Wrington Reserves 1 Vs Hutton 3

After the Christmas Break, everyone was anticipating this top of the table clash between League Leaders Hutton and Wrington Reserves who lie third, although having played more games than some teams. Wrington hoped to repeat their triumph in the Cup where they pressurised Hutton into a 3 – 0 defeat and started with the attacking formation which has proved successful recently. However, playing down the slope in the first half, it was Hutton playing with three central midfielders who dominated. Nick Drake in midfield often drifting into space and releasing the lively Waterhouse whose pace set up a couple of chances for Popperwell and McNab. Wrington certainly missed Rory Thomas who was promoted to the first team and struggled to get into the match with the heavy pitch making life difficult. But with the ever reliable defensive unit of Briggs, Holland and Curtis standing firm, as soon as they got a foothold in the game, Edmunds was always an outlet holding the ball up expertly to release Johnson who was a continuous threat and looked like scoring every time he ran at the defence. One trademark break left Johnson one on one with the last defender and he fired home from 25 yards to give the Home side a surprise lead. However, Wrington still struggled to adjust to Huttons’ formation and too often the midfield were over run as the visitors were comfortable leaving their defenders one on one to overload the central area. Eventually another slalom dribble from Waterhouse resulted in a low cross allowing McNab an easy finish. Wrington now had to dig deep and James Williams continued his fine form in goal, keeping his side in the game. It looked as if the rear guard action would keep the sides level at half time only for a simple shot to somehow allude the keeper’s grasp and dribble into the net despite Holland’s desperate attempt to cover.

Halftime allowed the coach to address the tactical mismatch in midfield and now playing with the elements it was Wrington who started to dominate as they went looking for the equaliser. With more help around him, Joe Moore shackled Waterhouse effectively and with Lenny and Caulfield now controlling midfield, Burnett found himself in space behind the front two and his range of passing brought Wrington to life. After a good period of play he threaded a ball through to leave Johnson one on one with the keeper. It looked destined to be the striker’s second goal his performance deserved only for Daniel Till to make a fine save. The game now swung end to end and it was slightly harsh when Waterhouse, now trying his luck on the left…won a corner and from the resulting cross, the ball fell to one of a number of Hutton players lurking on the edge of the box. The half hit shot sneaking into the corner under several players’ feet stationed on the goalpost.

Hutton deserved their win and now look to push on towards promotion to The County Leagues whilst Wrington have another tricky home game against Nailsea as they try to consolidate and finish the season strongly. Without a drawn game all season it is never dull at The Rec.

MOM: Tommy Johnson (Pictured – No photo)