Western Counties Floodlit Youth League: Welton Rovers U18s 5 Wellington U18s 0
Our U18s suffered another defeat in their penultimate game of the season as hey travelled to Welton Rovers on a very wet evening.
Injuries and other commitments meant that Wellington had only 11 players and were without a recognised goalkeeper.
It was already a daunting prospect as Welton had won the league cup on the previous Monday evening and are two wins from making it a league and cup double.
Wellington started brightly and held their own in the opening skirmishes. They utilised the heading ability of winger Sam Snook, who won everything in the air and provided flick-ons for the lively duo of Dylan Sellick and Matt Brereton.
They were unlucky not to have a good chance when Brereton broke through and was blocked by the covering defender, but the ref waved play on.
Unfortunately, this was the catalyst for Welton to start to apply pressure on the Wellington goal and stand-in keeper Reggie Dursten made a number of important saves. The deadlock was broken when a corner reached the back post and was headed in by the unmarked forward.
The back four of James Clarke, Ned Ogilvie, Dylan Groves and Josh Moore were all putting their bodies on the line to keep out the lively Welton frontline but the hosts grabbed a second before the half-time whistle.
The second half started with Wellington holding their own with the hardworking midfield of Ben Fowler, Robbie Walker and Jon Wasey all putting in huge shifts to keep Welton out.
Despite a fantastic effort from all 11 players, tiredness told and Welton added three second-half goals.
The Wellington lads battled to the end and were unlucky not to grab a consolation when a last-minute penalty was missed.
Despite the result all the players should be proud of the dedication and commitment.
The season concludes with another away game at Frome on Thursday, May 4th.
