Watlington remain on track for fifth successive promotion

Watlington Sports and Social Club remain well on course for a fifth successive promotion as they continue to climb the leagues at a rapid rate.But the Division Three North Anglian Combination leaders were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in their latest game on Saturday as Ingoldisthorpe staged a great comeback as they came from 4-1 down at the break to draw 4-4.Reflecting on the draw, Watlington manager Andy Brydon said: “It was disappointing to lose a three-goal lead the way we did and what made it more frustrating is we could and should have been in double figures by half-time.”You have to give credit to Ingoldisthorpe as they stuck together as a group and clinical with the four chances they had.”A brace from Dan Harpley, who now has six goals for the season, and goals from Thomas Wagg and Jesse Tierney saw a dominant Watlington side in full control going into the break.But a plucky Ingoldisthorpe side – fighting for their status at the other end of the table – refused to lie down and picked up a point thanks to a hat-trick from the prolific Dylan Ess, who has found the back of the net 23 times so far, with Jake Ess also on the scoresheet.Watlington hold a 10-point advantage at the summit from closest rivals AFC Lynn, having lost just one of their 15 league games so far this campaign. “We now need the lads to show what this group is about and go and gain that fifth promotion,” said Brydon. “It would be a huge achievement for the club and put us one promotion away from what we set out to do after leaving the North West Norfolk League.”The aim remains to gain senior football status.””We would also like to thank Carl Skipper and Luke Barrett from Next Level Flooring for continuing to sponsor our home kit. “Without sponsors like them and the many others that support the football club, we wouldn’t be able to achieve what we have.”This weekend sees Watlington travel to UEA Reserves.Other games see Feltwell United host King’s Lynn Soccer Club while Ingoldisthorpe entertain AFC Lynn.

Football Greg Plummer