Top of the Table clash

Wells City Reserves away trip to the league leaders was one of the fixtures of the day and the game lived up to all the billing.

Wells started the game on the front foot against the wind and a strong Middlezoy outfit. Some good work down the right wing between Jordan Bazley and skipper Dan Catley created the first corner of the match the opportunity fell to Ross Padfield whose deft header beat the keeper only to rebound on the right hand post. Wells battling approach to the game continued to win possession but in a expected tough encounter the referee decided to hand out some yellow cards to the travelling club which in the spirit of the game were felt unjustified.

Against the run of play and early exchanges, Middlezoy took an the lead on 7 minutes. Middlezoy attackers kept the ball well with some clever movement and opened up the Wells defence down the left wing. A cross into the box evaded a static Wells defence and even a great double save from Steve Coppell it wasn't enough to see a third shot hit the Wells net from ten yards out.

Wells were in control of possession for most of the first half as they continued to pass the ball through the midfield. It was comfortable for centre halves Martyn Sheppard and Ben Higgins who were able to free Bazley and James Russell on a number of occasions, and although some energetic work from Charlie Crook and Padfield opened up some half chances for George Carey and Ryan Pledger up front, Wells were unable to make anything count in front of goal. Middlezoy always looked a threat on the break as the home side worked on the direct route from back to front to open up Wells as the long ball to the front men managed to create some pressure on Coppell's goal. Middlezoy defence continued to clean up any opening from Wells who were unable to find a way to trouble the home keeper with a shot on target.

Wells had to dig in to limit the number of clean opportunities for the home side, however, Middlezoy were fortunate to go 2-0 just before the break. A hopeful cross into the box from the left wing met the head of Padfield whose attempted clearance ended up looping over a stranded Coppell into the net for an unexpected own goal.

Half Time 2-0

Wells started the second half in a similar fashion to the first with some great interchanges between defence and midfield, though were able to make an impact on the home defence, they continued to press high up the pitch to win the ball back. Some quality from Russell, Carey and Crook allowed Wells to open up the home defence, who began to look breakable. Wells managed to pull a goal back with a key moment, some great work on the left from Russell opened up a cross that was flicked on by Carey to the unmarked Crook to head into the net to make it 1 - 2 around the 55th minute.

Wells were now on the front foot and Middlezoy began to look under pressure and continued with long ball clearances which fell kindly to Wells who were able to switch play and create more openings. Continued pressure on the home team created chances for Pledger and Carey, with a second goal on the cards. It wasn't long coming, as a pass from Sam Andrews found Padfield whose pin point cross picked out Catley free in the box and a deft header low to the keepers right brought the scores level at 2 - 2.

Wells continued to press and with the Introduction of Scott Hurley created further chances. Hurley was unlucky not to score the winner, a long ball over the home defence found Hurley one on one with the keeper and his looping shot was picked out of the air when a goal looked certain...Middlezoy continued to create and were unfortunate to see a goal disallowed for off side in the dying moments to leave the result at two-two, a deserved point which leaves Wells Reserves clear in second spot in the league by 8 points.

Result
Middlezoy Rovers 2 - 2 Wells Reserves

Gibbo and Lewy would like to say a big thank you to those supporters who watch us home and away, your support is very much appreciated by the team. Also like to thank all club sponsors who continue provide essential contributions to allow Wells City teams of all ages to succeed and progress.

See you at Ilminster this Saturday 3pm Kick Off..The Recreation Ground, Ilminster TA19 0EY