Saturday Feb 7th 2015
Stockwood Green v Wrington Redhill
The Redskins travelled to Stockwood looking to build on last weeks excellent win over Bridgwater Town Res.
There was an initial pitch inspection on what was eventually to became a gluepot of a pitch to play on. The game kicked off with Wrington defending up the slope.
Stockwood played some neat football in the opening exchanges but the Wrington defence held firm. On 15minutes Wrington played out from the back with Rich Lucas feeding Graham Cheeseman who spread the play out to the right where Mike Rowcliffe took a touch and crossed a long ball to the back post where ‘Louie’ Keane was waiting. Keane took a snapshot that what well blocked by the Stockwood defender with the ball going out for a Wrington corner.
The rest of the first half became a midfield battle with the deteriorating pitch conditions beginning to affect the game. But to Stockwoods’ credit they continued to try to play football and always looked dangerous and probably shaded the first half in terms of possession. However, Stockwood never really had the necessary ‘cutting edge’ to score against the well organised Wrington backline.
H/T 0-0
The second half kicked off with Wrington now going down the slope and they immediately began to assert some pressure on the Stockwood goal. A couple of corners for the away side came and went but then on 60 minutes Wrington won another corner. Lucus floated a lovely ball to the far post where Cheeseman won the ball and directed a powerful header towards goal only to see the ball strike Sam Clements who was stood almost on the goal line. Clements quickly managed to readjust his body as he swiveled on the spot to drive the ball home for the opening goal.
0-1
Three minutes later Wrington extended their lead. Chris Bradley broke free on the Stockwood left and selecting his chipping wedge ballooned a ball to the far post where Cheeseman making the ball his rose above the defender and goalkeeper to score with another trademark header.
0-2
To Stockwoods’ credit they rolled up their sleeves and continued to work hard to get back into the game. A number of half chances were made but the Wrington defence held firm and when it was breached the excellent Gary Clarke was there to save the day.
On 80 minutes Stockwood won a free kick on the edge of the Wrington Box following a foul by the hard-working Leigh White. Lee Millard stepped up to curl a great free kick into the top right hand corner of the net giving Clarke no chance. 1-2
Stockwood pushed hard for an equaliser but Wrington always looked to have the answers defensively and saw the game out taking all three points.
Another hardworking performance from The Redskins. While never hitting the heights from a footballing perspective Wrington continue to find a way to win football matches and the effort of all the players can never be faulted.
Stockwood are a decent side and it is surprising to see them at the bottom end of the table.
A big ‘thank you’ to all of you that travelled to watch the team on this cold Saturday afternoon, your support is always valued by the players and staff.
See you all next week when high-flying Clutton come to ‘The Rec’ in what is sure to be a stiff test for the lads.
MOTM: Graham Cheeseman – Setting one up and scoring one ’nuff said’
‘Up the Redskins’