The first friendly of the season and the weather did not play it's part. For the most of the day leading up to the game large volumes of rain poured down and we thought that we may get a phone call. But the call never came, the game was on!!

A wet 90+ minutes was in store for this new look Wells City team, with 6 making their debuts and three stepping up from the reserves from last season to stake their place this season in the first team. A total of 16 players were selected by Steve Laker to take to Bishop Sutton. The game started brightly for Wells taken the line share of possession. A couple of half chances appeared but Bishop Sutton holding a strong defensive line catching Raphael Waugh off side on a couple of occasions. Around the 17th minute mark, a cleverly played through ball broke the Sutton line and Waugh was through on goal, he calmly put away the first goal bottom right corner with defenders racing back to try and clear their lines but unable to get to the ball in time. Well City, now 1 - 0 up grew in confidence and some fantastic football started to be played, a real mixture of well played long looping balls down the channel and short close 1 touch football. With Sutton playing only 1 striker our full backs started to get more and more time on the ball which allowed Oli Bryant time to take the ball around the half way line. This was the start of the second goal around the 25-30 minute mark. Oli received the ball on the right hand side, with space in front of him he dribbled forward seeing an opening he decided to unleash a powerful shot on goal from what seemed to be 25 or more yards out. It looped over the outfield players heading towards the bottom right , same side as the first goal, with the keeper at full stretch he was unable to stop the shot. Now, 2 - 0 Wells were in cruise control as it seemed with only a few half chances coming Suttons way but not troubling the Keeper.

Half Time 2 - 0 to Wells City Goals - R. Waugh & O. Bryant

Second half started and Steve making 5 changes, surprisingly making that many changes all at once did not disrupt Wells's discipline or play. The game carried on in the same character as the first half. Sutton however did break through but Dangerfield quick off his line and using his ingenuity taking control out of the box with his chest then carrying on to press the Sutton player until the danger was averted. Throughout the second half chances came for Ryan Pledger and Liam Orchard but unfortunately were unable to convert. This second 45 minutes seemed to fly past and before you knew it the full time whistle went. A great game to watch and some great positives to take away form it.

Full Time 2 - 0 Wells City Victory!

Managers Comments - Steve Laker

"It's was such an unusual evening with regards to the weather, I issued the lads with several boxes to tick with the top priority of keeping a clean sheet. No small task when we are rebuilding the squad and a lot of new players coming in whether they are new signings or younger lads stepping up to the first team. I can safely say the boxes were tick last night.
I was extremely please with how the game turned out, not because of the result but the attitude of the players, how they treated the game and their work rate. From the very first minutes they were pressing and competing in all areas of the pitch. Was it a perfect performance no, but I wouldn't expect that on the first friendly, however a lot of the lads stamped their authority out there and shown to me that they want that shirt come the start of the season, so I can't ask for any more at this stage. I look forward to the next few friendlies which will be massive tests for us as they are against Bristol Manor Farm and Truro City. The lads will now be putting in the sessions to improve their fitness and get to the next level ready to compete against the likes of these two good sides."