Nailsea United Football Club

Somerset County League

Weston and District League

South West Womens's League

- Premier Division
- Division 1

- Division 1
- Division 2
- Division 4

- Eastern Division 1

The official Website of Nailsea United Football Club

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1st A Cutters
Res H Portishead
As A Portishead
Bs A Churchill
Colts A Westend
Ladies H Poole

Latest Results
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1st 2 1 Mangotsfield
Res 1 2 Ilminster
1st 1 1 Castle Cary

Coming Events
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2009-09-17
CLUB SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING DIARY FOR THIS SEASON

2010-01-24
FAKE THAT 4 - SOLD OUT!

2010-04-23
NUFC GOLF DAY

2010-06-20
TRAINING COSTS FOR NEW SEASON

2010-08-18
Nailsea United Old Boys stage Charity Events

CUTTERS FRIDAY 1 - NAILSEA UNITED 2
2010-08-31

For this midweek game Nailsea travelled to high flying Cutters Friday who were second in the league.

United started strongly with a Steve Lester volley going just wide after 5 minutes. The game became more even but most of the scoring chances fell to the visitors. On 20 minutes Kevin Cosham was just wide following a corner then a good move involving Steve Lester and Ryan King saw Jim Lee head just over the bar.

Cutters defence were having difficulty in containing the Nailsea attack with a James Lee pass finding Cosham whose shot was saved by the keeper. On the half hour keeper Luke Davies was called upon to save a Cutters snapshot. The end of the first half found Nailsea in charge with the best effort being a powerful shot by Max Richards from the edge of the box being well saved by the Cutters keeper.

With 5 minutes to go to the end of the half a James Taylor throw was played back by Stuart Lee to Steve Lester only to see his shot go just pass the post. Jim Lee then fed Ryan King whose shot was well saved. Despite the Nailsea dominance the two teams went in with no score.

Nailsea continued to be the most potent force when the game restarted and went ahead on 47 minutes following a Matt Long pass to Ryan King who sent a curling shot passed the keeper to give Nailsea a well deserved lead. Within 3 minutes the lead was doubled when James Lee scored off of the far post having been found by a James Springett pass. United were now destroying the Cutters defence and could have wrapped the game up when a goal bound effort by James Springett was well saved by the keeper following good approach play.

With 15 minutes to go Cutters were given a way back into the game with a penalty that was converted to bring the goal difference to one. As you would expect this gave the home side renewed vigour but the Nailsea defence was very strong with no clear chances endangering the Nailsea net. With 10 minutes to go the evergreen Steve Lester was replaced by Russ Driver a further substitution was made on 88 minutes Sam Long replacing Kevin Cosham.

The final minutes were all Nailsea with Chris Gale who replaced Jim Lee seeing his header saved by the keeper after good work by Ryan King. Both King and Gale had shots cleared off the line before the referee blew for full time with Nailsea the worthy winners.

This was undoubtedly the best performance of the season, with a bit more luck United could have won by 3 or 4 clear goals. The Nailsea defenders were very strong, the midfield worked tirelessly creating numerous opportunities for the lively attacking force. Manager Mark Savage must be have pleased with the teams performance following his recent visit to faraway lands on a scouting mission. Next game is away to Langford Rovers 2000 who have started the season well.

NAILSEA UNITED 2 - MANGOTSFIELD RESERVES 1
2010-08-24

A youthful looking Mangotsfield United side were the visitors to The Grove looking for their first points of the season.

It was the visitors who had the best of the opening minutes with United keeper Luke Davies having to move sharply off of his line on two occasions to smother dangerous through balls.

The home sides first clear opportunity came after 15 minutes, Jim Lee fed the ball to Kevin Cosham whose shot was saved by the Mangotsfield keeper. Ten minutes later Nailsea found themselves behind when Stuart Lee had the ball taken from him allowing Mangotsfield to score the opening goal.

The remainder of the half saw several half chances for Nailsea with a Cosham cross met by the head of James Springett being the only real goal scoring opportunity. United filed into the dressing room one goal down which was probably a true reflection of the first 45 minutes.

Stern words by the Nailsea management must have been exchanged during the break for the home team started the second half a yard quicker and immediately took the game to Mangotsfield. James Springett was put through but failed to beat the keeper, the visitors then had an opportunity to go further ahead but failed to capitalise on a clear chance.

