CrewNailsea United 3 Wrington Redhill 1 

This was Wrington Redhill’s 2nd visit to The Grove in a matter of weeks this time to face Nailsea in the League Cup for teams from the top 2 divisions. This is a cup they won a few seasons ago when manager Leigh White and his assistant Sam Clements played major roles in the victory.

The earlier meeting of the 2 teams ended with a share of the spoils with a 2-2 draw but today was very different. From the start Wrington Redhill struggled to deal with the home team’s movement and pace all over the pitch. The defence of Josh Pitt, Rhys Farmer, Dan Ferguson and Jordon Bonner worked tirelessly to protect keeper Matt Hill, except for on 1 occasion. Hill saved a fierce shot but the rebound was not cleared allowing Dylan Williams to race in and score from close range to give Nailsea a 1 nil lead

As the half progressed Wrington Redhill started to gain some control of the midfied getting closer to and more physical with their counterparts. Getting more on the front foot allowed Joe Creese to deliver a superb cross onto the head of George Fake who’s firm header was well saved by Jack, Smith in goal for Nailsea. Jack Hutchings was making some good runs but was never quite found with a telling pass. An equaliser arrived out of the blue when an Ollie Clements special strike from all of 35 yards crashed in off the underside of the bar making it 1-1 at half time which at this stage was a reasonable reflection of the game.

After the break Wrington Redhill never really got going again as Nailsea continued to be organised and playing to their strengths and now also looking the fitter of the 2 teams. They went on to win the game 3-1 with further goals from Harrison Ford with a header from a cross and Matthew Long with a close range shot. It was certainly not all one way traffic but Smith in goal for Nailsea was in commanding form and dealt with everything that was thrown at him comfortably. As the half progressed the introduction of Reece Ferguson-Obamwonyi, Matt Walsh, Rory Thomas and Leigh White did nothing to change the  outcome.

It’s been a tough return to the top division and it won’t be any easier next week when we visit Mendip Broadwalk a very strong Bristol based team and the current league leaders. Before then some hard work is needed on the training ground to iron out some silly mistakes, patterns of play and to raise fitness levels. The talent in the squad is certainly there and a good run of results will surely arrive before long.

Team.

Goalkeeper. Matt Hill.

Defence. Josh Pitt, Rhys Farmer, Dan Ferguson, Jordon Bonner.

Midfield. Ryan Pugh, Ollie Clements, Ayrton Phillips.

Forwards. Jack Hutchings, George Fake, Joe Creese.

Substitutes. Reece Ferguson-Obamwonyi (for Creese) Rory Thomas (for Bonner), Matt Walsh (for Pugh),