This was always going to be a tough game away to the current league leaders with Alan Smith the former Wrington Redhill manager in charge. Manager Leigh White again had to contend with five of his squad missing and had to make a number of changes but again got a tremendous commitment from the team.
The first half hour was pretty much even and a few attacking moves just lacked a cutting edge to really trouble the home ‘keeper Matt Shaugnessy. Mike Rowcliffe and Paul Faulkner were working hard to relieve pressure and the midfield of Leigh White, Chris Bradley and Joe Moore worked tirelessly throughout. The nearest the home side came to scoring was just before half time when Chris Gale headed effort struck the crossbar with the sides level when the referee ended the first period.
Nailsea & Tickenham started the second half strongly and penned their visitors in their own half for lengthy periods without carving out many clear cut chances. Matt Hill in goal and his defence of Jason Potter, Ethan Johnson, Ollie Clements and the outstanding Callum Briggs were tremendous in keeping the rampant home side at bay. Rory Thomas was the outlet on the left side.
Inevitably a goal came in the 70th minute when a clearance fell to the feet of Gary Freeman who fired through a melee of players past Hill for a 1-0 lead. Injuries and tiredness resulted in the introduction of Andrew Lilley, returning from injury and Kieren White for Faulkner and Moore.
The team seemed to be heading to a close without conceding again but the home side struckagain five minutes from time with a goal deemed to be from an offside move with the referee overruling his assistant who clearly signalled the infringement. It was adjudged to have been a back pass that Mitch Brooks latched onto and firing past Hill for a final 2-0 result
The Bill Gough Man of the Match was awarded to Callum Briggs
Team:-
GK, Matthew Hill
Defence, Ollie Clements, Callum Briggs, Jason Potter, Ethan Johnson, Rory Thomas
Midfield, Chris Bradley, Leigh White, Joe Moore
Forwards, Michael Rowcliffe, Paul Faulkner
Subs: Andy Lilley for (Paul Faulkner), Kieren White (Joe Moore)