On 50 minutes United scored the equaliser with a goal of pure class from Ryan King. Following a Nailsea attack the Mangotsfield keeper failed to clear the ball further than the edge of the box where Ryan King showing great composure and skill guided the ball into the empty net with the keeper stranded.

Nailsea were now the dominant force with Cosham having a shot well saved by the visiting custodian, on 65 minutes a good run by Ben Cook saw his pass fed to Matt Long who shot powerfully over the bar. Mangotsfield were not finished with Nailsea being thankful for a point blank save by Davies following a breakaway by the visitors.

With 10 minutes to go Nailsea made a double substitution with Sam Long and Chris Gale taking the places of Max Richards and Russ Driver. Immediately a scoring chance fell to Jim Lee when his header from a James Taylor cross went just too high. Darren Bloomfield then made his first appearance of the season replacing Kevin Cosham.

It looked like the two teams would share the points until in the 90th minute a deep cross from Matt Long was met by James Taylor who sent a looping header beyond the keeper and into the net for the winning goal. Nailsea just about deserved to take all of the spoils based on their second half performance, however in each of their games so far they have allowed their opponents to score first making life difficult for themselves and raising the blood pressure of acting manager Spencer Lee. It has to be said that the team has the tenacity to fight back but for Spencer’s sake and for the well being of the supporters let’s see if we can score first against this Saturday’s visitors Castle Cary.

NAILSEA UNITED 0 - BRIDGWATER TOWN RES 1
2010-08-21

For the first home game of the season Nailsea hosted last years league champions Bridgwater Town Reserves looking to build on the good display at Winscombe mid week.

The visitors started the better and could have taken the lead after 3 minutes but failed to convert a good chance. United then began to assert themselves with Jim Lee having a header tipped over the bar and Ryan King shooting over the bar from the edge of the box.

With 26 minutes on the clock Nailsea fell behind when a Bridgwater shot found the back of the net just inside the post beating a despairing dive from keeper Luke Davies. The remainder of the half was contested in the middle of the pitch with no clear chances until the last moment before the break when Davies tipped a dipping shot over the bar.

Nailsea improved for the second half and nearly got the equaliser when a neat move between Ryan King and Matt Long saw the ball flash across the Bridgwater goal with Jim Lee inches away from tucking it into the net. However, the visitors could have increased their lead on 55 minutes when following a free kick a Bridgwater attacker shot over from close range.

With 30 minutes to go Kevin Cosham gave way to Chris Gale as the Nailsea management went after the elusive equaliser. This ploy nearly worked within minutes when a Chris Gale cross was sliced over the bar by a under pressure Bridgwater defender. Nailsea were now the better side but could not carve out any real clear chances. Keeper Davies did well to beat away a fierce drive to keep the margin down to one in a rare Bridgwater attack.

Further Nailsea substitutions were made with Russ Driver and Max Richards being replaced by Ben Ricketts and Sam Long respectively allowing a change of formation to provide more fire power at the front. It was not going to be Nailsea’s day when with virtually the last kick of the match a Matt Long free kick was cleared by the Bridgwater defence amid claims of handball.

A disappointing result for United but they have the chance to bounce back on Tuesday when Mangotsfield United Reserves are the visitors to The Grove.

WINSCOMBE 1 - NAILSEA UNITED 4
2010-08-17

United opened the 2010/11 campaign with a trip down the A38 to Winscombe with Ryan King and James Springett rejoining the club Nailsea were looking for a positive start.

Unfortunately the Nailsea defence was breeched within 3 minutes when an angled shot from a Winscombe attacker found the back of the United net to give the home side the lead.

Gradually Nailsea got into their stride with Jim Lee and the Kevin Cosham both having chances that went wide. After 25 minutes a poor clearance from the Winscombe keeper fell to Russ Driver who from 40 yards drove the ball towards goal only to see it flash wide of the post.

It seemed inevitable that the Nailsea pressure would bring dividends and sure enough on the half hour mark James Lee fed the ball to Kevin Cosham on the right wing who cut in and beat the keeper comprehensively with a shot into the roof of the net for the equaliser. Minutes later Ryan King had a powerful shot well saved by the home custodian.

Nailsea dominated the rest of the half with Cosham shooting over when well placed, however it took a good save from Andy Fellows to keep out a long range Winscombe shot just before half time to ensure that the score remained unchanged.

After a prolonged interval due to floodlight problems, Nailsea came flying out of the traps to put immediate pressure on the Winscombe defence. A Ryan King volley cannoned off of the bar to be followed by a King cross being met by Driver only for the keeper to save well. Nailsea were now playing their best football and a flowing move involving, King and Cosham who crossed to find the Lee whose header went just wide.

