Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 0, Buckland Athletic 2
Wellington failed to build on a pair of encouraging performances as a goal in each half consigned them to defeat by Buckland at the Playing Field.
Manager Tim Legg was forced into two changes from the midweek draw against fourth-placed Hallen with defender Mike Mullen ruled out by injury while talented youngster Ollie Holman was on county duty for Devon U18s.
That brought two-goal hero Jesse Howe and wide man Sinnott into the starting line-up and Wellington started brightly, Sinnott seeing a sixth-minute free kick well saved by veteran keeper Kenny Griffiths.
But that was as good as it got in the first half as the Devon side took a grip on the game and always looked more dangerous. Tom Welch was again on top form in the Wellington goal but it was one of his own team-mates who beat him after 40 minutes, Harry Scatchard turning a low cross into the net for an own goal.
Legg introduced himself as a sub at the break but it was Welch who kept his side in the game straight from the re-start, his outstretched leg denying Nathan Cooper shortly after the restart.
The second half was a scrappy affair with Buckland – who had a mix of talented youngsters and decent experience – always holding the upper hand.
Wellington finished with a flourish and finally looked dangerous in the dying minutes with Carl Jones shooting straight at Griffiths from close range and then Sinnott blasting wide from a difficult angle.
And the visitors had the final say with the last kick of the game, Cooper turning home a cross from the right to seal the points.
Wellington: Tom Welch, Josh Pearson, Jake Horsey, Carl Jones, Harry Scatchard, James Clough, Glen Wright, Ian Bellinger, Josh Champion, George Sinnott, Jesse Howe. Substitutes: Charlie Dodd, Tim Legg and Kirk Poulsom (used); Mike Mullen (not used). Attendance: 51.
