Toolstation League premier division: Exmouth Town 1, Wellington 0
Much-changed Wellington could hold their heads high after an odd-goal defeat away to title hopefuls Exmouth Town this afternoon (Saturday).
Manager Tim Legg was missing more than half-a-dozen first team regulars but his side did him proud and were often the better team against their second-placed opponents.
One of the players missing was keeper Shay Allen – suspended after being sent off against Bitton in the previous game – and so Rob Hall, son of chairman Mike, was drafted in for his league debut.
He was forced into action almost straight away with a succession of smart blocks and gave a good account of himself throughout.
Wellington lost another player after only nine minutes as Joe Chamberlain limped off to be replaced by Exeter City youngster Jamie Nicholson.
But the visitors got into their stride and both Douglas Camilo and Nicholson tested keeper Robbie Powell from distance.
Hall produced more decent saves before Exmouth thought they had taken the lead on the stroke of half-time.
From a corner, they hit the bar and then the ball was bundled over the line but the “goal” was disallowed for pushing.
The home side went close again ten minutes after the break when Josh Champion cleared off the line from Ace High’s header but that was the signal for Wellington to step up a gear.
They took the game to Exmouth with Nathan Byrne nearly polishing off their best move of the game, Josh Baker hitting the underside of the bar before the assistant’s flag was raised for offside and then Harry Walford forcing Powell to save at full stretch.
Wellington had defended valiantly but they were eventually caught out after 72 minutes and it proved to be the killer blow.
A long ball over the top saw experienced striker Levi Landricombe run on to send an inch-perfect lob up and over Hall for what proved to be the winner.
The visitors kept plugging away until the final whistle but were unable to produce the equaliser their worthy efforts would have richly deserved.
Wellington: Rob Hall, Glen Wright, Jordan Casey, Mark Cornish, Josh Champion, Sam Towler, Nathan Byrne, Harry Walford, Douglas Camilo, Josh Baker, Joe Chamberlain. Substitutes: Jamie Nicholson, Eli Collins and Jamie Vaughan-Ryall (all used).
