Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League Division One: Newtown 2nds 2, Wellington Reserves 2
This was possibly the worst performance of the season by our Reserves with a 90th minute penalty, emphatically dispatched by Rohan Poulsom, rescuing a point to extend their unbeaten run to 14 games.
Jordan Sellick departed the game after five minutes with an injury and was replaced by Logan Sellick.
The playing surface was remarkably good, following the recent deluge of rain, with the Tangerines taking the lead on 22 minutes after some neat approach play with midfielder Aaron Hawkings applying a neat finish inside the box.
On a tight pitch with space at a premium, the hosts equalised from a speculative shot which caught keeper Tom Hyam flat footed on 41 minutes to level proceedings.
The start of the second half was initially a little brighter for the Reserves, with quicker and more decisive play applied, and an opening for Luke Perry flashed over the bar.
However, the bad habits returned as poor were decisions made with the ball gifting the average hosts the initiative time after time which they gratefully accepted.
A rash challenge was punished on the hour with a whipped in free kick being headed home in the crowded penalty area by Newtown.
Flustered and frustrated, the Reserves conceded a penalty nine minutes later and were reduced to ten men with Tom Davies dismissed from the field of play. Fortunately, the spot kick struck the left post and was cleared.
Seventeen-year-old Josh Sibanda made an instant impact from the bench going close with his first touch and showing some neat skill and pace as Wellington searched for an equaliser.
Will Armstrong was deployed into central midfield, resulting in improved ball distribution to the front three.
The late penalty was awarded following striker Logan Sellick being fouled in the 90th minute and five minutes of added time followed as both teams searched for the decisive goal to no avail.
Team: Tom Hyam, Mark Owen, Tom Davies, Will Armstrong, Connor Noble, Ned Ogilvie, Aaron Hawkings, Jordan Sellick, Dylan Groves, Luke Perry, Rohan Poulsom. Substitutes: Logan Sellick and Josh Sibanda (both used).
A run of four home games to complete the season starts on Wednesday, April 5th.