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21st Oct: Wells City A 1 Nailsea 2
An exciting away trip to Wells City A was the result of this seasons Somerset Intermediate Cup round 1 draw. The mood in the Nailsea camp was one of intense concentration and impecible preparation. So we all met up for a pre--match fry up in the very nice lockside cafe in Bristol. Certain individuals were tucking into that well known sport enhancing food called black-pudding.
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Ariving at the ground 30mins before kick-off due to the food fest in Bristol, the Nailsea boys were changed up as quick as a flash and warming up on the pitch with a real spring in their stride.
With the rain holding off and Nailsea's biggest crowd of season (one of which was ours), the first half kicked off and Nailsea were the first team to excert pressure winning a series of corners, but failing to take advantage of any.
The Nailsea front two of Hall and Bradbury were closing down the defenders well and Rowe and Woodward were linking up well down the right, where most of the action was concentrated. The defense, marshalled by the titan like Wood, coped pretty well without too much to do. Wells City were restricted to a few wayward long range efforts and a couple of shots straight at the keeper. The first half came to an end without really coming to life, the only real action of note being a melle in the Wells City goalmouth (how did it not go in!).
With the first half ending 0-0, Nailsea really started to believe that their names could be in the draw for the second round. They started the second half with a renewed vigour and were soon pressuring the Wells City goal. Hall scored the first slaming the ball into the back of the net from 4 yards out after another goal mouth scamble.
Jono continued his rich vien of scoring again making sure from a few yards after a lovely free-kick from Hall. At 2-0 up the Nailsea team were showing great spirit and determination, something the Wells City side were lacking on the day. However, at 2-0 down they had little choice than to throw players forward in the hope of getting one back.
Wells City started to put some good moves together and caused the Nailsea defense some problems, particulary down the right. Andrews, the Nailsea goalie, was called into action on more than one occasion with some fine saves and safe hands. This left the Wells City team a little exposed at the back though and Nailsea were a constant threat with Bradbury's pace and Halls persistence.
A couple of changes saw Searle replaced with Maggs, with Feargo dropping back to leftback to shore up the defense. The Hass also replaced a tiring Hall (he'd run his heart out), allowing Rowe to be pushed up-front for the final 15 mins. Chances at both ends were missed before a soft penalty was awarded to Wells giving them a way back into the match. The Wells City player confidently stroked the ball home, setting up a rousing final few minutes.
After torturing us with 5 minutes of extra time, the ref finally blew his whistle to send the Nailsea team through to the 2nd round. The Wells boys were noble in defeat and laid on a lovely spread of beef stew and crusty bread back at their clubhouse. With Nailsea's lack of facilities, if they get drawn at home in the next round my guess if they'll be taking the opposition down to the kebab van after the game.
Line-up: Andrews, Woodward, Britton, Wood, Searle (Maggs), Rowe, Mark, Lansdown, Feargo, Hall (Hass), Bradbury. Subs not used: Moss.
Goals: Hall, Lansdown.
Report by Mike Provis
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