Saturday 17th September 2016
Cheddar A 3 – Wrington A 3
After a battling start to the season, Wrington A’s were looking for their first win of the season and welcomed back several players who have acquitted themselves well in the Reserves. However, they came up against a strong Cheddar side and a midfield of Will Price and John Edwards who could easily play in the First Division themselves. All the talk before the game was of Sean Cole breaking his ‘duck’ after several good chances last week and he delivered with an energetic performance always on the shoulder of the last man. Paul Faulkner, McMullen and Clements all produced threaded passes resulting in scoring opportunities. From one such attack, Alex Blake won a free kick on the edge of the box wide on the left. McMullen surprised the ‘Keeper with a well struck near post shot to open the scoring. With Dave Pullen marshalling the defence, Dan Burnett winning the battle in midfield and Tom Lucas with Alex Blake providing the width, Wrington started to dominate. Another fine pass from McMullen released Cole who was jubilant as he beat the last man one on one to open his account. The home side still provided a threat especially from set pieces and long throw ins. With Goalkeeper Mike Shaman secure under the high ball Wrington looked to go into half time two up only for Cheddar to pull one back with almost their first shot of the half.
Wrington started the second half brightly and a McMullen effort, after combining with Faulkner, almost restored the two goal margin only to be blocked by the last defender. However, following another lunging tackle on Dan Burnett, he had to limp off to be replaced by Jack Hethrington. This proved disruptive and Cheddar started to dominate the midfield. Clements started to chase everything and Wrington couldn’t get their ball players , Blake and Faulkner back into the game. Once again Cole proved the outlet, twice driving into the box resulting in two penalty appeals in quick succession. Although less clear cut, it was the second appeal that was awarded and converted by Dan McMullen.
With Tom Clark putting in some timely tackles, Wrington should have closed the game out but a controversial goal 7 minutes from time when the referee overruled an offside call from the linesman kept Cheddar in with a chance. Sure enough , with only seconds left, a speculative cross ran right across the 6 yard box for James Parker to ghost in at the far post and level the scores leaving the visitors distraught.
On reflection, the visitors should take a lot of encouragement from the performance as everyone played well to secure an away point. As always goals are so important and McMullen and Cole vie for the Man Of The Match with Sean Cole (Pictured) edging it having scored and winning the crucial penalty. I also have a picture of him!