at opposite ends of the league table but Wrington Redhill more than matched their title-chasing visitors, although they could not match their finishing.

It could have been the home side taking the lead within five minutes of the start. Mike Rowcliffe found space on the left flank and his curling cross just evaded the on-rushing Leigh White but still struck the post and rebounded away. There was a positive and confident feel in the side with subtle team shape changes allowing Jake Betts to act as an early pivot for the front two of Rowcliffe and Chris Holland to play off.

This bright start was dealt a blow on ten minutes when Chilcompton were awarded a penalty when Callum Briggs was adjudged to have clipped Kieran Robinson just inside the box. It was Robinson who composed himself and struck the penalty past the scrambling Matt Hill in goal for a 1-0 lead. This setback did little to upset Wrington Redhill’s morale with Sam Clements back from suspension playing an important role at the heart of the defence winning crucial headers at both ends of play with Jason Potter covering around the defence. At every opportunity Ollie Clements and Ethan Johnson sought to make ground on the flanks to stretch their opponents back line. Matt Hill saved an effort from Toby Cole and Toby Brooks Scully was a handful in midfield although White and Bradley limited a lot of his work. 

With the half time break approaching Wrington Redhill had a chance to draw level when Rowcliffe just could not get a touch to a Bradley cross. The hosts were then dealt a further blow when from a scramble in the goal area Jake Brooks-Scully poked in goal number two with the last kick of the half.

The second half was again much the same and Wrington Redhill enjoyed a little purple patch putting Chilcompton under pressure. An inviting Ollie Clements corner was forced away and then came the home side’s best chance of the game. Bradley burst through from midfield with only the keeper to beat. His first effort was parried by Kyle Phillips and Bradley’s second effort antagonising struck the post. A goal then would have put Wrington Redhill right back into the game. This was not to be when Brooks-Scully mopped up a poor clearance and set up Toby Cole to fire past Hill for a 3-0 lead with fifteen minutes left on the clock.

Despite this further setback more chances came with substitute George Martin’s burst forward towards goal blocked off, Sam Clements long range effort pushed away for a corner by Phillips. Ethan Johnson had a similar shot cleared and the visitors also cleared the ball off the line from another corner into the box. The final opportunity came just before the end when a poor clearance by Phillips found Holland but his effort from some distance failed to reach the target.

In summary a disappointing result but a much spirited performance both in terms of work ethic and execution of game plans set out by Leigh White and Mark Brown. New signing Jack Biggs made a promising substitute debut and George Martin and Rory Thomas backed the team up when called into action. Next week’s home game against Clutton who are just one place above in the league is crucial in keeping in touch with the bunch of teams in the lower half of the league table and the continued backing of home supporters will be fully appreciated by the playing squad.

Bill Gough man of the match – Sam Clements

GK, Matthew Hill

Team:-

Defence: Ollie Clements, Callum Briggs, Jason Potter, Sam Clements, Ethan Johnson

Midfield: Chris Bradley, Leigh White, Jake Betts
Forwards: Michael Rowcliffe, Chris Holland

Subs: Jack Biggs (for Jake Betts), George Martin for (Callum Briggs), Rory Thomas (for Ethan Johnson)

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Wrington Redhill football club are delighted to announce that Leigh White and his assistant Mark Brown have been appointed as manager and assistant manager of the club. The duo have been acting in caretaker roles since previous manager Graham Cheeseman stood down in September and have enjoyed the experience so much they applied to take over full-time. It took the board a nanosecond to accept their application and offer them full support in everything they do.

Both Leigh and Mark have had impressive playing careers and their experience and fresh coaching ideas have galvanised the squad and improved attitudes throughout the club.Leigh made more than 250 appearances for home town club Weston Super Mare before moving on to various local non league clubs including Welton Rovers and Manor Farm. Mark also boasts a wealth or experience including good spells at Weston St John and Welton Rovers.

‘This very positive move is exactly what we need’ said Chairman Steve Porter, there had been a bit of a negative mood around the club when ‘Cheese’ resigned but these 2 stepped in and got everything back on track. The players are turning up at training in good numbers with a smile on their face keen to learn. New personnel with fresh ideas coupled with a change in venue for training seems to have brought the players closer together. This has allowed Leigh and Mark to look at all the players side by side and meant that some players have been given a good run in the 1st team having previously been overlooked. They are of course always on the lookout for new talent and anyone looking for a new challenge or a new club would always be welcome here, players of all standards are the lifeblood of our this club.

