Uphill Castle 2 Wrington Redhill 3

Wrington Redhill were looking for their first win of the season having suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at the hands of Cleavdon United in  midweek. The short trip to Uphill Castle, another team looking to establish themselves in the Premier Division having been promoted as division 1 champions, was another tricky fixture.

The visitors shook off the effects of 2 heavy defeats and started brightly controlling the midfield through Ollie Clements, Ryan Pugh and the welcome temporary returning Travis Yule-Turner. Within 10 minutes Wrington Redhill were in front when Joe Creese nipped in between the hesitating centre half and goalkeeper Ryan Scott to collect Dan Ferguson’s through ball and roll it into an empty net.

Ferguson’s and central defensive partner Leigh White were playing out from the back with Rory Thomas a constant outlet on the left. The 2nd goal came when the lively Josh Pitt curled a free kick into the danger zone to see it deflect into the net off a home defender. During the 1st half Jack Hutchings and Reece Ferguson-Obamwonyi we a constant threat to the home defence with their trickery and direct running.

The lead became 3 when the impressive Creese cut in from the left and curled a beauty into the far top corner giving keeper Scott no chance. The home side were creating chances but thanks to some wayward finishing and good Wrington Redhill defending the half time score was 0 – 3

The hosts rallied in the 2nd half taking the game to Wrington Redhill and restricting them to the odd counter attack. At this stage the visitors introduced new signing Rhys Farmer to add some experience and know how to settle things down. George Fake also came on to add his physical presence up front and almost scored straight away with one of his trademark bending free kicks from the edge of the box. Uphill were causing problems down their right flank so Matty Walsh replaced Thomas at left back to add some fresh legs in an attempt to nullify this. It was however one such forage that brought a goal back when Matt Hill raced out of his goal to cut out a through ball but was beaten to it and fell to Jack Askins who rolled it into an empty net. Uphill Castle added a 2nd with 5 minutes remaining when Hill punched a cross a good distance but it fell to Ben Harris who drilled it back past him through a crowded penalty box into the bottom corner to reduce the lead to 3-2.

This led to a nervy last few minutes but Wrington Redhill defended stoutly and were worthy of their 1st victory and of the season and the 3 points.

Supporters Man of the Match was awarded to skipper Dan Ferguson for an all round solid display and for showing great leadership.

Team.

Goalkeeper. Matt Hill

Defence Josh Pitt, Dan Ferguson, Leigh While, Rory Thomas.

Midfield. Ollie Clements, Ryan Pugh, Travis Yule-Turner.

Strikers. Reece Ferguson-Obamwonyi, Jor Creese, Jack Hutchings.

Substitutes. Rhys Farmer (for Pugh), George Fake (for Hutchings) Matt Walsh (for Thomas)