The Nailsea pressure was rewarded on 65 minutes when an interchange of passes between Lee and King saw the latter bearing down on the Winscombe goal to slot home a well directed shot passed the keeper to give the visitors a well deserved lead. Nailsea made their first substitution on 65 minutes when Ben Rickitts replaced the hardworking Russ Driver.

Immediately Jim Lee was put through with just the keeper to beat, the big striker does not miss chances like this and the ball was in the back of the net before the keeper could not move. Could it be that this was a right foot shot? The score now 3-1 to Nailsea. Minutes later the same player hit the post with the keeper well beaten.

With 10 minutes to go Kevin Cosham was substituted for Sam Long and James Lee gave way to Chris Gale. The young striker was soon in the thick of the action when Sam Long won the ball and fed it to Chris Gale who took careful aim to give the keeper no chance and wrap up the game with United winners by 4 goals to 1.

This was an encouraging start with the King/Lee partnership looking promising prompted by the midfield trio of Matt Long, Russ Driver and James Springett. After the opening few minutes the defence looked secure. All in all an excellent opener to the season.

A sterner test may come on Saturday when last years league champions and current league cup holders Bridgwater Town Reserves visit The Grove in what on paper looks to be an entertaining match.

NAILSEA UNITED 4 - BISHOPS LYDEARD 0
2010-04-22

On Thursday night Nailsea played hosts to second in the table Bishops Lydeard who knew that 3 points would take them back to the top of the table. The visitors were also looking to extend their record of remaining undefeated since October of last year.

United started on a positive note and immediately took the game to Bishops Lydeard creating several half chances in the opening 15 minutes. This pressure was maintained with the opening goal coming from the head of James Taylor following a corner by Matt Long.

The visitors were simply not able to contain a rampant Nailsea side and 2 minutes later Jim Lee passed to Matt Vickers who found the back of the net to give Nailsea their second goal. The remainder of the half was a little more even although the Nailsea defence did not allow the visitors a clear chance on goal.

Any thoughts that Bishop Lydeard may have had of keeping their unbeaten run intact were snuffed out after 43 minutes when Matt Vickers stabbed the ball forward for Jim Lee to fire home the home teams third. Nailsea were not finished yet when from a fine Ben Cook cross Jim Lee headed powerfully towards goal only for the visitors keeper to save. I do not know what Addo and Spenny had to say at half time although more of the same would have been good enough.

United were even more impressive at the start of the second half with a Kevin Cosham shot flashing just wide and following a typical mazy run by the same player Matt Long shot just off target. There was now only one team in it with Nailsea cutting the visitors defence to ribbons and the occasional Bishop Lydeard attacks being cut out by the stalwart home defence.

The Nailsea management brought on Chris Gale and Rob Wilson for the last 20 minutes replacing Matt Vickers and Stuart Lee respectively. Chances then fell to Jim Lee and Chris Gale neither of which could convert. The last substitution was made with 15 minutes to go when Sam Long was replaced by Sam Olsen. Immediately good work by Russ Driver saw him cross for Jim Lee to shoot only for the ball to hit a defender before coming back to Chris Gale who shot into the roof of the net to give United a well deserved win by 4 clear goals.

This was without doubt the team performance of the season with every player giving 100%. As the crowd drifted away after the end of the game I have not heard so many positive comments by the home supporters about the skill, competitive nature and fitness of United in many a season. Well done lads it was a pleasure to watch.

NAILSEA UNITED 2 - WINSCOMBE 2
2010-04-12

On Tuesday night Nailsea played the return fixture with Winscombe before a good crowd at The Grove.

Neither side dominated the opening exchanges until 15 minutes had passed when a well flighted free kick by skipper Matt Long was glanced in by Jim Lee through the hands of the Winscombe keeper.

United just shaded the remainder of the half with a good effort by Russ Driver grazing the crossbar on 20 minutes. Matt Long also shot over from a good position after being set up by Matt Vickers.

As in last Saturday’s match at Winscombe the visitors started the second half the stronger nearly equalising with a shot that touched the top of the United bar. The home side began to reassert themselves with a shot by Matt Vickers on 60 minutes going narrowly over.

A change was made on 65 minutes with Chris Gale replacing Matt Vickers in attack. Five minutes later Russ Driver threaded a well weighted ball through to Jim Lee who used his strength to hold off two Winscombe defenders to find the back of the net giving United a two goal advantage.

