Defeat in the Junior Cup

The Wells A team players came crashing back down to earth this weekend after defeat in this Junior cup tie. After having spells of dominance and chances, too many mistakes ultimately cost them, resulting in a 5-3 loss.

The game started really brightly for the hosts, as they took the game to Staplegrove. Especially down the Wells left, as Ashley Crowther shining early on. Wells went close on two occasions within the 1st 10 minutes, rattling the cross bar and the post in very quick succession. The deserved breakthrough came minutes later as a corner wasn’t cleared properly and defender Peter Vowles lashed home from 10 yards out. Moments later it was two, as Kieron White, tapped home after good work from the impressive Matt Davidson down the left hand side.

This seemed to snap Staplegrove into life, as they grabbed a foot hold in the game. The warnings of a comeback were clear as a couple of chances created and goal keeper Brad Philips did well on two occasions to keep the score at 2-0. The comeback was well and truly on, as on 35 minutes a free kick was awarded on the edge of the Wells City box. The resulting free kick was spilled by Philips, who allowed the Staplegrove centre forward an easy tap in, with no Wells City defender in sight. Minutes later the visitors drew level as the centre forward raced through one on one with Keeper Philips. The goal keeper’s decision to stay on his line proved costly as the Staplegrove forward slotted past him easily. Before the half was up, there was time for Staplegrove to edge in front. As a free kick was awarded in the edge of the box, which was excellently executed by the forward.

After going behind, Wells found a spring in their step and began to get the ball down and play. Creating chances for Rob Turner, Crowther and Mike Barnett, all on another day could’ve done better. White and Vowles also had opportunities to increase their personal tally for the afternoon, but again missed the target both with their head.

Right against the run of play, Staplegrove broke as Lee Lester couldn’t intercept the long ball which resulted with the number 17 for Staplegrove racing through and giving Philips no chance. Wells began to press the self destruct button after this, as the visitors were allowed to grab a 5th moments later. An unmarked forward lashed in after good work from the right winger.
A late consolation was grabbed to make the score slightly more respectable, as substitute Tom Pledger coolly finished from just side the box. Final score 3-5.
Wells players were visually disappointed with the result, especially having long spells in the game where they were on top. However a good Staplegrove side punished lapses in concentration, leaving a sense of what could’ve been for the hosts.

MOM Matt Davidson.