Toolstation League premier division: Millbrook 0, Wellington 1
The Tangerines returned to action with three valuable – and well-deserved points – from the trip to Cornwall today (Saturday, January 28th).
After a goalless draw between the sides at the Playing Field in early January, we opted for a three-man defence, allowing us to bolster our midfield with an extra player.
The move paid dividends as we enjoyed far more possession, although for nearly two-thirds of the game it looked like another stalemate was on the cards until the visitors made the vital breakthrough.
On a difficult surface, the Tangerines bossed the open stages with Ryan Brereton’s shot and Jason Quick’s header both producing smart saves from keeper Chris Wearing.
As in the first meeting between the sides, Millbrook were an occasional threat on the counter attack and the visitors were thankful to Callum Chivers for an excellent clearance and keeper Harley Wilkinson for a smart block as the first half ended 0-0.
We showed our intent straight from the restart and nearly went in front when Tom Stone’s flick found Jake Quick whose shot was diverted on to the post by a Millbrook defender.
Eli Collins then blasted over from inside the Millbrook box before the deadlock was finally broken after 67 minutes.
Young winger Kelson Pollard charged down a clearance and the ball broke to striker Jake Quick who advanced on goal before producing a clinical finish.
That was enough to settle the game as we held firm to collect a clean sheet in addition to the points as we strive to pull away from the lower reaches of the table.
Wellington: Harley Wilkinson, Callum Chivers, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Kelson Pollard, Glen Wright, Miles Quick, Eli Collins, Nathan Byrne, Ryan Brereton, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Stefan Phillips, Alex Cherry and Jack Bown-Porter (used); Henry Woodward (not used).
The Tangerines go again on Wednesday with a Les Phillips Cup tie v Clevedon Town at the Playing Field, ko 7.45pm.