After 70 minutes Ryan Kinnerk replaced Matt Long in midfield. Winscombe were beginning to fancy their chances and were rewarded when slack play in the home teams defence allowed Winscombe to reduce the deficit to one goal. The last substitution was made by Nailsea with Matt Collins replacing Sam Long.

The last 5 minutes were a frantic affair with Jim Lee blazing over a free kick on the edge of the box following Russ Driver being hauled back by a Winscombe defender. With 3 minutes of normal time to go United failed to clear properly allowing Winscombe to score the equaliser with a shot from 20 yards.

United had one last opportunity when Jim Lee collected the ball wide on the right hand wing and with the Winscombe keeper out of position just failed to score from a narrow angle.

WINSCOMBE 1 - NAILSEA UTD 2
2010-04-10

On a warm afternoon United travelled to Winscombe for the first of two meetings between the clubs in a matter of four days.

The first scoring opportunity of the match fell to Sam Long who raced on to a Jon Clayton headed pass only to shoot wide of the target. Nailsea continued pressing, Kevin Cosham had a snap shot saved by the home keeper after 15 minutes with the same player just wide with a lob 15 minutes later.

The Nailsea mid field duo of Matt Long and Russ Driver began to take control to give United the impetus to take the game to Winscombe. It was no surprise when Nailsea took a deserved lead on 32 minutes when Russ Driver won the ball well and from a narrow angle beat the Winscombe keeper with a drive into the far corner of the net.

The second half was only 5 minutes old when a through ball by Jim Lee was converted with ease by Jon Clayton who gave the keeper no chance with a well judged shot. Winscombe were stung into action and a fierce shot went just wide of the United goal. With 15 minutes of the second half gone Jim Lee was sent clear but was unable to convert with only the keeper to beat.

On 70 minutes Ryan Kinnerk replaced Sam Long and announced his arrival with a strong shot saved by the home keeper. With 10 minutes to go Jim Lee was replaced by Matt Collins. Winscombe were now having the better of the play, it required a good save by keeper Andy Fellows to keep out a close range shot. Immediately afterwards poor defending from a corner by the Nailsea defence allowed the home side to reduce the lead to one goal.

The remainder of the game saw Nailsea on the back foot but they hung on for a deserved 3 points.

ST GEORGE 2 - NAILSEA UTD 0
2010-04-07

Nailsea travelled the short distance to Easton in Gordano for this meeting of two mid table sides. It was obvious from the start that the bumpy pitch conditions would not allow any flowing football.

The first 20 minutes saw neither of the teams having any goal opportunities with the only Nailsea chance falling to Matt Long who headed over following a good run and cross by Ben Cook. On the half hour the home side took the lead scoring from close range. Five minutes before the interval keeper Andy Fellows saved well to ensure that United went into the break only one goal in arrears.

The second half saw more Nailsea pressure but not any clear attempts on goal. St George doubled their lead after 70 minutes when a cross was only parried to a home side striker who found the back of the net.

The Nailsea management then changed things by introducing Ben Thorne and Sam Long for Ben Cook and Mike Wallington. Immediately Ben Thorne headed just wide of the home goal. Nailsea were thrown a lifeline with 5 minutes to go when the referee awarded a penalty for handball only for the St George keeper to save the resultant spot kick by Jim Lee.

Max Richards took the place of Rob Wilson for the last few minutes which saw Jim Lee head just wide.

This was a disappointing match due mainly to the pitch conditions which no player could trust. St George were obviously more used to the playing surface and used this to their advantage.

UNITED INTO CUP FINAL
2010-03-27

United travelled to Bath for this League Semi Final against First Division Odd Town hoping to go one better than their Semi Final defeat in the same competition last season.

Kicking with the wind in their backs the strikers James Lee and Matt Vickers got Nailsea off to a great start when after 5 minutes Lee threaded the ball through to Vickers who beat the home keeper comprehensively to put the visitors into the lead. Ten minutes later Vickers linked again with Lee only for the keeper to save from Lee.

Nailsea were playing well and were the better of the two teams and could have gone further ahead when Kevin Cosham shot over the bar and defender Mike Wallington having his effort saved by the Odd Down keeper. The home team’s attacks were sporadic but they had a chance 5 minutes before the break when a shot went just wide of the Nailsea post.

