De Cymru & The Marches 2

Wotton-under-Edge 7 Cardiff & Met D 1

WOTTON seconds went into last weekend’s fixture feeling positive after a strong win the previous week and were keen to build on that performance, which they did with an outstanding 7-1 win against local rivals Cheltenham.

Much like last week, Wotton started slowly and were thankful for some great keeping from Charles.

As the game progressed, Wotton’s pressure started to pay with Callum Niddrie, Ash Lingham and Dave Holt’s movement proving too much for Cardiff.

The first goal eventually came after good thinking from Niddire who played a self-pass and then drove into the box and finished well into the corner.

The final 20 minutes of the first half were comfortable but Wotton never found their rhythm with Cardiff’s playing style breaking down play.

The second half started more positively and Wotton started to create good chances with the defence working the ball out well and the midfield shifting the ball on quicker.

Then, in a sudden turn of events, Smith was sent-off but soon returned to the pitch and was played through by Greg Willcox before rounding the last defender and slotting the ball inside the keeper’s front post.

Cardiff started to chase the game allowing more space for Wotton and with Cardiff over committed Chris Price intercepted possession and played a through ball for Smith who beat the keeper.

The fourth goal came courtesy of another Wotton counter attack with Lingham doing all the hard work to provide Smith an almost open goal to finish.

The chances continued with good skills from Sam and Greg Willcox on the wings and when another chance fell to Sam Willcox he drove into the D and took the shot early surprising the keeper at the front post.

The next one fell to Greg Willcox who pulled the keeper to the left and then finished confidently into the far corner.

Cardiff continued to push further up the field and their style of hockey frustrated Wotton and they were eventually rewarded with a consolation goal. Until then, the Wotton defence had been breaking down the Cardiff attacks well.

Soon after, Holt was unlucky to be sent off but the chances continued.

Hayden Brewer’s good work in midfield helped create another attack and Lingham finished well from the centre of the D.

There is still room for improvement but plenty of positives to take into the next game and a good all-round effort with everyone playing their part.