Marshall Plan sees Wrington Edge Goal Fest
W & D Div 2
After a mixed start, Wrington were desperate for a win to kick start their season but away to South Park was always going to be tricky, especially with a storm force wind blowing directly up and down the pitch on Drove Road. Captain James Marshall’s cunning plan of losing the toss meant Wrington had the benefit in the first half. But as both teams settled, almost unbelievably South Park went ahead when Matt Ferris broke and used the wind to chip the keeper. To their credit, Wringtons’ heads didn’t drop after this hammer blow but it took two wonderful strikes to get them back into the game. Jake Betts is improving all the time in the centre of midfield and his instinctive half volley from fully 35 yards sailed into the top corner. Mickey Edmunds then also used the wind to rifle a free kick giving Sam Roberts in the South Park goal no chance. The away side were now playing some good football and extended their lead with a superb team goal that was just as good as the first two. Three or four quick passes saw Selman released on the left and his perfect cross was met at the far post by James Marshall who headed in. Even so, it was already obvious that a further cushion was needed and whilst not so pretty, two assists by Tommy Johnson and Scott Gallacher which allowed Marshall to complete his hat trick were vital.
In the second half, Wrington introduced Fin Taplin whose hard work shored up their left flank and with Andy Lilley dominant at Centre Half they were confident of holding on for the win. However, an early goal from Captain Lee Stacy made it clear that it wouldn’t be easy. James Battenbough came on as a sub for the home side and immediately gave them more energy up front which was rewarded with a goal reducing the deficit to 5- 3. Through out the game, Wrington’s Tommy Johnson had battled away along the forward line and always provided them with an outlet. Back to his best, a mazy run and shot was parried but fell to Marshall who tapped in his fourth. Even then, Rangers responded and Rob Davies scored to set up a tense finish. James Vowles and Tom Lucas combined well on the right and put in some fine tackles and blocks but Lee Stacey had a final chance which just whistled over the bar and Wrington held on.
Man of the match was of course 4 goal James Marshall
Team: James Williams, Tom Lucas, Dean Rix, Andy Lilly, Mike Clements, Scott Gallacher,Jake Betts,Mick Edmunds, Kyle Selman, Tommy Johnson, James Marshall. Subs Fin Taplin (45) James Vowles (60)