For the penultimate game of the season away to Clutton the points were perhaps more important to the hosts than their visitors and this somewhat showed in the performances of both teams. Clutton still have a chance to avoid relegation and Wrington, already safe, were missing key players which favoured the hosts the start.
Manager Graham Cheeseman had to shuffle the pack yet again and in came Rory Thomas, Mark Brown, Joe Moore and Scott Gallagher making his first appearance for the first team this season. On the bench were Sam Clements and Kieren White with Kevin Burgess taking over Kieren’s usual linesman’s duty.
Wrington Redhill took the lead on 15 minutes. An Ollie Clements corner was headed goal wards and was kept out by defender Zach Evans by use of a hand on the line. The referee immediately awarded a penalty and Evans was dismissed as result. Up stepped leading scorer Jake Horton who fired confidently past goalkeeper Oliver Eglon for 1-0 lead.Further chances came with Chris Bradley heading wide from a Horton cross following good work from Mark Brown who then put across over himself and Mike Rowcliffe’s shot was saved by Eglon.
The home side were threatening going forward and it came as no surprise when they equalised although the manner it was conceded was suspect. It came from a corner which was sloppily cleared and kicked goal wards with the whole defence appealing for offside the Clutton forward got the final touch beyond Matt Hill and the goal was awarded for a half time score of 1-1.
The second half was much of the same with Clutton on the front foot and possession being lost too easily in the host’s half. Harry Winsley struck the crossbar and as play quickly goes the other end Joe Moore sends a shot sailing over the crossbar. The back four shepherded by Leigh White were working tirelessly to prevent conceding again but with just 10 minutes left the ever lively George Perry spun and rifled a shot to the far post that Hill was unable to get close to and went in for a 2-1 lead. In the dying seconds it looked like a late equaliser was coming when substitute Kieren White raced in to opposition box but was just unable to make contact with a shot cum cross from Jake Horton.
The final game of the season takes place at the Rec on Wednesday evening against Watchet Town with a 7.00 pm kick off and it is hoped that our strongest side can be put out to test the contenders for the league title. Do come along and support the team in the conclusion of the season.
Team:-
GK, Matthew Hill
Defence, Mark Brown, Leigh White, Mark Rees, Rory Thomas
Midfield, Ollie Clements, Mike Rowcliffe, Scott Gallagher, Chris Bradley, Joe Moore
Forwards, Jake Horton
Subs: Sam Clements (for Mark Brown), Kieren White (for Scott Gallagher)