With time running out in the first half Jim Lee headed a ball onto Russ Driver who gleefully prodded the ball home to make the half time score Odd Down 0 Nailsea 2.

At the start of the second half Stuart Lee was replaced by James Taylor. Odd Down were now playing with the wind and the question was could United maintain their two goal advantage. The home side began to press leaving gaps at the back and nearly paid the price when first Russ Driver and then Matt Vickers failed to score with volleys, the latter effort following a strong run by Ben Cook.

The home side continued to press and it needed two fine saves by Andy Fellows to keep a clean sheet for Nailsea. With 5 minutes to go Chris Gale replaced Sam Long. The young striker nearly scored within minutes of joining the fray when his shot went over the bar. With 2 minutes of normal time to run Matt Vickers gave way to Ben Thorne.

Odd Down were throwing everything into attack they could in an effort to make the last few minutes interesting but the Nailsea defence are a well drilled and resolute unit nowadays seeing out time without any great distress. In fact Jim Lee could have added to the scoreline only for the home keeper to make a good save.

This was a very professional performance by the Premier Division side against an Odd Town team that have only tasted defeat three times this season. Whoever Nailsea meet in the final they will not relish facing a confident and talented United side.

BRISLINGTON RES 1 - NAILSEA UTD 1
2010-03-23

Nailsea travelled to Brislington hoping to reverse the home defeat by the Bristol based side earlier in the season.

United were quickly out of the blocks with the lively Matt Vickers sending two shots just wide of the post within the first 5 minutes. The play settled down and on 15 minutes a fine diving save to his right by Andy Fellows stopped the home side from taking the lead. This was not to be the only time that Nailsea would be indebted to their big keeper who had a fine match. After half an hour a fine move down the right saw Ben Cook overlap to send a powerful shot just wide.

As the half wore on the Nailsea midfield team of Matt Long and Russ Driver gradually took control and their dominance was rewarded 5 minutes before the break when Jim Lee used his strength to win the ball on the wing, pass to Kevin Cosham who whipped in a cross for Matt Vickers to score with a well placed header to give Nailsea a well deserved lead.

The second half started with Brislington looking much sharper. On 60 minutes the home team pressure saw them score the equaliser with a close range headed goal. It was now all hands to the pump for the Nailsea defence, with Andy Fellows making several outstanding saves to deny the Brislington taking the lead. Throughout the match keeper Fellows showed excellent positional sense and safe handling under difficult conditions.

Nailsea brought on Ben Thorne for Stuart Lee after 65 minutes followed by Chris Gale for Matt Vickers 10 minutes later. With ten minutes to go Sam Long made way for Max Richards as the Nailsea management sought a late winner. These changes nearly brought dividends when only good saves from the home team keeper kept out shots from Chris Gale and Jim Lee. A draw was perhaps a just result for both teams who put on an entertaining match in trying conditions.

The most pleasing factor for Addo and Spenny must be the way that the three young substitutes blended well with the rest of the team when called to do so and coped well with the harsher demands of Premier Division football. With youngsters Mike Wallington, Kevin Cosham, Sam Long and Mike Rowcliffe in tonight’s starting eleven the future looks bright.

NAILSEA UTD 8 - FROME TOWN RES 0
2010-03-20

Nailsea entertained Frome Town Res at The Grove hoping to return to winning form following their defeat earlier in the week at Paulton.

It took just 5 minutes for United to score when Stuart Lee glanced a Matt Long free kick into the Frome net. Ten minutes later Kevin Cosham made space for himself to unleash a 25 yard shot which was well saved by the visiting keeper.

After 17 minutes a Sam Long cross was headed into the net by Stuart Lee for his second goal of the match. Jim Lee had the opportunity of increasing the home sides lead when he rounded the keeper only for his shot to go wide. Nailsea were relentless at this time and it was no surprise when a Matt Long corner was headed powerfully into the Frome net by Stuart Lee for his hat trick to give United a 3 goal lead.

With minutes to go before half time a chested pass by Jim Lee to fellow striker Matt Vickers was sent just wide of the post. Nailsea were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box which was powerfully struck by Jim Lee to find the back of the Frome net. In a rare Frome raid Nailsea keeper Andy Fellows had to make a finger tip save to keep United’s 4 goal advantage. With seconds of the first half to go a hand ball offence by a Frome defender offered Jim Lee the opportunity to score his second from the spot. He made no mistake given the under fire Frome keeper no chance. United were well worth their 5 goal advantage at the break.

