Wrington Redhill Reserves vs Shipham (Away fixture played at Wrington)
Weston and District Division 3
14 May 2015 6:30pm
Wrington and Shipham played out the final game in Weston and District Division 3, resulting in an entertaining draw for the fans, with a distinct ‘end of season’ feel to it. Farcical at times, the game followed only two days after the tough fixture against Westend, and with nothing riding on it for either side, tired legs were in evidence and quality was low.
In stark contrast to the Reserves’ excellent first half two days earlier, this time they were behind within moments, as Mick Edmunds, playing in goal despite nursing a cracked rib, was beaten by a header from a lovely cross from the right that evaded everyone.
Wrington were level almost immediately, setting the tone for a back and forth game, as Tom Johnson curled a delightful shot into the top corner to seal his Golden Boot award for the season after good work from Kyle Selman, who added another to his countless list of assists. Tuesday’s goal hero Dan Burnett almost made it an unlikely two in two shortly before half time as he found himself in the box, but his shot was well saved.
Wrington’s midfield were struggling to keep the ball, and the shape that had been so solid two days earlier was lacking as an untidy contest broke out. The sides traded two more goals as the visitors scored unmarked from a corner, and Oliver Cozza added his third of the season. Despite some stern words from Captain Phil Williams and the introduction of former captain Nick Buck at half time the same pattern emerged in the second half. Wrington’s third, again in response to Shipham re-taking the lead, was their best of the bunch, as Joe Moore combined with Williams (now playing in midfield having switched with Burnett) who played a lovely chip through to Selman to score his 8th of the campaign.
The hosts were always on top in the second half in terms of possession and attacks, but finishing was poor as Selman, Buck and Faulkner all went close, and the hosts found themselves behind once more to a goal with a hint of offside, as manager Julian Moss was beaten at his near post, having been introduced in goal in place of Edmunds at the interval.
Moss made two other fine saves and Mike Clements and Chris Holland made important interceptions, before Wrington levelled the game at the death, with centre back and outgoing “players’ player of the year” Nick Curtis levelling things up with an even greater hint of offside.
Supporters club spokesman Bill Gough presented a well-deserved Man of the Match award to manager Moss, in recognition both of his good performance in goal, and all of his hard work and organisation over the course of the Reserves’ remarkable third successive promotion season.
All eyes now turn to preparations for targeting what will be a challenging fourth successive promotion from Division 2, as the Reserves march on. Congratulations to Champions Westend and third placed Wedmore, and wishing all the supporters an enjoyable summer.
FULL TIME Wrington 4-4 Shipham
Wrington: Edmunds (Moss), Holland, Curtis, Williams (C), Moore, Burnett, Cozza (Buck), Selman, Clements, Johnson, Faulkner
MOTM: Moss