13/2/16: Mendip looked resplendent as they took to the field to face top of the table Westbury, proudly bearing the name of their new sponsor, local business CassidyGregory Electrical Contractors Ltd & as if spurred on to pay merit to their benefactor they put in one of the performances of the season so far that discredited their lowly league position. Mendip were under no illusions that it would be a tough afternoon’s work as the visitors started to spray the ball around with pace and accuracy but they maintained their shape & discipline to defend as a cohesive unit and keep the attackers at arm’s length, with the back four making some timely tackles. Despite having to defend in numbers, there was a confidence to Mendip’s play & when in possession they eased their way into the game, interchanging passes in the midfield & using the wide men to stretch the opposition. They worked hard to close down & hassle and mid-way through the half Will Holmes stole the ball & set off down the right, crossing into the D where John Lippiatt was on hand to out muscle the keeper & slot home. Following the goal Westbury stepped up the tempo & went all out & Mendip spent most of the remainder of the half pinned back, relying on the counter attack to release the pressure, which they did very well using Liam Young’s devastating speed. The hosts were well drilled defending short corners, adequately dealing with the set pieces to clear their lines & looked to be going into the break a goal up when Westbury brought on their ‘special teams’ for their next short corner & a drag flick levelled the scores with only 2 minutes left on the clock.
Shortly after the break Westbury won another short corner & went ahead, using the drag flick to good effect for a 2nd time but Mendip did not lie down & took the game to the opposition with man-of-the-match Josh Sutton driving forward in attack & working hard to break up the play in defence. The game flowed from end to end at a frenetic pace & Mendip deservedly equalised when Lippiatt bagged his brace, finishing off a good passing move. There was no time to congratulate themselves though as Westbury’s skilful midfield continued to run at the heart of the Mendip defence & an uncharacteristic mix up led to the visitors going ahead again when an alert forward reacted quicker in the D to pounce on a loose ball & score from close range. Mendip showed great character & a positive attitude to keep going & with excellent approach play were able to exploit Westbury’s defensive frailties for a 3rd time to draw level at 3-3 when Josh popped up in the D & showed good strength & determination to bundle the ball over the line. However, with the game drawing towards its conclusion there was still time for one final twist as Mendip were unfortunately not able to hold on for a hard fought point & Westbury ultimately won the match, albeit with a rather scrappy goal following a goal mouth scramble to leave the hosts feeling decidedly hard done by that yet another sterling performance had gone unrewarded.
The team was: Leigh Taylor, Andy Flint (Capt.), Toby Green, Giles Denning, James England, James Lovell, Liam Young, Josh Sutton, Will Lawton, Will Holmes, Steve Smith & John Lippiatt.
Thanks to Carol Holmes & Paul Woolway for umpiring.
Comments are closed.