Wells march on

Wells City involvement in this years FA Vase competition continues after an excellent victory at fellow Toolstation Western League Premier Division outfit Bristol Manor Farm. The Creek was in fine condition which suited the passing game which both sides enjoy, but it was City who were the dominant side and more clinical in front of goal, and they deservedly took their place in the next round where they’ll visit Melksham Town.
The game almost had an explosive opening, with city attacking from the off. Steve Murray combined well to set up strike partner Adam Jones in the second minute of play, but the latter just failed to get enough on the ball and could only steer it wide of the upright. Driven on in the heart of the midfield by Ross McErlain and Nathan Truckle, City controlled the midfield play, with Luke Langson in the City goal, rarely troubled during the opening half.
City kept probing for an opening, and almost got the breakthrough on 35 minutes when Tom Manning latched onto a loose ball to skip past a couple of defenders to send a venomous strike inches over from 25 yards out. With the halftime break approaching, City came closest to scoring. On 43 minutes Murray did exceptionally well to cross for Jones who connected with a firm header which brought a wonderful finer tip save from the Manor Farm keeper.
City started the second period as the first by immediately creating a goal scoring opportunity, but on this occasion, they found the back of the net. Good work by Steve Sokol found full back Jake Brown in his own half, and with acres of space in front of him. The full back needed no second invitation as he drove forward into the home box, and with a drop of the shoulder, he found himself in front of goal, and finished with a fine shot into the corner of the net from 6 yards out.
City were now bossing the game, and almost extended their advantage minutes later when Manning spotted the goalie off his line, but his delicate chip was a tad too strong and nestled on top the roof of the net.
Attacking down the Creek slope, City were creating opportunities at will, and should have doubled their lead on the hour. Good interchange between Sokol and Murray resulted in Brown firing the ball across the face of the goal where, Ben Higgins, loitering at the far stick, could only divert the ball onto the crossbar with his outstretched right peg.
City eventually scored a second in the 63rd minute. Jones was released with a fine through pass from Ross McErlain, and the striker confidently found the back of the onion bag with a left footed strike from the edge of the box. Minutes later the front runner picked up a knock and was replaced by the speedy Toby Cole who showed some good touches.
With 15 minutes remaining, recent signing Jamie Howsen made his City debut, and immediately created a chance for himself but blasted slightly high
Manor Farm rallied in the closing stages of the match, and pulled a goal back in the 87th minute. Omar Simms was on hand to fire home from less than a yard out after a goalmouth scramble following a corner kick. Any last minute jitters from City which may have arose due to this late strike failed to materialise, and they ran the clock down to seal the win and their place in the next round of the competition