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The New Year got off to a poor start with defeat to visitors Nailsea United. It was generally a scrappy game on a heavy pitch which seemed to favour the younger and fleet footed opponents in adapting to the conditions.

It was the home side that started the brightest and on five minutes Leigh White picked up the ball just inside the visitor’s half, made some ground then passed the ball to Ollie Clements on the right flank and his low drilled cross into the box was met by Mike Rowcliffe who fired the ball into the net after ‘keeper Jack Smith smothered his first attempt. With an early 1-0 lead it was hoped that Wrington Redhill would go on to gain confidence and continue to take the game to Nailsea. However it was Nailsea that turned up the heat. First Joe Sharps fired wide when breaking down the right but an equaliser came from a corner from James Springett which was headed across goal by Stuart Lee to an unmarked Adam Marsland. His overhead kick flew into the roof of the net with Matt Hill soundly beaten.

Whilst never giving up Wrington Redhill were having difficulties in getting controlled moves going and running out of ideas in the final third of the pitch. Nailsea on the other hand seemed to make light work of the heavy conditions and as a result took the lead just after the half hour mark. Matt Day approached from the right flank and a ball into the goal area was met by Sam Olsen who slotted the ball into the net.

Wrington Redhill’s main attempt came from a corner from Clements but ‘keeper Smith got to the ball first and cleared the danger. The hammer blow soon followed on the stroke of half time. Nailsea’s Rob Brown’s cross field ball found Rob Sharps who fired a long range shot over Hill for a 3-1 half time lead.

A key moment came with 30 minutes remaining when defender Tom Richens grabbed Rowcliffe just inside the penalty area with a clear cut chance at goal opening up before him. The referee immediately pointed to the spot and up stepped Clements but his well; struck kick was equally matched with Smith diving to his right and pushing the ball awayfrom goal. Even the Nailsea contingent agreed a goal then would have seen the momentum swing back to Wrington & Redhill and trouble the visitors further. However with 15 minutes from time Nailsea struck the goal to completely seal the game following an interchange of passes with Matt Day striking home.

Late on Wrington Redhill produced probably the best move of the game with Rowcliffe passing to White onto Jake Betts then Dutch Holland finally to Chris Bradley who unfortunately was marginally offside before the chance to get a shot at goal. The game finished at 4-1 to Nailsea United who were well worth the three points from the game.

A series of more home games now follow and it is essential that the players re-group and take on the instructions of the management team of Leigh White and Mark Brown in their performances in an effort to climb the league table to safety.
Team:-

GK, Matthew Hill

Defence, Ollie Clements, Callum Briggs, Jason Potter, Ethan Johnson, Rory Thomas

Midfield, Chris Bradley, Leigh White, Adam Caulfield
Forwards, Michael Rowcliffe, George Martin

Subs: Chris Holland (for Adam Caulfield), Jake Betts (for Rory Thomas), Joe Moore (for Leigh White

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Wrington Take Chances for Thrilling Win
With everyone pleased to return to action after the Christmas break, both sides served up a cracker with seven goals and numerous missed chances. A strong Locking Side started well forcing a number of corners and pressuring the Wrington defence. However, with the returning Matt Lenny and the ever reliable Dean Rix in defence, the home side could not create any clear cut chances. As Wrington settled, Tommy Johnson saw more of the ball and a typically mazy run resulted in a perfect cross for James Marshall to slide in to open the scoring. Now in control, Flynn and Clements combined on the left and Clements’ back post cross was again met by the inform Marshall who coolly headed his second. Whilst a two goal lead may have flattered the away side, they were now dominating and it was a surprise when a hopeful up and under fell kindly for Lewis Neal to pull one back just before half time.
Wrington regrouped at the break and started the brighter with Paul Faulkner feeding the dangerous Johnson who again produced the pinpoint cross for Marshall to score his hat rick and 14th of the season. Johnson also got the goal his performance deserved when Rix made a rare foray forward and combined with Marshall for him  to return the favour and present Johnson with a simple finish. It looked like the game was won but no one told Locking and they grew stronger and stronger as Wrington tired. John Flynn and Scott Gallacher had covered every blade of grass but as Locking sent on fresh replacements the home side finally found space and time to dominate the rest of the match.  Rory Atkins latched on to a poor clearance and his fine finish reduced the deficit. It then took a super save from goalkeeper Williams and two last ditch goal line clearances from ‘stonewall’ Clements to keep the home side at bay. Mick Edmunds and Dan McMullen were sent on to give Wrington some control but the mayhem continued as Atkins pressurised the defence and a goalmouth scramble resulted in Jonny Marsh falling over the ball and cruelly placing it neatly into the bottom corner of the net. This set up a nail biting finale with Wrington out on their feet and Locking pushing for the equaliser which just would not come.

