Langford 5 - Nailsea United Res 1 - (Sat 24th November)

United Scorers: Peacock

Nailsea Res's unbeaten run of 7 games came to an end when a depleted Res's side took on an excellent Langford outfit.
Playing against a strong wind in the first half Nailsea started brightly and could have taken the lead when Jamie Roberts knocked the ball past the keeper, but he was obtructed by the same player and couldn't quite finish it off.
From that point on Nailsea were second best as a well organised Langford team played some of the best football seen this season against the Res's.
Langford opened their account with a header from a corner on 25 mins and if it weren't for keeper Lewis could have found them selves 3 down at half time.
The second half gave no respite to Nailsea as Langford played through the strong breeze with some lovely one touch football.
Goals followed, including two delightful chips, to seal this game for the home side and only a goal from a tap in for Peacock, from a penalty rebound gave Nailsea any consolation.

Nailsea entertain Wrington at the Grove next week, ko 2.00 pm.

Combe St Nicholas 1 - Nailsea United Res 3 (AET) - (Sat 17th November)

United Scorers: Vickers 2, Snook

United travelled to Combe in the last 16 of the cup, with no fewer than 5 changes to their line-up from their 2-2 draw with Portishead. With 4 called up to the 1st team and one on international duty it was a revamped line up, Wring shifting to defence, Norman put in up top, and; Wallington, Morris, Vickers & Jamie Roberts brought in across the midfield.

You wouldn't have realised there had been so many changes with the team coming out of the blocks at break-neck-speed. In the second minute some neat play lead to the keeper pulling off an unbelievable save from Norman when the ball looked bound for the top corner. On 5 minutes Combe cleared off their own line after some pinball box football from Oatway, and on 10 minutes Oatway had a headed goal disallowed from a corner for what appeared to be a nothing foul.
On 15 and 20 minutes both Oatway and Norman should have scored when presented one on one with the home keeper and on 25 minutes Oatway blazed high and wide from an indirect free-kick on the penalty spot after a back pass.
United were rampant with Lewis and the Nailsea backline doing a little bit of ugly work at the other end, and Jamie Roberts was getting a lot of joy down the left flank. Finally on 35 minutes Vickers was slipped through one on one and he coolly showed the others how to finish and Nailsea went in 1 up.

Nailsea new Combe would come at them in the second half, they would have to if they wanted to stay in the cup and they duly started to pull back the possession percentages but were struggling to get any clear cut shots on goal. Unfortunately Nailsea lost Morris, who had probably been Nailsea's best player in the opening half (concussion) and had to reshuffle. Nailsea were still strong and determined and the midfield of Wallington, Snook and Vickers were unselfishly chasing back to assist their defensive line with some fine tackling. Despite any real chances Combe drew level when a looping shot to nothing somehow nestled in the top corner to everyone's surprise and Nailsea found themselves on the back foot. Another set back saw Nailsea lose their second player to concussion with Wring going off and Lee Cook coming on. Possession still sat with Combe but Nailsea were the more deadly side, potent on the counter attack and were unlucky not to see a couple of fine crosses from Aldom turned home, and when Snook and Vickers interchanged some sexy passes Snook saw his left foot drive strike the foot of the post and rebound to a defender.
Well into injury time a Snook corner, that had troubled Combe all afternoon, was met by Norman but he couldn’t control his header and it flashed inches over to the sound of the end of 90 minutes.

Nailsea regrouped, united themselves and came out in extra time as they did in the 1st minute; pace, power, passion - and knocked Combe sideways. Oatway and Norman doing some tireless running up top and when a free kick was awarded on the edge of the box Snook stepped up and bent it like Beckham to the silence of the home crowd. Combe were wounded and then dazed when a pull back from the right found Vickers who netted from 6 yards to put daylight between the sides.

