Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League Division One: Wellington Reserves 4, East Budleigh 1
Our Reserves are still unbeaten after three matches as they dispatched East Budleigh at the Playing Field this afternoon (Saturday, 24th)
The Tangerines conceded their first goal of the season to come from behind with four goals to secure all three points from their opening home league fixture.
On a balmy September afternoon and in front of a large supporting crowd, we had the lion’s share of the ball but struggled to break down the visitors’ back line.
A rare attack from the visitors saw a shot driven into the box and bounce awkwardly into the chest of keeper Jake Nichol with the ball falling into the oncoming striker’s path to pass the ball into the net on 22 minutes.
The rattled hosts stepped up a gear and a neat ball ten minutes later from Rohan Poulsom found Oliver Nott who took the ball in his stride to shoot past the keeper for parity to half time.
A more cohesive performance ensued in the second half with the Tangerines looking more menacing while choosing better passing options at a quicker pace and skipper Amauri Ruiz put the hosts in front on 56 minutes with a well-directed header
In a revised 3-5-2 formation, striker Jordan Sellick on as a sub made a perfect impact showing some neat footwork to increase the lead after 68 minutes.
Now dominant in all departments, hard-working striker Luke Perry eventually got his rewards with an instinctive finish in the 82nd minute.
Bussell Plant man of the match was Tom Davies who was in dominant form as the holding midfielder.
Although its early days, the Tangerines are up to third in the division and next is a Somerset Senior Cup tie away at County League Two opposition Peasedown Welfare Miners.
Wellington Reserves: Jake Nichol, Lloyd Manning, Dylan Groves, Connor Noble, Jamie Fleet, Tom Davies, Oliver Nott, Amauri Ruiz (capt) Wesley Poulsom, Rohan Poulsom, Luke Perry. Subs (all used): Jordan Sellick (for Groves), Aaron Hawkings (for Nott), Logan Sellick (for Wes Poulsom), Josh Sibanda (for Rohan Poulsom), Mark Owen (for Noble).
Many thanks to sponsors Bussell Plant (man of the match) and Conway Cladding Ltd (matchball).