Seward Cup: North Petherton Reserves 1, Wellington A 2

Welly took a break from league action to begin their Seward Cup campaign against a North Petherton side who had also begun their season unbeaten.

Fielding a side missing regulars Liam Thorne and, for the first time, Tenny Harlow, this was an opportunity for places to be nailed down and the Tangerine Army made the perfect start when Jordan Sellick drilled a shot across the keeper into the bottom right corner.

In what would prove to be an even game, Wellington battled hard to control the game and move the ball through a packed midfield as well as using width to pull the Petherton defence. Fouls began to be drawn from attacking pressure and Welly grabbed a second goal when Tom Scarlett took advantage after a deflection guided his free kick past the Petherton goalkeeper. Welly led 2-0 at the break.

In the second half, it soon became clear the priority was ensuring victory against a Petherton side which refused to give up. Rotating the front three almost provided a third goal with new energy, but with the best chance, Aaron Merry’s chipped effort was more suited to the Rugby World Cup, sailing over the crossbar.

Then, in a blink, the game changed with Petherton grabbing a goal back with ten minutes left. It was deserved, but Welly were the better side on the night and were able to hold on to gain safe passage to play Nether Stowey in the quarter-finals.