Taunton Saturday League: Wellington A 6, White Eagles 3
Our A team began the new year looking to return to winning ways after a frustrating festive period of two abandonments, a draw and a defeat, which had seen them drop to second in the table.
In White Eagles, Wellington came up against physical and passionate opponents but, pleasingly, the Tangerine Army took their opportunities and raced into a 3-0 lead.
James Kitson took full advantage of his start to score the opening goal before producing a defence-splitting through ball for Jordan Sellick to finish with aplomb. Goal machine Tom Scarlett made it three before Wellington switched off at the back and allowed White Eagles to score. For a moment, momentum had been lost and the half-time whistle was needed.
The message at the break was simple – the next goal was crucial and could well define the game. Wellington took time to get going so there was much relief when Joey Conway popped up at the back post to turn in the fifth goal of the game and give Wellington a 4-1 lead.
Game over, you might think, but White Eagles were a side playing for each other and continuing to cause problems. So much so that they would score the next two goals of the game although Wellington will know both were easily preventable.
Credit then should go to the Tangerine Army for not collapsing in this sudden moment of vulnerability, but continuing to look to increase their lead.
And it would be increased when Conway was switched to the middle of the attack and won a penalty after being taken out by the goalkeeper. Conway stepped up to score the spot kick and then had the opportunity to complete his hat-trick when White Eagles conceded a second penalty but he was denied by the keeper.
Fortunately, Jordan Sellick was on hand to grab his second and make the final score 6-3 to Wellington. Even better, news then filtered through that Bridgwater Sports had been beaten by Staplegrove, meaning that Wellington returned to the top of the division.
Wellington play at home again on Saturday against Staplegrove.