Devon and Exeter League: Wellington 4, Bow Athletic 1

A long awaited and greatly anticipated return to the Playing Field saw the Reserves continue their fine start to the season.

On a glorious sunny day and supported by a bigger than average crowd, they put in an excellent all-round performance to see off a very good Bow side.

There was one change from the previous weeks opening day win at North Tawton, with new signing Connor Foster making his home debut, meaning the unlucky Logan Sellick would have to wait for his own home debut from the bench.

The game started well for Wellington. They were quick to close down their busy and very capable opponents and soon settled into an early rhythm. But their indecisive finishing coupled with some desperate defending meant they had to wait until the 17th minute to take the lead. Good passing and movement down the right led to Rohan Poulsom crossing in for strike partner Josh Baker to nip in front of the travelling keeper and head past him before finishing from a tight angle.

Baker returned the favour for Poulsom three minutes later, but he mis-timed his right footed volley and put his chance wide. A moment of concern came Wellington’s way on 25 minutes when long high cross, which took an eternity to drop, hit the home crossbar and the rebound was luckily put wide.

After a shaky five minutes, Wellington regathered and went on to extend their lead in the 35th minute. A deep corner was brilliantly headed back across the goal by Jamie Fleet for Brad Holmans to fire home from close range. Wellington had chances to increase their lead, but would go in 2-0 to the good at the break.

Straight after the restart Wellington were reminded of their opposition’s obvious quality. A fierce 20 yard right footed drive smacked the crossbar with keeper Rob Hall only able to watch on. Waking from their slumber, Wellington got back on top and should have increased their lead with both Baker and Poulsom going close before Bow got a goal back from a corner. A deep corner was well met at the far post and headed powerfully into the Wellington goal.

At 2-1 Bow now had the danger of renewed belief in their sails. But this was to be their only high. Four minutes later, on 69 minutes, Baker deservedly restored the home side’s two goal advantage. After yet more good football, it led to Baker spinning the last defender, sprinting into the box before firing a powerful shot high into the roof of the net to a huge cheer from the crowded sidelines.

Logan Sellick replaced Wes Poulsom for his home debut on 70, with Ash Saunders replacing Holmans on 72.

Wellington deservedly killed the game off after 73 minutes. More good work down the right wing, saw the ball moved inside before arriving at the feet of Baker just inside the box. He moved left past his marker and fired a low shot past the keeper and in off a player and post for Wellington’s fourth and his own hat-trick.

To Bow’s credit, they kept coming at Wellington, but only forced one save of any quality from Hall in the sticks. Wellington could have and maybe should have scored more, but the overall performance and commitment was superb from all involved and their win was thoroughly deserved.

The team would like to thank Lee Baker of LA Baker Plastering for sponsoring the match ball and for choosing the man of the match. Baker won it for his trio of goals.

Next week sees the Reserves at home again as they entertain Westexe Park Rangers. KO is 3pm, please come along and support the lads, entry is free!