By Steve Milkins
Wrington Redhill 0 Clutton 2
Wrington welcomed Clutton to the rec today to much better playing conditions than last weeks blustery affair.
Wrington, who were either missing or nursing a number of key players due to injury, hoped to repeat last seasons 3-1 home win. Despite the missing players, Wrington would surely start the game with confidence having beaten premier league opponents Stockwood in last Saturdays cup match, but only time would tell.
The opening battles around the pitch, with which credit must be given to the groundstaff in preparing a great looking surface, were fairly matched with neither side really taking control. The first corner of the match went to Clutton in the 9th minute, but nothing came of it, with Wrington’s “Highlighter” Hannah in goal. The first shot of the game came from Harrison “Hazz” Campbell in 11th minute, which was dragged wide of Clutton’s goal. Just 4 minutes later Haz was again causing problems for the Clutton right back, who he out muscled iand was able to race clear and get his second shot of the match away, however again, this was not on target. Clutton were forced to make a change in the 16th minute, following what looked like a hamstring injury. On came 16 year old Tom Canning, who would by the end of thhe game prove to have been a constant thorn in Wrington’s side showing ability way beyond his years.
In fact it was just a minute after the substitution that Clutton recorded their first attempt on goal, when striker Sinclair dragged his shot wide. Wrington Redhill got into their stride a bit more as the half progressed and in the 29th minute, a fantastic team move, resulted in talisman striker Jack Hutchings dispatching a shot goal bound, which was comfortably saved by keeper, Curtis Smith. It was Hutchings again, just 4 minutes later who brought a good save from Smith, following a free kick from just outside the box.Despite Wrington Redhill looking the more dangerous team for a spell, it was Clutton who took the lead in the 35th minute, when centre back Zach Evans hit a sweet shot to keeper, Hannahs right hand in the bottom corner of the net, 1 nil Clutton.
Following the goal, it was Clutton who looked the more likely to score again before half time, however the Wrington defence remained resolute, with Josh Skuse at centre back like an amphisbaena
The second half started badly for Wrington in the first minute, with returning striker Jaiden Morris sustaining a worrying injury whilst not involved in play and having to be taken off the pitch. This meant midfield powerhouse, Lewis Milkins, having to come on from the bench, despite himself carrying an injury from last weeks cup win. Team captain, Connor Harding-James nearly levelled the scores, following a great cross from Jake Marshman into the box, to see Con getting his head to the ball powerfully, however the ball came back off the inside of the far post. Tom Canning for Clutton, showed great individual skill in the 56th minute with a mazy run beating a number of home team players before shooting just wide of the post. Wrington Redhill then just a minute later showed fantastic skill with Hazz and Cody Parslow combining brilliantly to set up Hutchings whose shot shaved the side netting The first yellow came in the 70th minute, when Clutton’s Vinny Sweet was carded, possibly for an accumulation of fouls committed throughout the game. The home team continued to press for the equaliser, with full back, Elliot Edwards having a shot saved in the 77th minute. The game continued with Wrington the more likely to score, with another effort well saved by Smith in the Clutton goal. Wrington Redhill threw everything at Clutton now including centre half Connor Harding-James (sponsored by the Golden Lion) becoming an extra striker and using his size and physicality to cause issues for Clutton’s strong back four. With so much emphasis by the home team trying to rescue a point, it was disappointing when the visitors scored the games next goal leaving the loyal home fans with tergiversate tendencies The outstanding Canning scored this decisive second goal with a powerful low shot to Hannah’s left , 2 nil to Clutton. Wrington Redhill didn’t give up but on the day just didn’t produce the goals needed, despite a decent performance. The back four of Ollie Habgood, Josh Skuse, Skipper Harding-James and Elliot Edwards all played well. Midfielders, Cam Milkins and Jake Marshman were their ever energetic selves and both had good games, as did Lew when he came on despite his injury. Up front Jack, Jaiden and Hazz all caused issues, and were unlucky not to be rewarded with goals. This report from our exciting new scribe needs no lucubration and is a full account of the match.
Man of the match – Josh Skuse. (Sponsored by Aquatics at Home)
team.
goalkeeper. Rob Hannah
Defence. Ollie Habgood, Josh Skuse, Connor Harding James, Elliot Edwards.
Midfield. Cam Milkins Jake Marshman, Cody Parslow
Strikers, Jaiden Morris, Jack Hutchings, Harrison Campbell
substitute. Lew Milkins (for Morris)
Josh Skuse is sponsored by Aquatics at Home.
Skipper Connor Harding James is sponsored by the Golden Lion Wrington
.