The second half saw United create more chances, Combe were gambling but Cook, Hodges and Roberts were commanding all day long with the confident Lewis behind them and Nailsea were unlucky not to extend their lead when Vickers hit the post and had a tame shot gathered by the keeper from what must have been very tired shooting legs. Finally Combe were knocked out when the referee blew his whistle to signal full time. 1-3 (AET)

Only 4 players (Lewis Hodges Snook & Oatway) finished the game where they started, testament to a team that fought for each other and were willing to play out of position for the cause.
Morris played very well in the first half, Wallington shifted from position to position, but Vickers was quality throughout, and was awarded the Lucozade "...it gets to your thirst fast" man of the match award.

Nailsea United Res 2 - Portishead Res 2 (Sat 10th November)

United Scorers: Watts, Vickers

What a cracking match ensued as two very strong, evenly matched teams battled it out at the Grove.
It was Nailsea who took the iniative and attacked from the whistle, and with Snook, Wring and Holman dominating in the centre it looked very good for the home side. Although the pressure was building few chances were fashioned, that is until Neil Watts stepped up, glancing this header into the right hand side of the net after a finely delivered corner from Snook.
Snook was very close to doubling the tally minutes later as his free kick just cleared the bar with the keeper stranded, but it was not to be and the home side went in at half time very contented with a 1 v 0 lead.

The second half was a reversal of the first as Portishead went straight at the home side, very nearly scoring from the whistle as two attackers just failed to connect with a very dangerous cross.
The pressure continued from Portishead with Lewis, the Nailsea keeper, forced into making several superb saves before the away side got their equaliser, from a well taken header direct from a corner on the hour.

Nailsea were forced to reshuffle and with Vickers, Morris and Roberts coming on, the game changed for a third time. Morris started to regain the midfield and Vickers and Roberts added fresh legs up front.
Nailsea started to create chances for themselves and were unlucky not to take the lead for a second time when Wring hit a screaming 25 yd drive onto the inside of the post and Long just failed to get the rebound.
Vickers followed this up with a lovely curling free kick that the away keeper did well to push onto the post.
Nailsea did regain the lead minutes later when Vickers hit a superb shot high into the net from the edge of the box to the delight of the home supporters.
Portishead still had time to fashion an equaliser though, heading in from a free kick in the last 10 minutes. They could have won it in the dying seconds as Sharples found himself through against the keeper, but his shot went just wide, leaving the teams deadlocked after a highly entertaining game played in the best of spirit.
Well played all.

MOM: Nick Snook for a fine creative display in midfield.

Nailsea United Res 1 - Combe St Nicholas 0 (Sat 3rd November)

United Scorers: Norman

Nailsea Res made it 5 wins on the trot after this enthralling game against 4th in the table Coombe St Nicholas.

Coombe brought a very good side to the Grove and only stout defending from the back three of Taylor, Roberts and Hodges and excellent keeping from Maxted kept this record intact.

Nailsea, forced to reshuffle after 1st team call ups started slowly and gave Coombe the space they required to show their enviable skills, but as the game progressed the Res’s fought their way back into this game. Norman and Watts, working hard up front created the 1st opening of the match on 20 minutes, and with Norman seemingly through he was scythed down on the edge of the box. This could have resulted in a penalty and/or a sending off, but unfortunately for the home side only a freekick was given.

Norman still seething from the previous incident made sure with his next chance as he slotted home after a rebound from the Coombe keeper. They could have increased their lead just before half time as 3 excellent efforts were either blocked or saved as Nailsea pressed forward but the score remained 1 v 0 at the break.

The second half saw Coombe increase the tempo again, but they couldn’t create a clear cut chance. For all their possession, they were reduced to 2 free kicks from around the box and this says a lot about the team right now.

Nailsea who have conceded only 1 goal in the last 3 games, including matches against 2nd and 4th, were not going to give in easily and with the added protection of Wring, Holman and Morris in the centre of midfield, Nailsea looked very tight indeed.

A mention must also go to the wide players of Long and Wallington who worked tirelessly through out the game. This sets Nailsea up for another top of the table clash at home against Portishead next week (ko 2.30 pm).

