Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 0, Falmouth Town 2
Wellington’s unbeaten run came to an end as Falmouth Town scored goals either side of half-time to take the points back home to Cornwall this afternoon (Saturday, March 11th).
Man-of-the-match was midfielder Eli Collins who received the award from Ken Bird, our social media and website officer, on behalf of sponsors AJ Shire Electrical and Solar Services.
It was the first time the Tangerines had lost at the Playing Field since mid-October and, although they will have been disappointed with the result, they still held on to 12th position in the premier table.
Wellington were missing skipper Glen Wright but Tom Stone returned in defence while Tom Burt, who scored a late winner the previous week, replaced Jamie Nicholson out wide.
They were also forced into a late change as midfielder Ryan Brereton pulled up injured in the warm-up and so Nathan Byrne came into the starting 11.
The game got off to a lively start with both sides creating early openings as they did their best to play passing football on the greasy surface.
Wellington gradually took a foothold on proceedings and twice went close to breaking the deadlock around the half-hour mark.
Burt was denied by a flying save from keeper Morgan Coxhead before a long throw from Jack Bown-Porter was flicked on by Tom Stone and Jake Quick’s header clipped the bar.
It was Falmouth who took the lead five minutes later – thanks to a huge slice of luck. A cross from the right found Tom Annear whose shot came back off the post and rebounded off defender Jason Quick and into the net for an own goal.
That was tough on Wellington who needed to build on their first half momentum after the break. They took the game to the visitors and dominated possession without being able to break through a well organised defence.
And they suffered a sucker punch with 12 minutes remaining as, completely against the run of play, Falmouth scored a breakaway goal with sub Ryan Downing running on to a long ball to beat keeper Harley Wilkinson.
Wellington used all four subs – including debuts for Zeph Collins, twin brother of midfielder Eli, and 17-year-old Will Armstrong, promoted from the Reserves.
But they were unable to claw their way back into the game and must now pick themselves up for the trip to Street on Wednesday night (March 15th).
Wellington: Harley Wilkinson, Lloyd Tucker, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Jack Bown-Porter, Sully McKenna, Eli Collins, Miles Quick, Nathan Byrne, Jake Quick, Tom Burt. Substitutes: Jamie Nicholson, Alex Cherry, Zeph Collins and Will Armstrong (all used).
