Minehead 1 Wrington Redhill 0
This was another very close encounter between two evenly matched teams as both had faced each other just a couple of weeks ago in an excellent cup tie. Whist this game was not as high in overall quality there was no lack of intensity in the performances of the players.
It took only one clear cut opportunity for the hosts to secure the points when a superb ball from Guy Burns to leading scorer Ben Aston was coolly slotted past James Williams as the half hour mark was approaching. Prior to this George Fake headed a cross from Joe Creese over the bar then, from a Sam Parkinson free kick, his firm header was saved by Kyran Wilkins in goal for Minehead and from a pass from Ryan Pugh his strike was wide of the left post.
An injury to Chris Bradley who was getting into the game on return from injury was a set back and changes were made with player/manager Leigh White dropping back into the central defensive position, Si Hewish moving from right back to midfield and Matt Walsh replacing him in the back line.
Whilst maintaining possession proved to be difficult the hosts never looked like scoring again with Williams just having to sweep up the long-range efforts directed straight at him. It was Wilkins that was the busiest of the custodians. With three key players unavailable it was hard going for Wrington Redhill but as the game entered its late stages Rory Thomas on for Pugh and White venturing forward again started causing more problems for the home defence.
Ollie Clements free kicks were inviting, one headed over by White, who then from another thread the ball to Jack Hutchings but an extra touch resulted in his effort blocked. Another Clements free kick was just whiskers from connection by the advancing attackers and that elusive equaliser just would not come.
The jubilation of the home side at the final whistle was evidence of how close their 1-0 victory was as they were hanging by thread to the slender one goal lead.
There were two contenders for Wrington Redhill’s player of the match with Ethan Johnson playing a sound skipper’s defensive performance, but the award went to Leigh White for his direction and all-round play at both ends of the pitch.
The team management and players would like to express their gratitude to Nick and Jeremy Finch for sponsoring the passenger bus for this long journey to Minehead.
Team.
Goalkeeper: James Williams
Defence: Si Hewish, Chris Bradley, Ethan Johnson, Ryan Pugh
Midfield: Ollie Clements, Sam Parkinson, Leigh White, Joe Creese
Forwards: Jack Hutchings, George Fake
Substitutes: Matt Walsh (Chris Bradley), Rory Thomas (for Ryan Pugh), Ethan Williams (for George Fake)