Wrington Reserves welcomed local rivals Congresbury Reserves to the Rec on a glorious September afternoon and would have be relishing the opportunity to get back out on the field after an impressive 2 – 0 win last week. However, Wrington were dealt a blow just hours before kick-off with vice-captain Joe Moore unable to play due to personal reasons. Wrington did welcome back Club Captain Phil Williams to fill the gap Moore had vacated and with Tom Johnson called up to the first team, manager Julian Moss was able to bring in reinforcements from the 3rd team in the shape of Dan Burnett and “Tommo” who started on the right of the midfield 5, as well as the recovering Rory Thomas.
The away side started the brighter with their lively front pairing looking to pull the Wrington back line around the pitch and causing problems each time Congresbury attacked. Three times within the first 20 minutes the visitors failed to hit the target from promising positions. As the half grew on Wrington began to gain more of a hold in the game, switching Williams to the back three and pushing Chris Holland forward. On 30 minutes Wrington created a great change for Michak O’Connor to continue his fine goalscoring form but was denied when looking to scoop over the keeper’s head when put through one-on-one. On 39 mins the deadlock was broken – as the home side pushed forward they were caught on the break and with 3 against 3, a pinpoint cross from the left found the Congresbury 10 who had out manoeuvred Nick Curtis to nod home and send the 30 travelling fans delirious. Wrington, as they had shown in the previous campaign responded brilliantly and were level within 4 minutes. A long ball from Callum Briggs found Kyle Selman at the back post who unselfishly headed back across goal to Louis Rouvrais (Pictured) to open his account for the season and quell some of the discontent amongst the home fans.
HT 1-1
The second half was a scrappier affair with few clear chances but on 60 mins, for the second time in the match O’Connor found himself bearing down on goal with just the keeper to beat, only to be tackled just as he was about the slide the ball past the onrushing keeper. Minutes later the home side trailed for the second time, again hit on the break. A slide rule pass evaded Curtis’ outstretched foot for the number 9 to coolly slide home, prompting unsightly scenes on the touchline. Wrington, searching to get back level, introduced Thomas and Burnett to add some impetus to their play and were nearly rewarded when a wonderful ball from Thomas found the ever reliable Rouvrais, whose header was well saved by the impressive Congresbury keeper. Wrington pushed but never really tested the Congresbury keeper and the away side were able to hold on for deserved win.
FT 2-1
Moss will need to gather his troops and look to rectify a stuttering start to the season at home to