Wrington Redhill 2 – Uphill Castle 1

When these teams met at the tail end of last year a no score draw was played out despite a superb attacking performance from Wrington Redhill in the away fixture. Three months on and a keenly competitive game was served up with a top four league position the prize awaiting the victors.

The hosts looked to have taken the lead on 10 minutes when a thirty yards free kick from Cory Thomas-Barker rattled the underside of the cross bar and looked to have crossed the goal line but unfortunately the referee could not be sure and therefore did not allow the goal. Within minutes Joe Creese was racing through on goal and was upended by a desperate defender with the referee this time in no doubt this warranted a penalty. Up stepped Jack Hutchings to calmly fire past Ryan Scott for a 1-0 lead.

Wrington Redhill were the more dominant side in the first half with Ollie Clements, Cory Thomas-Barker and Ryan Pugh gaining a stronghold on the midfield and thought they had extended the lead when Pugh’s corner was headed in by Thomas–Barker, but this was disallowed as the referee adjudged that Ethan Johnson had impeded a defender.

The game was being played in very windy conditions and a soft pitch but both teams sought to play good attacking football.  James Williams in goal for Wrington Redhill was seriously tested only once saving well from Sneddon Coombs.

As the second half started the home side had to defend against a strengthening wind but their back line of Josh Pitt, Ethan Johnson and Jordon Bonner was brilliantly marshalled by skipper Dan Ferguson to keep Uphill from creating clear cut chances. At the other end Joe Creese, George Fake and Jack Hutchings kept battling away to keep the visitors on their toes.

Uphill had their moments and from a quick corner, the ball was ricocheting in the areaand eventually Will Sneddon-Coombes stabbed the ball into the net for an equaliser. This setback spurred on Wrington Redhill’s united and committed young team and within sixty seconds they were back in front. Ollie Clements’s free kick eluded a number of players but not captain marvel Dan Ferguson who was on hand at the far post and made sure the ball was over the line before dashing to the corner flag in sheer delight with his teammates racing to him to join the celebrations.

The stakes were raised now, and the physical side of the game became more apparent as both sides were totally committed and for a spell the referee had to clamp down strongly. With about twenty minutes to go Wrington Redhill were reduced to ten players when Cory Thomas-Barker was shown a red card for a strong challenge showing his commitment but perhaps over exuberance rather than any nasty intent. A few tempers were fraying on both sides which saw veteran player/manager Leigh White come on,shortly followed by experienced Chris Bradley, to steady his side and use their game knowhow to see the game through.

The game ended with a 2-1 victory which was secured by another all round team performance showing that this group of young players can add a strong physical element to their game to complement their slick passing style as they continue to develop.

The player of the match was awarded to Dan Ferguson.

Team:

Goalkeeper: James Williams
Defence: Josh Pitt, Dan Ferguson, Ethan Johnson, Jordon Bonner 
Midfield, Cory Thomas-Barker, Ollie Clements, Ryan Pugh
Forwards: Jack Hutchings, George Fake, Joe Creese 

Substitutes: Leigh White (for Ryan Pugh), Chris Bradley (for George Fake), Ethan Williams (unsused)