Mom : Excellent performances from Wallington, Norman and the back three, but in particular Tim Hodges who was a rock at the back.

Weston St John 1 - Nailsea United Res 3 (Sat 27th October)

United Scorers: Morris, Wring, Snook

Nailsea went to WSJ looking for a 4th win in a row and the fact they achieved that was down to a gritty performance against a side playing well above their lowly position.

The Res's started the better team, creating 4 or 5 great chances in the opening 15 minutes, but it looked like being one of those days after chance after chance went begging. Sam Oatway could have had his hat-trick before half-time and James Holman a brace, but somehow the away side failed to convert before the break.

At the other end Sam Lewis pulled off 2 superb saves, diving full length to fingertip both efforts onto the bar.
WSJ did open the scoring in the 30th minute with a well taken free kick from the edge of the box, but in all honesty 8 v 3 to the Res's at half time wouldn't have looked out of place.
Nailsea needed to show Character in the 2nd half and that was exactly what they did, in particular Chris Buxton who was absolutely magnificent from start to finish.

The Res's made a few changes mid way through the half, pushing Morris upfront and bringing on Wring and Snook. To say it had the added effect is an understatement as all three had scored within 5 minutes to turn this game around.
Norman could have scored a 4th minutes later, but just cleared the bar and then Mike Wallington went close with a lovely curling left foot effort.

This was a great result for the Res's and one that takes them to 5th in the league. They have an opportunity to go higher when they entertain 4th place Coombe St Nicholas at the Grove next week.
Well played all, you showed excellent character.

mom: Chris Buxton, on his own with this performance.

Nailsea United Res 6 - Banwell 0 (Sat 20th October)

United Scorers: Norman 2, Oatway, Long, Fisher, Vickers

The Reserves entertained 2nd place Banwell on this fine afternoon and were looking for revenge after a narrow 2 v 1 defeat earlier in the season. To say they gained that revenge is an understatement as this Nailsea side ran rampant, scoring 6 and coming very close on at least a further 5 occasions.
As John Hobbs put it 'you played well, but my god you missed a lot of chances' which i think we know is fine praise indeed.
Nailsea, for all their goals, didn't have it all their own way. They hardly touched the ball in the first 20 minutes as a classy Banwell side played lovely one touch football. But then with their first attack of the game Oatway scored a fine individual goal, striking the ball in the lefthand corner.
This gave the home side confidence and they never looked back. James Norman continued the goal free for all with a near post header after a superb move from one end of the pitch to the other. He followed this just with his 2nd and Nailsea's 3rd just before the break to give the home side a nice cushion for the 2nd half.

If you thought Nailsea were going to sit back on their lead then think again as the Reserves continued their assault. Long notched the 4th to kill off any hopes of a Banwell revival and Fisher the 5th as he finished in style after more fine work from Long down the left.
Substitute Vickers completed the rout with a cheeky nutmeg on the keeper to make this a very satisfactory day for the home side.

If Nailsea continue to show this improvement in form it could be a very good season for this side.
mom : Odd to say when you've just scored 6, but the whole back unit of Taylor, Hodge and Roberts were outstanding. Unfortunately for them young Callum Fisher had an absolute stunner.
Keep it up guys.

Wrington 2 - Nailsea United Res 4 (Sat 13th October)

United Scorers: Watts 2, Holman, Morris

Nailsea put together their first back to back wins of the season, winning 4-2 away at Wrington on a quality surface for total football.

