"Police sign off with victory to ensure there is no bottom two finish"

The Police team continued their recent up turn in results, and performance, with a convincing 3-0 victory in the battle of the basement away at Ettington.

More changes were made to the team line up. Most notably was the farewell appearance of Rob Sutton who 'claims' this was to be his last ever appearance for the 1st team. Just Vets football from now on!

The away side, utilising the slope, to their advantage tore into the hosts and should have taken the lead on 5 minutes. Great play down the left wing from Jake Harvey saw the full back whip in a great cross which found Tom Smith unmarked. Unfortunately the striker blazed the ball over the bar.

A couple of nervy moments with some resolute defending were experienced as Ettington got into the game but the Police's football was beginning to take control with the excellent Bradbury pulling the strings in midfield. Lee and Reynolds were combining with ease down the right flank and it was no surprise when this combination led to the opening goal. A mis-hit cross by the Police full back found its way to Jarratt who side-stepped his marker and found the bottom corner.

The Police continued to press, and Lee was really revelling in his prefered position of full back. Time after time he was delivering the ball into the opposition box with pace and accuracy. On 35 minutes after missing a host of other chances the Police took a deserved two nil lead. Reynolds and Lee combined again and Lee drilled the ball into the box where Tom Smith provided the finish. Smith was unlucky not to make it 3 - nil when he managed to beat the home keeper to the ball from a long punt downfield by Lee. The stopper recovered in time and cleared the ball for a corner.

The second half saw Ettington put in an improved performance but it was still the Police side who had the better of the chances. Smith should have done better on 60 minutes when he flashed his shot over the bar. The midfield pairing of Juss and Bradbury were dominating procedings in midfield and a resolute back-line performance led by the legendary Sutton were mopping things up with ease. Both Lee and Harvey received bookings from the officials and on 85 mins poor play by the Ettington centre-back led to a third, and crucial, goal. The player stood on the ball just short of the half way line. Smith was first to react and stole the ball. The keeper came out to narrow the angle but the Police top scorer kept his nerve and cooly finished easily.

The last few minutes also saw a farewell appearance for Ron Harvey who almost caused chaos with his bustling style.

So, unbeaten in four matches the Police had finally found the kind of form and performance that has been sadly lacking for the majority of the season. The management duo of Ron Harvey and Rob Sutton have no stood down to take on more committee roles and here at wmpfc.co.uk we'd like to thank them for all of their efforts over the years with the reserves and first team.