Wick (1) 2 Mepham 38, Boughton 55
Tunbridge Wells (0) 1 Pinnock 68 (pen)
Headount: 62
Entrance: £3
Programme: Free
Mileage: 134/134
New Ground: 310
It was a trouble-free ride down to Wick FC’s Crabtree Park, a ground that didn’t have a great deal of redeeming features but was tidy with a decent pitch that didn’t resemble some of the cabbage patches I’ve witnessed in past July’s.
As for the Wells’ fans sense of optimism, I’m sure there is no reason to get downhearted on one pre-season result.
The match was played to honour the memory of Dave Knell, a former committee member at Tunbridge Wells whose son is now programme and website editor at Wick.
As with almost every early-July pre-season friendly I’ve ever watched there was the usual lack of information with regard to team line-ups and I am indebted to Tunbridge Wells’ chairman Scott Bartlett, who was able to name all but a couple of names in two totally different sides that played 45 minutes each.
Tunbridge Wells first half team was the stronger of the two, at least the more recognisable, welcoming back Jake Beecroft, Dane Lutchford and Scott Whibley.
The home side created the early chances but a fine strike from the edge of the box by the industrious Beecroft that rattled the crossbar was the closest either side came to opening the scoring.
A new face, Alex Kendal was impressing at right back whilst Perry Spackman occupied an unusual position in midfield operating behind the front two of Josh Biddlecombe and Lutchford.
Unfortunately the referee decided to take centre stage after 37 minutes ordering the Tunbridge Wells bench to substitute Whibley after a mistimed challenge. In the argument that followed, Biddlecombe was also ordered off, but allowed to be substituted, for abusive language.
From the resultant free kick, Wick’s Ben Mepham’s shot took a deflection off the wall and into the net.
The Wells’ second half side was a mixture of presumably trialists and last year’s under-21’s with Reece Bartlett providing much promise for the coming months.
Ten minutes into the second period, Wick doubled their advantage with a nice move down the left hand side that culminated with a cross to the far post being converted by Bernie Boughton.
With Bartlett causing the Wickers defence problems with his direct running and shooting, the Wells inched their way back into the game when they were awarded a penalty after 68 minutes. A corner from the right had been headed towards the top corner from where a defender on the post kept the ball out with his hands. He escaped any action from the referee, who had evidently already given the penalty for shirt pulling. James Pinnock confidently converted from the spot.
The Wells finished the game strongly and perhaps were a little unlucky not to come away with a draw as Jay Prem brought a good save out of the goalkeeper, low to his left and Bartlett had a well-taken free kick tipped over the bar.
Manager Jason Bourne can certainly take positives from the return of Beecroft, who one can imagine will be a dominant figure playing at a couple of levels down from his capability and, on this performance, this could be a breakthrough season for Bartlett.
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