Five minutes after the restart Rob Wilson came on for the injured Stuart Lee at the heart of the Nailsea defence. Continued pressure saw a good run by Kevin Cosham release the ball to Russ Driver whose shot went just wide. Nailsea were now playing exhibition football and the sixth goal was scored by Sam Long from a clever pass from Matt Vickers after a series of one touch passes that Arsenal would have been proud of.

James Taylor was substituted on 65 minutes by young Max Richards. Immediately a through ball by Matt Vickers was latched onto by Jim Lee to make the score 7 nil and complete his hat trick. United were not finished yet, good play by Jim Lee saw the ball fall to Max Richards who made no mistake to make the final score 8 nil. Although totally outplayed credit should go to the visitors who never gave up and were unlucky to find Nailsea in irrepressible form.

With the Paulton loss now a distant memory United can look forward to the midweek match at Brislington and the cup semi final next Saturday at Odd Down with a high degree of confidence.

Lastly, a question for “Hobbo”. When did a pair of brothers playing in the same side both get hat tricks?

PAULTON ROVERS RES 1 - NAILSEA UNITED 0
2010-03-15

On Monday night Nailsea travelled to Paulton for a clash of two mid table teams.

Nailsea had the first opportunity of opening the score but a Matt Vickers header went over the bar. Paulton immediately retaliated when a home defender set out on a powerful run to unleash a shot that was well saved at full stretch by the United keeper Andy Fellows.

With five minutes to go before half time the visitors had the best chance of the half when in form striker Matt Vickers was set free only to see his strong shot beat the Paulton keeper to thunder against the bar and rebound to safety. No further chances were created by either side before the referee blew to signal the end of a strangely disjointed 45 minutes of football.

With the two sides being equally matched it seemed that only a single goal would be needed to find a winner and so it was proved when on 65 minutes Paulton scored with a header to the bottom corner of the Nailsea net.

The Nailsea management immediately brought on Tom Morris for Sam Long and pushed Ben Cook to a more forward position. Further substitutions took place after 80 minutes with the young pairing of Mike Rowcliffe and Chris Gayle replacing Stuart Lee and Mike Wallington in an effort to find the equaliser.

The last few minutes of the game were played in the Paulton half but Nailsea were unable to find that elusive goal to gain at least a point.

Following a good run this was a slightly below par performance against a battling Paulton side. United entertain Frome Town Res on Saturday at The Grove when they hope to return to their winning ways.

NAILSEA UTD 6 - MANGOTSFIELD RES 1
2010-03-06

Following recent good form it was a confident Nailsea side that welcomed a young Mangotsfield team to The Grove.

Early pressure from the home side nearly brought a goal when after 10 minutes Matt Vickers headed over from a James Lee flick on. Nailsea only had to wait a further 10 minutes to take the lead when a pin point cross from the industrious Kevin Cosham was headed firmly into the net by James Lee.

This opened the flood gates with Mangotsfield simply not able to cope with the many Nailsea advances. On 25 minutes a Russ Driver cross was met by Stuart Lee to give Nailsea a 2 goal lead. Five minutes later the best goal of the game was scored by Matt Vickers with a text book volley from 20 yards.

Skipper Matt Long then got onto the score sheet finishing off after a goalmouth scramble. The home side looked like scoring with every attack but were pleased to go into the break with a 4 nil lead.

Five minutes after the restart the two front men Lee and Vickers combined well with the latter forcing a good save from the visiting keeper. Mangotsfield began to rally and after 55 minutes the normally competent Nailsea keeper Andy Fellows let a shot through his legs to trickle over the line.

With 30 minutes to go Nailsea made a double substitution with Mike Rowcliffe and Ben Cook replacing Stuart Lee and Rob Wilson. The home side then began to reassert themselves and increased their lead with a well worked dead ball situation. Matt Long took a quick free kick to find the head of the impressive Russ Driver who crossed for Matt Vickers to score his second goal. Nailsea 5 Mangotsfield 1.

On 75 minutes Nailsea scored with what is becoming a trade mark move. A long throw by James Taylor to James Lee. The tall striker headed the ball into the danger area for Russ Driver to finish in style. Immediately Matt Vickers was replaced by Lee Cogan.

The remaining minutes were played out with only a good save by the visiting keeper stopping Kevin Cosham adding to the score line after an exciting run took him through a static Mangotsfield defence.

