Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League Division One: Teignmouth 2nds 2, Wellington Reserves 2
On a playing surface which was akin to an ice rink, our Reserves returned to the business of football wearing black armbands with a respectful minute’s silence in honour of their forever team-mate and number three, Lloyd Manning.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, the Tangerines put in a disciplined performance to extend their unbeaten run to four games.
Set up to play on the counter against bolstered opposition, the opening goal came on 22 minutes with a well-delivered corner by Oliver Nott to the far post which was met by the oncoming Tom Davies to head home.
Lone striker Rohan Poulsom was causing the home back line all manner of problems with his pace and trickery, going close to adding to the scoreline on several occasions.
On 35 minutes, a soft free kick awarded central of the penalty box was lifted over the wall and past keeper Tom Hyam to send the teams in level at the break.
The second half continued in the same vein, with the hosts probing with periods of possession and the Tangerines staying defensively disciplined.
Rohan broke away and raced in on goal on 62 minutes, dispatching a powerful shot past the oncoming keeper to restore the lead.
Hyam made a brave save, and moments later, Rohan capitalised on a defensive slip to see his shot well saved by the hosts’ custodian.
Foothold on the ever-deteriorating surface made for errors with the ball and in challenges, with the hosts achieving parity on 76 minutes with a deflected cross evading Hyam at the near post.
The Reserves currently occupy fifth position in the league table (CLICK HERE) and return to action in the New Year.
Team: Tom Hyam, Dylan Groves, Mark Owen (cpt), Jamie Fleet, Tom Davies, Connor Noble, Wes Poulsom, Oliver Nott, Ned Ogilvie, Rohan Poulsom, Jordan Sellick. Subs: Dominic Healey and Will Armstrong (used); Jake Nichol (not used).
The Reserves’ number three shirt was not used for the game, as a mark of respect to Lloyd, and this will continue to be the case for the rest of the season.
