In-form Hutchings celebrates Moneyfields milestone by easing Southern League relegation fears

In-form Steve Hutchings celebrated his 300th Moneyfields appearance with a goal to ease his club’s relegation fears.
Steve Hutchings scored his 217th goal in 300 Moneyfields appearances against Mangotsfield. Picture: Duncan ShepherdSteve Hutchings scored his 217th goal in 300 Moneyfields appearances against Mangotsfield. Picture: Duncan Shepherd
Steve Hutchings scored his 217th goal in 300 Moneyfields appearances against Mangotsfield. Picture: Duncan Shepherd

The talismanic striker netted his sixth goal in four matches as Moneys moved nine points ahead of rock bottom Barnstaple at the foot of the Southern League Division 1 South table with a home victory over Mangotsfield.

On a windy, freezing cold evening at Dover Road, Hutchings struck the only goal five minutes into the second half to give Moneys only their third home league win in 11 attempts this season.

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A great crossfield ball from left back Connor Bailey found Hutchings just inside the right-hand side of the Mangotsfield penalty area. Controlling the ball with one touch, Hutchings lashed his 13th league goal of the season - and his 217th for the club overall - into Jakob Glover’s bottom corner.

It was a fine goal to win a tight match where clear cut chances were at a premium and neither keeper had too many saves to make.

Moneys had the better of the first half possession-wise – and they played the better football - but it was the visitors who had the clearest chances.

Danny Constable fired over when he should really have tested keeper Jake Hallett, while George Neill and Rob Belcher both shot wide from good positions.

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Hallett only had one real save to make, and that came shortly after Hutchings’ goal. Constable was through with a clear sight of goal, but Hallett raced out and blocked with his legs.

The lively Miles Everett went close to a second Moneys goal, his shot hitting the base of a post, while birthday boy Jake Raine and Joe Briggs also fired wide.

There were also some fine touches from new boy Ilyas Warshow. Introduced in place of captain Lewis Fennemore shortly after the goal, he showed his willingness to run at the visiting defence on only his second Moneys outing after signing from two divisions lower Andover New Street.

Moneys have also signed midfielder Callum Glen on a dual registration from Baffins Milton, but he was an unused sub last night.

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Victory ensured a great start to a crucial week for Moneys. Dave Carter’s men are home again this weekend to another team in the bottom seven, Bristol Manor Farm, before a trip to second bottom Basingstoke next Tuesday.

Against Mangotsfield they showed the character they will need if they are continue pulling away from the lower reaches of the table.

And if they can carry on keeping it tight at the back, the formidable presence of Hutchings up front should ensure enough goals to banish all relegation fears.