This was a total team performance with the defence in a no nonsense mood the midfield working hard and the strike force looking to score with every opportunity. Nailsea will not win the league but none of the top teams will relish playing them in their current mood.

SALTFORD 0 - NAILSEA UTD 3
2010-02-27

Nailsea travelled to First Division Saltford in the Quarter Finals of the League Cup. As this is the only realistic chance of silverware this season United were keen to impress.

Nailsea could have gone into the lead when after 13 minutes they were awarded a penalty for a push by a Saltford defender. Matt Long took responsibility only for the home keeper to make a good save. Play remained even with the only chances being a Saltford shot into the side netting after 30 minutes and a Matt Long free kick being met by Jim Lee only to fire over the top.

The gulf in class between Premier and First Division clubs was beginning to become evident with Saltford giving away numerous fouls. With 5 minutes to half time a push on Russ Driver gave Nailsea another penalty, this time the kick was taken by James Lee who beat the keeper with a strong shot sent into the roof of the net. The visitors went in at half time with a deserved lead.

The second half started as the first had finished with Nailsea being a yard faster all over the pitch. On 50 minutes a long throw by James Taylor was headed towards goal by James Lee and into the net, only for the linesman to flag for offside. This inexplicable decision only galvanised Nailsea to raise their game further and it was no surprise when on 70 minutes James Lee broke free and coolly lobbed the Saltford keeper giving a two goal cushion to the Premier League side.

Saltford tried to get back into the game and Nailsea had to thank keeper Luke Davies for a smart save to keep their two goal lead intact. The away side introduced young Ben Thorne to replace Kevin Cosham. As Saltford pressed forward they were left exposed at the back and duly paid the price when a revitalised James Lee was again sent through only to be hauled down by a desperate Saltford defender. Lee stepped up for the resultant penalty and beat the keeper for his hat trick.

With the job done James Lee was substituted for Jon Clayton with 5 minutes to go. Clayton nearly added to the Nailsea total when his header was well saved by the home keeper.

Another accomplished performance put Nailsea into the Semi Finals with an emphatic win over a well beaten Saltford side. Back to league action next week with United in a confident mood, looking to continue their rise up the table.

TAUNTON BLACKBROOK 2 - NAILSEA UNITED 3
2010-02-13

Nailsea travelled down the M5 to visit Taunton Blackbrook with both teams seeking points to reach a mid table position.

As in recent games Nailsea started quickly and after 5 minutes the first goal opportunity came from a Matt Long corner. Stuart Lee headed the ball goalwards only for a Taunton defender to clear off the line with the keeper beaten.

On 20 minutes a through ball found Matt Vickers who coolly slotted the ball past the advancing home keeper. In recent games Nailsea have found it difficult to protect leads and midway through the half only a fine save by Andy Fellows diving low to his right kept the visitors lead intact.

There were no further clear cut chances for either side with Stuart Lee commanding in the Nailsea back line. With 5 minutes to go until the break the Nailsea defence failed to clear their lines allowing Taunton to equalise.

Taunton started the stronger in the second half and should have taken the lead when a home forward blasted wide from a good position. After 5 minutes a home corner was allowed to pass through a static Nailsea defence allowing Taunton to take the lead.

On 55 minutes Chris Gayle replaced the injured Ben Cook to join Jon Clayton in attack. Nailsea went in search of the equaliser and used the long throws of James Taylor to good effect. After 65 minutes from one such throw the Taunton defence were in panic mode and scored an own goal under pressure from Stuart Lee.

The Nailsea lead was restored 5 minutes later when a good move saw Jon Clayton headed the ball over the home defence for Matt Long to draw the home keeper and slide the ball into the empty net. Nailsea were now dominant and saw out the remainder of the game without much trouble. The tiring Vickers was replaced by Darryl Workman with 5 minutes to go to ensure that the points went to the visitors.

A much improved performance after last week’s disappointment. At the moment Nailsea are a Jekyll and Hyde side but today the good guy won.

NILASEA UNITED 2 - WATCHET TOWN 1
2010-02-13

On a cold February afternoon, Nailsea entertained the league leaders Watchet Town before a good size crowd.

Nailsea pressed from the start and after 5 minutes created the opening chance when a pass from James Lee was put over the bar by Matt Long. The home side continued to dominate when on 25 minutes against the run of play a speculative shot from the edge of the area deceived the home side keeper to give Watchet the lead.

This reverse only spurred on a competitive Nailsea side. Watchet had their keeper to thank for two brilliant saves from Matt Long to allow them to go to the break in front.

