Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 1, Helston Athletic 1

Wellington bounced back from two defeats with a hard-earned point against sixth-placed Helston Athletic last night (Tuesday, April 26th).

Because the Playing Field lights have been taken down for the cricket season, the match was played at fellow premier club Buckland Athletic on the outskirts of Newton Abbot.

The Tangerines – facing two games in three days – made six changes from the starting 11 who lost 3-0 away to new champions Mousehole on Saturday.

They had been without either of their regular keepers in Cornwall and welcomed back Shay Allen who gave an assured display.

The game sprang to life after 18 minutes with incidents at both ends.

Helston’s Rikki Shepherd lifted the ball over the bar when he looked certain to score and Wellington broke straight away.

Tom Burt found Miles Quick who slipped the ball through to his brother Jake and the striker coolly rounded keeper Mike Searle before slotting home the opener.

Helston claimed they had equalised just after the half-hour when a powerful header by Rubin Wilson was clawed out by Allen but their appeals that the ball had crossed the line were turned down.

Wilson was not to be denied though and made it 1-1 ten minutes into the second half as he was played into space in the box and advanced before driving low past Allen.

They got the ball into the net again four minutes later from a far post header by Shepherd but this time the flag was up for offside.

Helston continued in search of the winner but some resolute defending by Wellington, who used all five subs, kept them at bay.

Wellington: Shay Allen, Stefan Phillips, Jack Bown-Porter, Glen Wright, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Miles Quick, Ryan Brereton, Jake Quick, Tom Burt, Alfie Clark. Substitutes: Eli Collins, Jamie Nicholson, Sully McKenna, Alex Cherry, Nathan Byrne.

It’s a quick turnaround for the Tangerines as they end the season tomorrow (Thursday) at the Playing Field v Ilfracombe Town, ko 6.30pm.

Tonight (Wednesday), Wellington Reserves complete their campaign at home to Beer Albion 2nds, ko 6.30pm.

They need a win a to challenge for third place and possible promotion to the premier division of the Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter Football League.

Photos courtesy of Around Wellington.