It was good to be back in action following recent postponements due to bad weather. However this fixture was played at Ashton & Backwell’s Lancer Scott Stadium as the Recreation Ground at Wrington is still recovering from water logging.
The first half provided chances for both teams with the youthful visitors seeking to play with pace and passing movements. Wrington’s front men were causing their own problems without finding the finesse to convert into goals. Approaching the half hour mark Sam Clark found the net following good interchange with Callum Vickery and Jake Horton but the ‘goal’ was disallowed for offside. Minutes later Clark struck the crossbar with the ball landing at Horton’s feet who was delighted to be flagged offside as his close range effort went wide. Bridgwater in the meantime had several free kicks just outside of the box with Liam Winter blasting over as did Josh Champion and Jacob Mead with their efforts at free kicks.
Other chances were created and Leigh White just failed to connect with a shot in the box as a defender smothered the ball. The breakthrough for Wrington Redhill came just before half time. Sam Clark made himself room for a shot and let fly with a perfect strike that whistled past Callum Ham the visitor’s goalkeeper into the top corner to reach the interval with a 1-0 lead.
At the heart of the defence Sam Johnson was in excellent form breaking up attacks and making good forward passes. More chances came Wrington Redhill’s way with Vickery’s tight angle shot saved following good work from Will Perry and Clark. Horton’s strike pushed away for a corner and Chris Bradley shooting wide again following good inter play from Vickery and Horton. A one on one with the ‘keeper was won by the custodian from Vickery before the second goal arrived.
Keeping up his good record against Bridgwater (a hat trick in the away fixture) Horton finally drove home into the roof of the net leaving the away ‘keeper no chance to save. The visitors were not giving up and Matt Hill made a fine save from a Josh Champion header. Just a blot on his performance saw Sam Johnson receiving a yellow card for a wild tackle and likewise Connor Tolland for scything down Vickery.
The game was sealed just before full time when Horton grabbed his second goal with Clark the provider to wrap up three welcome points and consolidating their position in the league. A 3-0 result was well deserved.
The Bill Gough man of the match award went to Sam Johnson who was at his commanding best in the heart of the defence
Team:-
GK, Matthew Hill
Defence, Ollie Clements, Sam Johnson, Mike Rowcliffe, Ethan Johnson
Midfield, Will Perry, Leigh White, Chris Bradley
Forwards, Callum Vickery, Sam Clark, Jacob Horton
Subs: Mark Brown (for Mike Rowcliffe), Jack Board (for Will Perry)