Notorious slow starters Wrington were one down after 2 minutes. Oatway received a threaded pass from Roberts deep inside the home penalty area, and a strong turn and cross was met by Neil Watts at the front past whose predatory finish left the keeper helpless.
Watts should have added a second when Fisher tore down the right flank, his cross met by Watts but his effort narrowly fizzed wide. United had control of the opening 15 minutes but failed to increase their lead, and with time Wrington got back into the game.
Wrington's best opportunities were coming from set pieces, and it was no surprise to the home crowd when on 25 minutes a Garret corner was met by a counterpart to pull the tie level. Nailsea will be disappointed that the header went unchallenged.
Garret's set pieces continued to cause Nailsea problems, but young keeper Lewis took control coming to claim balls in the box, and it has to be said his handling was faultless, a true rearguard to the Nailsea defence.
Nailsea then took hold of the tie up until the half time mark, Buxton and Morris creative with the ball, Holman doing the ugly work well, shifting the ball wide to the troublesome Long and Fisher whose pace were a constant menace. Having forced a corner Buxton whipped in a pinpoint ball to the head of Holman, who despatched past the home custodian with a bullet-header.

Stand in management duo Peacock and Fisher Senior had their half time words and United came out for the 2nd half at a counter. A push in the back on Oatway resulted in a Nailsea penalty, but the Wrington keeper saved Roberts's effort and the game remained at 2-1. Another Buxton corner found the head of Morris for his first goal of the season earning United the margin they deserved. By now United had control of the game, Roberts Hodges and Taylor commanding at the back, whilst Buxton and Morris ran proceedings in the centre of the park.
United kept the pressure on but the home keeper saved well at the feet of Oatway, Watts and Fisher on different occasions, and long range efforts from Holman and Roberts were turned around the post.

Wrington rang some late changes, former Nailsea United players Clements and Hopkinson coming to a field that already consisted of ex-Nailsea players Lambert and Davies. Hopkinson's pace was an instant threat, giving Wrington a new dimension, and a Hopkinson ball from deep split the Nailsea defence and Wrington slotted home a second in the 88th minute.
Nailsea looked to kill the clock but a long punt up field from Buxton was charged down by Watts, and with the keeper mistiming his advance Watts duly punished him for his second goal of the game, and Nailsea finished 4-2 victors.

Neal Watts's 2 goals in his first appearance up top, Holman's central midfield performance, and Sam Lewis's superb handling were all worthy of praise, but man of the match went to Chris Buxton who terrorised the home defence and picked up 3 assists in his afternoon's work

Nailsea United Res 4 - Clutton 3 (Sat 6th October)

United Scorers: Oatway 2, Snook, Morris

Nailsea entertained Clutton, from the 2nd Div East, in the 1st round of the league cup and what a cracking match followed as the Res's ended their goal drought with 4 wonderfully worked goals.

The home side attacked from the outset and 2 chances for youngster Norman should have seen them take the lead, but again Nailsea were hit on the counter as a 30 yd lob caught the Nailsea keeper off his line.

Nailsea rallied again and created chance after chance, but just couldn't quite convert, that is until an exquisite ball from Vickers found Snook 15 yds out and he made no mistake with a lovely drive into the corner. This was Nailsea's best period of the game and the 2nd goal followed soon after as Oatway converted having been put through by Holman.

Nailsea went in half time 2 v 1 up and very pleased with their performance. But this was soon to change as Clutton raised their game. The away side got the reward for their efforts in the 55th minute after Nailsea failed to clear a free kick.
But this side showed great spirit replying immediately as substitute Chris Buxton skinned his full back to create a 2nd goal for Oatway.
The Res's scored again shortly after as Morris finished in style to give them some breathing space.

But Clutton hit back in the final few minutes to make it an uncomfortable finish, but Nailsea held firm to progress to the next round. Well played all.

mom: Sam Oatway for 2 goals and excellent all round performance.

Nailsea United Res 0 - Langford Rovers 1 (Sat 29th September)

Nailsea entertained top of the table Langford at the Grove on this fine September afternoon, and what a fine match ensued as the home side just failed to take something from this game, having conceded in the last few minutes of this highly entertaining game.

The Res’s started the brighter and chances for Norman (2), Roberts and Wring should have seen them take the lead. At the other end a screaming 25 yd shot was superbly turned over by young keeper Lewis at full stretch.

In a far more fluid performance, Nailsea played some of there best football of the season as the midfield trio of Hale, Wring and Snook started to show their class.

