On such a perfect spring day and with the Rec looking at its-best, it was disappointing that unavailability across all three teams meant that it was only a late call up for Kieran White that saw the reserves start with a full team. This left the manager with few options. On the one hand a first choice back four of Curtis, Williams, Holland and Thomas, a front two of OConnor and Johnson but a completely new midfield of White, Withers, Birbeck and the evergreen Clements. With all four midfielders being nearer to five foot compared to their opposite numbers standing nearer to six foot, it was difficult for Wrington to get a foothold in the game and establish their usual passing style. Even so, the first clear chance fell to Wrington when Holland was inches away from an inviting free kick from the evergreen Clements. However, the home side were soon behind when not for the first time this season  a near post flick on from a throw in fell invitingly for Weston to take the lead. However, with Owen Withers working hard in midfield and O’Connor lively upfront, Wrington grew into the game and were unlucky not to draw level when O’Connor hit the bar with the keeper well beaten. Playing up the hill, Wrington would have settled for going in at half time one, nil down but on the stroke of half time a fine turn and shot deflected off the evergreen Williams ( see how you like it!) to give Jake Burnett no chance. Always a poor time to concede a goal and the mood at half time suffered accordingly.

Already feeling hard done by, the second period started no better when a speculative effort from outside the box sailed over Burnett’s head to go in off the underside of the crossbar. To the home side’s credit, even at three nil down they refused to give up and with Thomas full of running pushed further forward, and Tommy Johnson growing more influential all the time, Wrington began to create chances. Finally Johnson released Thomas who spurned the general advice of a lob to coolly cut inside and nestle the ball into the corner of the net. Wrington still had time to produce several more chances,the best falling to Johnson who hit the keeper when through on goal. Another goal back at this time would have made things interesting. However, the game was finally settled with a well struck shot from distance bounced just in front of the diving Burnett to give the visitors a 4 – 1 win.

Although the scoreline looks emphatic, with five bookings for the visitors and with every shot they had seemingly destined for the net, Weston knew they had been in a game and Wrington’s  makeshift side were left with a sense of frustration. The new boys of White, Owen and Birbeck deserve great credit for the way they battled for 90 minutes but ultimately the unavailability of too many established players stretched the squad to its limit.

After a disrupted season, matches will now come thick and fast and The Reserves will need to find a settled first choice squad if they are to push for promotion and the later stages of the League Cup or the season could unravel very quickly from here.

Man of the Match: Someone in a Weston shirt!!!!!