Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 2, Cadbury Heath 1
Wellington climbed further up the premier division table with their second win in four days at the Playing Field yesterday (Saturday, February 18th).
Our man-of-the-match was new signing Tom Burt, who came off the bench to score the winner, and he is pictured with match sponsor Adrian Rowland of County Roofing, also kit sponsors of our Reserves.
After falling behind to an early goal, an improved second half performance saw the Tangerines come from behind to take the points.
Wellington made only one change from the starting 11 who played so well in the midweek victory over Barnstaple Town – keeper Harley Wilkinson returning to replace Shay Allen.
But against a side below them in the table they got off to the worst possible start as Cadbury Heath went ahead in controversial circumstances after only four minutes.
Wilkinson was challenged as he leapt to collect a high ball into the box and could only push it out for Ali Boyer to net with the home side appealing in vain for a foul.
Wellington struggled to get into their stride for the rest of their half although they did go close on a number of occasions without being able to get back on terms, while they were indebted to Wilkinson for a sharp block from a rare Cadbury Heath break.
The home side introduced Eli Collins for Glen Wright at the interval and equalised two minutes after the restart when a trademark long throw from Jack Bown-Porter saw Jason Quick score with a flicked header which looped into the net.
Wellington made three more substitutions around the hour mark including the introduction of Tom Burt, a new signing from Bovey Tracey of the SW Peninsular League.
And, despite being a man short for ten minutes after Ryan Brereton was sin-binned, it was Burt who proved to be the match-winner on 70 minutes as a lofted free kick dropped to him and his low drive crept inside the post.
Wellington could have increased their lead in the closing stages but sub Sully McKenna headed against the woodwork and then the hard-working Miles Quick fired over from close range.
There’s no midweek game for the Tangerines – they play the last of three successive home games on Saturday when Street are the visitors to the Playing Field, ko 3pm.
Wellington: Harley Wilkinson, Stefan Phillips, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Jack Bown-Porter, Jamie Nicholson, Ryan Brereton, Glen Wright, Alfie Clark, Jake Quick, Miles Quick. Substitutes: Tom Burt, Nathan Byrne, Ei Collins, Sully McKenna, Kelson Pollard (all used).
