Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League Division One: Wellington Reserves 2, Chard Town Reserves o
On a night of raw emotion, our Reserves produced the goods on the field of play to stretch their unbeaten run to 13 games and move up into second in division one.
The game was preceded by a minute’s applause by officials, players, and spectators for Lloyd Manning.
The game started at a frantic pace with both teams looking to take the initiative.
The Tangerines’ 17-year-old keeper Tom Hyam was impeccable with his handling as the visitors knocked at the door with balls into the box.
Focused and committed, a succession of neat attacks were built by the hosts, especially from the left flank where Jordan Sellick was involved with neat feet and pace.
Ironically, it was the right flank where the opening goal was created as energetic attacking midfielder Dom Healey won the ball to feed striker Luke Perry and he squared it inside the box to strike partner Rohan Poulsom, who calmly placed it past the oncoming keeper after 12 minutes.
A high ball in from Sellick on 25 minutes initially eluded both Rohan and the oncoming Connor Noble, which was then recycled into the path of Rohan to turn and roll it into the net from ten yards to make it 2-0.
The skies opened with a deluge of rain and thunder echoing around the Playing Field, with the playing surface now rapidly deteriorating.
Chard endeavoured to hit back but found the back line of Will Armstrong, Tom Davies and captain Mark Owen standing firm.
Playing up the slope for the second half made for a more challenging task, with underfoot conditions in rapid decline.
Ned Ogilvie was introduced on 55 minutes, replacing the spent Clay Westcott in central midfield, followed by Logan Sellick for Wes Poulsom.
Aaron Hawkings, Jamie Fleet replaced the injured Healey and Noble respectively, as the game was played out by two well-matched teams.
Many thanks to manager Danny Cleal and his Chard Town Reserves team for their kind donation to CALM.
Man-of-the-match awarded by referee’s assistant Martin Baldock to Rohan Poulsom (photo above).
Match sponsors: The Manning family and RI Leyman Plumbing & Heating
Team: Tom Hyam, Mark Owen, Tom Davies, Will Armstrong, Connor Noble, Clay Westcott, Dom Healey, Wes Poulsom, Jordan Sellick, Luke Perry, Rohan Poulsom. Substitutes: Ned Ogilvie, Logan Sellick, Aaron Hawkings, Jamie Fleet, (all used); Dylan Groves (not used).
Next up for the Reserves is a trip to Newtown on Saturday.
BELOW: Match action courtesy of Mike Green.