Brave Reserves Scalped by Leaders

After last weeks encouraging performance it was disappointing that Wrington were without eight regular players for the visit of the League leaders Portishead. Modern life is such that every club wrestles with the conundrum of having to scratch games for their lower teams but…..without them higher teams have no one to call on in times of need. Wrington called up four regular A teamers and they did the Reserves proud and battled hard to keep Wrington in the game right to the end.

Dan Burnett slotted into the settled back four seamlessly and as always never shirked a tackle. Kev Lilwall was outstanding in midfield on his return and pressed his claim for a regular spot in the team. When you added the work rate of regulars Paul Faulkner,Jon Flynn and Chris Vowles the home side were competitive and held Portishead for the first quarter with few alarms. Dean Rix and Tom Lucas are having fine seasons and handled everything Portishead threw at them. It was therefore hugely disappointing to concede a soft goal from a corner when Dan Crouch found himself all alone unmarked in the 6 yard box. Even then James Williams pulled out a fine save only to be beaten to the rebound. Even then Wrington were still in the game and produced flashes of good football and Dean Rix was unlucky that his shot from the edge of the box slipped past the wrong side of the post.

The second half followed the same pattern with Wrington looking to play football from the back and hanging in the game. Scott Gallagher as competitive as ever driving them on from midfield.

However, a fine break and top corner finish from Callum Eastwood for Portisheads second seemed to have settled the game. Another disappointment was seeing a home team player sent to the Sin Bin. However, John Flynn showed tremendous character and perseverance to get Wrington back into the game. Chasing a long ball, he harried the defence into a mistake and beat the keeper to roll in a fine individual goal. Now back to 11 men Wrington pushed forward but also tired and without James Williams all action game in goal with numerous saves and blocks Portishead could have scored a hatfull. In the end, a wild shot from Josh Roberts was heading for the corner flag only to deflect off the covering Clements, nestling into the bottom corner of the net which was harsh on Williams, Clements and the whole team  for that matter.