Toolstation League premier division: Torpoint Athletic 3, Wellington 1
Wellington failed to build on an improved first-half performance as they went on to suffer their third successive league defeat in Cornwall yesterday (Saturday, March 18th).
It really was a game of two halves with the Tangerines bossing the opening 45 minutes, only for the tables to be turned after the break with the hosts hitting three goals in 11 minutes to take the points.
On their first trip to the impressive Torpoint setup, Wellington welcomed back keeper Harley Wilkinson and the three Quick brothers, who all missed the midweek defeat at Street.
And they opted for a new-look back three with Tom Stone on the right, Jack Bown-Porter central and Jason Quick on the left.
The extra man in midfield paid dividends in the first half with Torpoint showing little attacking intent and the visitors dominating possession.
Wellington almost went ahead after 25 minutes as Eli Collins saw a shot from outside the box hit the post but they were not to be denied and broke the deadlock two minutes later.
A flowing move out of defence ended with Nathan Byrne sending over a cross from the left and Miles Quick dived in at the far post to net with a powerful header.
Eli Collins – whose twin brother Zeph made his first start – was also denied by a smart save as it remained 1-0 at half-time.
Torpoint shook things up at the break and looked like a different side as a result while Wellington lost the momentum they had built before the turnaround.
The hosts drew level after 57 minutes when the ball dropped to Gary Hird with the visitors appealing in vain for offside and he made room before shooting home across Wilkinson.
They then took the lead with another drive from inside the box – this time Ryan Richards scored after his first effort had been blocked.
And the game was virtually over as a contest two minutes later when Curtis Damerell lobbed the ball goalwards from nearly 40 yards and his ambitious effort dipped in below the bar.
Wellington nearly reduced the arrears on 71 minutes with Jake Quick’s cross headed against his own bar by a Torpoint defender but that was the closest they came to getting back in the contest.
They will be looking to end their barren run with a trip to bottom-of-the-table Cadbury Heath on Wednesday, ko 7.30pm.
Wellington: Harley Wilkinson, Tom Stone, Jack Bown-Porter, Jason Quick, Miles Quick, Glen Wright, Eli Collins, Nathan Byrne, Zeph Collins, Jamie Nicholson, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Sully McKenna and Tom Burt (used); Ryan Brereton, Alex Cherry and Stefan Phillips (not used).