At the back, a welcome return to the team for youngster Fisher showed what the home side had been missing as his pace brought a new dimension to the back unit.

Nailsea more than matched their top of the table opponents in this match and had further chances to take the lead. Wring hit the post from the edge of the box, then Peacock went close after fine work from Watts.

Langford applied more and more pressure as the game went on and with their quick breaks from deep, they caused Nailsea a few scary moments. But it was Lewis again who kept the score sheet blank with 3 superb saves in the final 10 minutes. Nailsea were made to pay though for their missed chances, as the away side scored the decisive goal from a corner in the last few minutes as the home side failed to clear the danger.

This was an excellent performance from the Res’s and one that should give them heart for the up and coming games.

Mom : Keeper Sam Lewis for a performance the Langford captain described as ‘ the best he had seen !’. Well played Sam.

Creech St Michael 4 - Nailsea United Res 1 (Sat 22nd September)

United Scorer: Aldom

Nailsea Reserves found themselves up against a very impressive Creech side, who it has to be said, played some excellent football during this match. Creech, who only missed out on promotion last season on goal difference, showed their class from the opening exchanges, as they put the Res’s on the back foot.

Things weren’t helped when an early injury to full back Wallington forced a reshuffle, but in all fairness Nailsea found themselves out played for long periods of the first half and they could feel extremely fortunate to be only 2 v 1 down at half time.

Precise passing and lots of pace brought Creech two goals before the 30 minute mark, but an excellent free kick from youngster Aldom brought Nailsea back in the game on the stroke of half time.

Nailsea rallied at the start of the second half and with the wind and slope in their favour, they started to look a far better outfit. They could have had an equaliser with efforts from Norman and Hale, but both chances went narrowly wide.Then as Nailsea started to control the game, a ‘bizarre’ decision from the referee gifted Creech a free kick on the edge of Nailsea’s box, which they duly dispatched to give them a 3 v 1 lead that the Res’s never recovered from.

Nailsea introduced the young 16 year old talent Jo Berry for the final 30 minutes and what a great start he had, as he weaved his way through the Creech defence only to have his effort well saved from the home keeper.
The game had started to slip away from Nailsea at this point and a further goal late on sealed the Reserves fate.

Mom: Stu Roberts for a solid performance.

Nailsea United Res 1 - Weston St John 0 (Sat 15th September)

United Scorer: Smithson

Nailsea entertained WSJ on this splendid September afternoon, in their first home game of the season, but it was the visiting team who started the brighter, as Nailsea failed to find their rythmn early on.

It what can only be described as a poor start for the Reserves, WSJ to their credit played some lovely expansive football, testing the home side's experienced defence of Taylor, Hodge and Roberts. But Nailsea held firm and gradually played their way back into this tie with fine performances from Wring, Long and Res's debutant Russ Driver.

Nailsea were looking better and better the longer this game went on. Their first good chance fell to Jamie Roberts but his snap shot went just wide, this was closely followed by a Sam Long effort after he had run half the length of the field. He created the next chance as he forged down the left and pulled it back for the two waiting forwards, but they were just unable to connect.

The sides went in at half time all square, but with Nailsea starting to show promise of better things to come things were looking more encouraging, and that was exactly how it panned out.

There were quite a few notable performances and none more so than Sam Long who was quite outstanding throughout the game, as he tore the St Johns defence to shreds with his direct style.
Russ Driver also looked a class act in the centre of midfield, as he dominated the play, with his tireless running and attacking prowess.

For all Nailsea's attacking play they still had nothing to show for it and when further chances for Oatway, Wring, Snook, Aldom and Long all went begging, it started to look like one of those afternoons. This was backed up when a very unfortunate Oatway sprinted free, only to be taken out from behind and not even receive a freekick.

This was followed by a Nailsea penalty award, but again they were unable to convert, but this didn't deter this gritty Nailsea side, as they continued to press forward.

