Wellington Reserves 0 - 1 Hinton 1sts

A stalwart defensive display from Hinton provided the backbone to a well deserved victory away at Wellington. Throughout the game Hinton created chances freely but lacked a clinical touch infront of the Welly goal. The first real chance came in the first half when a through ball from the right was brought down by Rod Haslam who struck a low shot which was well saved only for Kiea Cowley to hit the rebound against the crossbar from a yard out. Cowley's blushes were spared when the referee gave an offside call which would have ruled the opportunity out anyway. Wellington's best opportunities of the half were both from free kicks around 25 yards out which were both sent comfortably over the crossbar.

The second half started lively and it was a matter of minutes before Haslam volleyed a Cowley cross against the underside of the crossbar and into the back of the net. Hinton continued to press and create chances which were very well saved by the Welly keeper. On the hour, Wellington broke through the defense and looked to have a decent opportunity to get their first shot on target but were denied the chance by a last ditch tackle by Mike Marsden. Moments later Wellington were awarded a free kick 30 yards out. From what looked like an overly ambitious range to shoot from the Welly defender ran up an struck the ball sweetly and sent the ball creeping inside the right hand post. Kai Bond followed the flight of the ball and managed to turn the ball around the post for a corner.

Hinton had another good opportunity towards the end of the game when Matty Myles whipped a deep ball right into the back post which Gareth Bowley volleyed back across the goal. Unfortunately for Bowley the Welly keeper pulled of a heroic save which the rebound was cleared.

Hinton thoroughly deserved the win against a persistent Wellington side who, on performances like today, should be beating many more teams than they are.

Team: Kai Bond, Steve Cuss, Matty Evans, Mike Marsden, Matty Myles, Jody Dawe, Andy Mowen, Tom dawson, Gareth Bowley, Rod Haslam, Kiea Cowley. Subs used: Pete Myles, Rich Legdon. Subs not used: Darren Birch, Elliot Body