Toolstation Western League premier division: Saltash United 4, Wellington 0
Wellington suffered their second successive four-goal defeat as they went down away to league leaders Saltash United in Cornwall yesterday (Saturday, February 11th).
Our man-of-the-match was skipper Jack Bown-Porter who is pictured, left, with joint manager Tim Legg.
Just like their midweek reverse at Ashton & Backwell, a pair of late goals produced a scoreline which flattered the hosts – although this time the Tangerines had to play the final 28 minutes with ten men after what looked like a harsh sending off.
Wellington, who drew 1-1 with Saltash at the Playing Field in November, welcomed back fit-again striker Jake Quick but were still without injured central defender Tom Stone.
They had their backs to the wall from the kick-off and the hosts eventually went ahead after 26 minutes as the ball was crossed to the far post and dropped for Sam Farrant to volley home.
Wellington kept the scoreline at 1-0 until the break but the game then turned on an incident 17 minutes into the second half.
Defender Alex Cherry was ruled to have pulled back a home striker as he advanced on goal and, after consulting with his assistant, the referee produced a red card – much to the surprise of many at the ground.
That left the visitors with a mountain to climb and they fell further behind after giving the ball away on 71 minutes, Harrison Davis dribbling towards goal before producing a cool finish.
To their credit, Wellington refused to lie down and they almost pulled one back shortly afterwards when sub Glen Wright saw his header come back of the bar.
But Saltash made their man advantage count in stoppage time as Sam Davis bagged a brace of goals from close range to seal their win and continue their bid for promotion.
The Tangerines must now pick themselves up from the double setback when they return to home soil for the visit of fifth-placed Barnstaple Town on Wednesday, ko 7.45pm.
Wellington: Harley Wilkinson, Stefan Phillips, Jason Quick, Alex Cherry, Jack Bown-Porter, Jamie Nicholson, Miles Quick, Eli Collins, Nathan Bryrne, Ryan Brereton, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Sully McKenna and Glen Wright (used); Callum Chivers and Tim Legg (not used).