The break through came after 75 minutes, when substitute Smithson came on and finished in style after excellent work from youngster Aldom down the right. It was no more than Nailsea deserved, and when a WSJ centre half was dismissed for a second bookable offence, Nailsea could and should have scored more.
Peacock came on and worked his way through, but shot just wide, Wring saw his header do like wise and Wallington found himself clear but just failed to convert, but Nailsea will settle for the 3 points having had to dig deep to ensure victory.

mom: Sam Long for a stunning display.

Congresbury 0 - Nailsea United Res 2 (Sat 25th August)

United Scorers: Smithson, Norman

Nailsea got a well deserved win under their belts on a hot day away at Congresbury.

The opening exchanges were well balanced, both teams having a share of the possession, but it was Congresbury who did not take their only 2 chances of the match when they came early. The first was well cleared from the line by young Calum Fisher and the 2nd was a gilt-edged missed header from yards out, both chances coming in the opening 20. From this point on Nailsea took control of the half, using the ball across the midfield with Snook at the heart of most moves. Parsons was lightning on the right and was a constant torment, and on 30 minutes he once again broke free, his cross was met by a spectacular scissor kick from Mark Smithson and Nailsea had taken the lead. Smudge nearly added to it when minutes later a similar move saw the keeper save well from the Strikers feet. Norman and Jamie Roberts were a real menace, and both had further efforts denied by the keeper, Nailsea should have gone in at least 3-1 up.

Congresbury upped their game in the 2nd half and pinned Nailsea back, but the Nailsea defence of veteran Tim Hodges, skipper Roberts, and the young eagle Fisher kept the home team at bay and protected their ever confident keeper Sam Lewis. Congresbury were left having to take pot shots from distance and Nailsea were happy to play on the break.
The Nailsea management shored things up, bringing on defender Holman and Watts to add some energy up front, and it wasn't long until the Nailsea fitness shone through. Norman chased down a lost cause and having blocked a clearance Watts blasted over when well placed. Jamie Roberts was served a lovely dish from the ever creative Norman but Jamie failed to convert when it looked easier to score. Hale also tucked one over when a drag bag took an awkward bobble off his ankle and over it went. Eventually the pressure told, a neat pass from Morris to Roberts saw the young winger skin his defender and cross to the far post where Watts headed back across goal and a drag back saw Norman cap off his display with the 2nd goal of the game, 2-0.

Nailsea had a couple more chances to increase the lead whilst Congresbury were left chasing shadows. James Norman won the Lucozade Man of the Match award (it gets to your thirst fast) and walked off with the MoM cheque. A great performance by the exciting forward.

Banwell 2 - Nailsea United Res 1 (Sat 18th August)

United Scorer: Long

Nailsea Reserves opened their campaign with a tough away game to a very good Banwell side and they came away deserving more from this very close contest.

The Res's started brightly but were soon pegged back by a very good Banwell attack. Chances came and went for both sides before Banwell opened the scoring on 15 minutes, from a 30 yard free kick that keeper Maxted got a hand to, but was unable to hold.
Nailsea pressed for an equaliser and with Sam Long menacing down the left and Fisher strong down the right, it was only a matter of time. The goal came on 30 minutes with a superb individual effort from Sam Long. Long picked up the ball on the half way line, took on the Banwell defence and hit a delightful shot into the roof of the net to square it up. This is how it stayed until half time and with the wind in Nailsea's favour in the second half, things were looking very positive.

Early chances for Hale, Taylor and Oatway should have seen Nailsea take the lead but it was Banwell who took the iniatative when Nailsea failed to clear and the home forward ran in to score. Nailsea brought on Snook at this stage, Snook started too run the game, but he had to off shortly afterwards after a poor challenge from behind left him flat out. This gave a chance to Jamie Roberts and what a fine game he had coming on upfront and giving the Banwell defence a torrid time.

Nailsea could and should have scored two in the last 10 minutes when chances for Fisher and Long went menacely wide, but it was not Nailsea's day and the points went to a decent Banwell side.

MOM: Sam Oatway