This local derby was played in fine conditions but on an uneven surface, which proved difficult for either side to get any passing rhythm going.

Defences were in charge throughout the game with Cheddar having only one shot and Wells’ only effort on target hitting the top of the crossbar.

Cheddar seemed to start with too many players playing in unfamiliar roles and this combined with the bumpy surface meant they were never able to mount sustained pressure on the Wells defence, strikers Simon Mounsden and Mike Edmunds being isolated far too often.
Rob Edwards, starting wide on the right, produced Cheddar’s only shot of note in the first half, but saw little of the ball when he was switched to wide left. Shane Fear, replacing Edwards on the right, worked hard but looked uncomfortable out wide. Chris Beers was as combative as ever in the middle but was unable to provide any creativity for the strikers and Rob Branch competed well but was unable to get a passing game flowing.

The defence, being in familiar roles, always looked sound and able to cope with the lively Wells forwards. Injury forced Jack Tinton off the field but Aaron Honeywell dropping back alongside Dan Durston, Alex Murray and Ritchie Matthews looked a good defensive unit.

Substitute Martin Davis back from injury, replaced Mounsden up front and looked lively but failed to capitalise on Cheddar’s best second half opportunity and Omar Haddu, on in the centre of midfield for Branch, did well but found the unfamiliar role difficult.

The referee did well to keep on top of what was always a competitive match but he should have taken action against the Wells players persistent moaning in the last quarter of the game instead of issuing lengthy lectures. This frustrated Cheddar’s ability to build up momentum.

With another two points dropped, the best thing to come out of the game was the performance of Under 18’s Mike Parker in goal making his Reserve team debut. His all round decision-making shows great promise for the future.

Wells’ greater experience gave them the edge in the second half but a draw was a fair result and Cheddar’s young side have some work to do if they are to progress in the cup in two weeks time, against a strong Banwell side, as they have only won twice in their last eight outings.