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This was always going to be a tough game away to the current league leaders with Alan Smith the former Wrington Redhill manager in charge. Manager Leigh White again had to contend with five of his squad missing and had to make a number of changes but again got a tremendous commitment from the team.

The first half hour was pretty much even and a few attacking moves just lacked a cutting edge to really trouble the home ‘keeper Matt Shaugnessy. Mike Rowcliffe and Paul Faulkner were working hard to relieve pressure and the midfield of Leigh White, Chris Bradley and Joe Moore worked tirelessly throughout. The nearest the home side came to scoring was just before half time when Chris Gale headed effort struck the crossbar with the sides level when the referee ended the first period.

Nailsea & Tickenham started the second half strongly and penned their visitors in their own half for lengthy periods without carving out many clear cut chances. Matt Hill in goal and his defence of Jason Potter, Ethan Johnson, Ollie Clements and the outstanding Callum Briggs were tremendous in keeping the rampant home side at bay. Rory Thomas was the outlet on the left side.

Inevitably a goal came in the 70^th minute when a clearance fell to the feet of Gary Freeman who fired through a melee of players past Hill for a 1-0 lead. Injuries and tiredness resulted in the introduction of Andrew Lilley, returning from injury and Kieren White for Faulkner and Moore. 

The team seemed to be heading to a close without conceding again but the home side struckagain five minutes from time with a goal deemed to be from an offside move with the referee overruling his assistant who clearly signalled the infringement. It was adjudged to have been a back pass that Mitch Brooks latched onto and firing past Hill for a final 2-0 result

The Bill Gough Man of the Match was awarded to Callum Briggs

Team:-

GK, Matthew Hill

Defence, Ollie Clements, Callum Briggs, Jason Potter, Ethan Johnson, Rory Thomas

Midfield, Chris Bradley, Leigh White, Joe Moore
Forwards, Michael Rowcliffe, Paul Faulkner

Subs: Andy Lilley for (Paul Faulkner), Kieren White (Joe Moore)

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This game produced a wholehearted display from both teams at a wet and windy Wrington rec’ which neither side deserved to loose.

Clevedon made the brighter start with Ben Keen heading wide when well placed and  and soon after a Keen shot was well saved by keeper Matt Hill.

Wrington started probing down the right after a good move involving Ollie Clements, Adam Caulfield and Mike Rowcliffe, Ollie cross found Jake Betts unmarked in the box but his header flew over the bar.

Wrington Redhill started the 2nd half brightly with Rory Thomas a constant threat down the left providing some telling crosses. Team mate Chris Bradley fired wide when well placed and Jake Betts fired over with the goal gaping. Substitute George Martin livened things up when he came on for Caulfield. Firstly  Clevedon keeper James Dunn did well when Martin was through on goal diving to save his effort and later could only watch as a curling shot clipped the bar. Clevedon also had their chance to win the game when a cross from the right was directed over the bar by Kenn as he slid in at the back post.

Jason Potter and Leigh White marshalled the home defence very well and Joe Moore worked his socks of in midfield but in the end a point for each team was about right.  Paul Faulkner came on towards the end and showed some nice touches and we must mention referee Ryan Blackman making his 1st visit to Wrington, who controlled the game very well given the difficult conditions and 2 very committed teams.

Bill Gough man of the match Rory Thomas

Team:-

Goalkeeper Matt Hill

Defence: Ollie Clements, Jason Potter, Leigh White, Rory Thomas

Midfield: Joe Moore, Chris Bradley, Adam Caulfield, 

Strikers: Jake Betts, Mike Rowcliffe 

Subs. George Martin (for Caulfield) Paul Faulkner (for Betts)

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