For the second half Kevin Cosham replaced the injured Rob Wilson with Ben Cook moving into the back four. Immediately striker James Lee had the opportunity to score the equaliser but could not beat the Watchet custodian.

Nailsea then began to play some of their best football of the season and it was no surprise when after 56 minutes a well worked move down the right found James Lee on the ball who crossed into the centre for Matt Vickers to bravely volley the ball home giving the visiting keeper no chance.

The Nailsea midfield were now rampant with Matt Long, Kevin Cosham and Russ Driver causing all sorts of problems for an increasingly and surprisingly dispirited Watchet Town. It was no surprise that on 60 minutes a shot from Cosham was parried to Matt Long who emphatically found the back of the net for the winning goal.

The home side played out the remaining time mostly in the opponents half. Rob Dace replaced Matt Vickers on 85 minutes to ensure that the home side ran out very worthy winners.

This was possibly the best all round display of the season by Nailsea with the defence in fine form, the midfield dominant and the forwards creating good chances. It would be wrong to single out one player from such a good team performance but Captain Matt Long was an inspiration to the rest of his team

NAILSEA UNITED 1 - CASTLE CARY 2
2010-01-30

Nailsea played hosts to Castle Cary on a soft clinging pitch that made flowing football difficult. The home team were without the flu ridden James Lee with the pacy Matt Collins deputising.

The home team were hoping to build on recent good performances and went ahead after 4 minutes when a well flighted free kick from Matt Long was met by James Taylor who scored with a looping header.

Nailsea continued pressing forward when on 10 minutes a defence splitting through ball from Russ Driver found Matt Vickers only for the Castle Cary keeper to drive the Nailsea forward away from goal making the angle difficult.

The visitors began to have more of the play and Nailsea needed to show the determined defensive effort that had brought them such a creditable draw the previous week at Cheddar. Sadly this was not the case and after 12 minutes poor defending allowed the visitors to score the equaliser. Minutes later the visitors scored what was to become the winner when they were allowed a free header from a corner kick.

The remainder of the first half was evenly shared with Nailsea keeper Andy Fellows tipping a goal bound effort over the bar. The home side had a good case for a penalty turned down by the referee and went in at halftime in arrears.

The second half saw Nailsea more in control but they were not able to find the back of the net. The manager brought on substitutes Chris Gale, Rob Dace and Max Richards in an effort to salvage at least a point but it took another finger tip save from Fellows to stop Castle Cary from increasing their lead.

All in all a disappointing performance against a well organised Castle Cary side. With a visit to Brislington next week, Nailsea must show the fighting spirit seen at Cheddar last week in order to pull away from the lower regions of the league.

CHEDDAR 1 - NAILSEA UNITED 1
2010-01-23

Nailsea United recommenced their league programme with a visit to high flying Cheddar who currently lie second in the league and have aspirations of Toolstation status next season.

Nailsea started brightly and after only 3 minutes play a typical slide rule pass from Matt Long found Matt Vickers who calmly beat the oncoming keeper to score the opener.

Cheddar then had the better of play but found the Nailsea defence to be made of stern stuff with keeper Davies not having a shot in anger to save for the remainder of the half. Nailsea could have reached the half time whistle two up when 5 minutes before the break a long ball from Sam Long found the ever eager Vickers only for his chip to go the wrong side of the post.

The Cheddar management must have had strong words with their players during the break as five minutes into the second half only a good save by Davies kept Nailsea in the lead. Minutes later the Nailsea keeper was called into action once more to avert the equaliser.

On 60 minutes Nailsea substituted the hard working Sam Long for Ryan Kinnerk to join the fray. Cheddar were now attacking strongly when on 70 minutes the pressure told when a long throw was only partially cleared to a Cheddar attacker who shot wide of Davies into the corner of the net.

Nailsea had the opportunity to regain the lead within minutes when Ben Cook was fouled by a Cheddar defender inside the box. Captain Matt Long took responsibility for the resultant spot kick only for the Cheddar keeper to parry the ball to safety.

After 75 minutes Nailsea took off the busy Vickers to be replaced by Campbell Bannerman. The play became a little bit more open for the remainder of the half flowing from end to end with the home side grazing the post on 80 minutes.

It is fair to say that overall Cheddar had most of the play but the resolute Nailsea defence helped when necessary by the mid field were equal to them. This was a well earned point against one of the best sides in the league that will give the whole team confidence for the remainder of the season.

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