Weston and District Div One.
KVFC 0 v Wrington Reserves 3
In this hugely competitive division where four points separates the top 5 sides and one win or loss can shoot you up or down the table, every game is crucial. However, this fixture between regular protagonists really did feel like a massive game to end the year. With Coach Phil Williams insisting that Chelsea have nicked his tactical formation, Ali Caulfield and Paul Burnett slotted in for the unavailable Curtis and Adam Caufield whilst Paul Faulkner returned to midfield to accommodate the returning Tommy Johnson up front. Knowing that a win would take them above their visitors, KVFC started brightly and taking advantage of the slope kept Wrington under pressure with Stanley and Scribbins prominent. With Wringtons’ passing being uncharacteristically sloppy, it was Kenn Valley who created the better chances and James Williams needed to be on top form, pulling off four or five full length saves to keep Wrington in the game. However, Captain ‘Dutch’ Holland used all his experience to push slightly forward to deny Stanley any space and kept him quiet for the rest of the game. With Paul Burnett his usual competitive self and Paul Faulkner showing his full range of passing skills, the visitors began to get a foothold. Johnson and Edmunds combined well to force a corner. Edmunds perfect delivery was headed down by Johnson and Burnett was first to react to put Wrington ahead. With Moore and Thomas now bossing the flanks and Caulfield sweeping up everything in defence the game was end to end but it was the visitors who scored a second just before half time. A short corner from Faulkner saw Clements dart into the penalty area before laying the ball back to Moore who drove the ball home for the goal his form and all round display warranted. With the slope now in their favour, Wrington could control the game with men behind the ball but were also able to break quickly. Frequently supplied by Thomas, Tommy Johnson always proved an outlet and constantly beat one or two players whilst Mickey Edmunds held the ball up to bring others into the game. With Holland pushed on, Callum Briggs and Caulfield at the centre of defence won every challenge and really the visitors were quite comfortable with their two goal lead. The game was settled when a poor clearance fell to Clements whose first time ball found its way through to Johnson who rounded the keeper for his 12th of the season. As the home side continued to push further and further forward, Johnson won a succession of free kicks. Mickey Edmunds clean strike rebounded off the keeper to Clements who was four yards out only to blasé over the bar. It was a tremendous way for the Reserves to end the year with everyone of the team playing their part and a clean sheet is always welcome. Although there are plenty of contenders for Man of the Match, James Williams (pictured) was outstanding in goal and his saves changed the complexion of the whole game.
Ngolo Kante on the right wing……you heard it here first!!!