Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 1, Saltash United 1

Wellington’s improvement continued with a well-deserved draw at home to premier leaders Saltash United yesterday (Saturday, November 20th).

Our man-of-the-match was midfielder Jamie Nicholson, who received the award from Jamie Gibson, managing director of sponsors R&M Wholesale.

It was the third time this season they had drawn with the side at the top of the table and followed their midweek Les Phillips Cup triumph over holders – and previous league leaders – Bridgwater United.

Wellington were missing defenders Jack Bown-Porter and Mike Murphy from the win at Bridgwater but welcomed back Tom Stone and Mark Cornish while there was also a place on the bench for new signing Ryan Brereton.

They found themselves on the back foot in the opening stages against a lively Saltash side for whom Mike Smith headed wide before Adam Carter shot tamely at keeper Harley Wilkinson.

At the other end, Wellington’s Harvey Dorothy brought a flying save out of keeper Jordan Duffey but it was the visitors who made the breakthrough after 37 minutes. A free kick was curled in from the right and skipper Dave Barker dived to head home.

It stayed at 1-0 to the break but the Tangerines drew level with a goal out of the top drawer eight minutes into the second half. Good work by Joe Wragg and Eli Collins ended with Jamie Nicholson producing a superb dipping shot into the top corner.

Saltash rang the changes to try and regain the lead but they ran out of ideas against a well-organised home defence and, indeed, it was Wellington who looked more likely to score the winner in the closing stages.

They nearly went ahead with 12 minutes remaining when Jason Quick headed over from a free-kick delivered by his brother Miles but, at the final whistle, the draw was a fair result.

Wellington: Harley Wilkinson, Callum Chivers, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Mark Cornish, Jamie Nicholson, Eli Collins, Miles Quick, Joe Wragg, Jake Quick, Harvey Dorothy. Subs: Ryan Brereton (used); Heon Jin, Kelson Pollard, Henry Woodward, Glen Wright (not used).

Wellington visit Torpoint Athletic – one place below them in the table – next Saturday, November 26th.

Photos courtesy of Around Wellington.