Reserves Roller Coaster Continues
Nailsea United A 5 v Wrington Reserves 0
After last week’s five nil away win, Wrington Reserves came back to earth with a bump. Admittedly against a strong Nailsea team who after last week’s home defeat took the opportunity to strengthen with both their Senior sides not having fixtures this week. On the other hand, the away side were without three regulars due to First team call ups and work commitments. As Micawber would say…’ one too many compared to one too few’ makes a huge difference especially in such a competitive league.
However in the first half the ‘experianced’ Wrington side gave as good as they got and were unlucky to go in at half time one – nil down. They conceded early having given the ball away once too often, all be it to a wicked bounce which gave James Williams in goal no chance when looking to save. However, a disallowed goal and a save from a Curtis Header from two corners showed that the visitors were still competitive with plenty of spirit. Although the new look back four of Father and Son Caulfields, Phil Williams and Nick Curtis, had not played together and at times the new system looked overly defensive, it meant that there were very few chances or alarms. With Mickey Edmunds dead ball skills, Tommy Johnson running the channels and Louis Rouvais buzzing as always there was always a chance of them getting back into the game. However, as half time approached there were signs of old legs wilting in the sun and Wrington were happy to hear the whistle blow.
The second half was always literally going to be an uphill battle, but with Rouvais carrying an injury Nailsea immediately started to dominate and were winning all the challenges. Wrington struggled to get out of their half and Nailsea had runners coming onto the ball from all directions. Eventually the pressure told and a break on their right resulted in an overload which saw the right winger through on goal to coolly nestle inside the far post. The visitors had two final chances to get back into the game when Mickey Edmunds fired wide and Paul Faulkner’s cross was blocked when trying to set up (belated) sub , Danny McMullen. With Wrington players dropping like flies and the home team utilising their subs, it was now a ‘coconut shy’ as Nailsea rained in shots and three clinical finishes made the final score 5 – nil which did not really reflect the difference between the two teams. Slightly harsh on the visitors but, fully deserved in the end by the home team if that makes any sense.
Wrington Reserves need to bounce back with their first home game of the season against Uphill Castle or they will soon get left behind by the leaders of Div 1 and thoughts of County football next year will fade very quickly. However, with players returning I wouldn’t bet against them yet.
Team: James Williams, Dan Caulfield, Alistair Caulfield, Phil Williams, Nick Curtis, Paul Faulkner, Matt Lenny, Louis Rouvais, Mike Clements, Mickey Edmunds, Tommy Johnson. Sub Danny McMullen