Temple Cloud Vs Wells A team 17-09-16

Wells A got their season up and running with an impressive display, beating their hosts 3-0 in this league encounter. The tough start to the season has seen the A team concede 12 goals in the opening two games with last week’s 7-0 defeat to Bridgwater sports still playing on the minds of the managers and players. The below standard performance last week meant that Morris made 8 changes to the starting 11, and this decision was to be proven right with this display. In came Louie Ellis who was making his competitive debut for the As, Peter Vowles, Will Rivers, Nik Healy, James Bayliss, Ash Crowther, Ed Jackson and Ryan Crowther who has made his 1st appearance for the blues after nearly a year out with a knee injury. With Bradley Phillips, Aidan Ellis and Bailey Waterhouse only surviving the cut from last week’s debacle.

The opening exchanges it was clear the Wells A were trying to prevent any space in behind, and surrendered possession in order to make it as difficult to be broken down. The game plan was working as Temple never really threatened in the 1st 30 minutes of the game, with only a few half chances being created. However things changed as a mix up between A Ellis and Vowles mean a long ball over the top sent the temple cloud striker clear. Vowles quick recovery meant he managed to get back and put the striker off which enabled Phillips to make the save.

In this period Wells didn’t threaten too often, with Jackson creating a few half chances. On 35 minutes their dogged defensive display paid off as A Ellis send a ball into the box which tempted the keeper off his line. R Crowther got his head to the ball 1st to nod into the empty net. The goal completely changed the game, with the away side’s fitness beginning to make the difference. Jackson and A Crowther had chances to make it two, but were denied by the home team’s keeper. The second goal was coming however and as N Healy won the ball back the middle of the park, which released A Crowther who crossed for Jackson and this time made no mistake. HT 0-2.

The second half began very slowly, with the A team expecting an onslaught which in truth never really came. The defending was faultless in the second half with Phillips not having anything to do. This solid foundation meant the attacking players were allowed to express themselves, and the only surprise was that the 3rd goal didn’t come sooner. Vowles was unlucky, heading a Crowther corner against the bar, substitute Mike Barnett also saw an effort well saved by the Temple keeper and another substitute Jordan Strode-Walton headed another Crowther corner over. With 10 minutes on the clock left to play, it was another sub Jacob Lyons who grabbed the well deserved 3rd for the A team as he picked the ball up on wide on the left hand side and shooting across goal into the bottom corner to secure the A teams 1st points of the season.
FT 0-3.

A pleased Ryan Morris had this to say after.
‘It feels like a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders, as we were desperate to get this season going. The opening two games were tough and we had to be at our absolute best in order to get anything out of them. This was not the case, especially last week.’
‘This week you could tell that there was a strong emphasis on not being broken down and not giving away clear cut chances and as a result to confidence in the lads grew as the game went on.’

‘The back four all had impressive displays, but I have to say the midfield 3 of Nik Healy, Will Rivers and James Bayliss were outstanding today. All three of them showed some really quality in possession, but a determination and enthusiasm to regain possession as quickly as possible for their team.’

‘I am facing a selection headache week in week out from now on as I have 30 individuals to choose from. Players like Tom Tibbs, Steve Kockaya and Josh Morris had to miss out today, with last year’s captain Lee Lester only getting 5 minutes; it’s really hard to make sure that I have picked the right squad and 11 each week to win games, with this problem only seemingly going to get worse with the influx of new players showing an interest in getting some A team game time. Thankfully the whole squad proved their worth and have made it very difficult to over look them for next week.’

The fixtures do not get any easier for the A team as they travel to Westfield reserves, a side who convincingly beat the A team last season. KO 14.00.