Toolstation League premier division: Shepton Mallet 2, Wellington 0
Wellington’s new-look squad were unable to reproduce the heroics of their opening game as they lost at Shepton Mallet last night (Tuesday, August 1st).
They trailed 2-0 at the break – the same as at Helston where they eventually drew 2-2 – but this time they were unable to reduce the arrears.
The Tangerines fielded four more debutants but were without new skipper Ryan Brereton who suffered a fractured ankle early on in Cornwall.
They were denied by two goalline clearances in the opening 15 minutes – both from newcomers as Jordan Hayman and Kieran Ireland went close.
But Shepton then took control with two goals before the break. Josh Jenkins ran on to a through ball to give them the lead after 20 minutes and, 15 minutes later, Will Banks scored with a thumping header.
To their credit, Wellington came out fighting for the second half and were unlucky not to get back in the game early on.
Another debutant Josh Lukins saw a free kick deflected on to the post and, shortly afterwards, they had appeals for a penalty turned down when Lloyd Tucker was sent tumbling in the home box.
Lukins also brought a fine save out of home keeper Callum Heal with 20 minutes remaining but, six minutes later, Wellington were reduced to ten men when Ireland was shown what looked to be a harsh second yellow.
That killed the game and the Tangerines defended well to prevent a bigger deficit with new keeper Owen Vosper also pulling off a couple of excellent saves.
Wellington: Owen Vosper, Lloyd Tucker, Jack Bown-Porter, Matthew Futcher, Jordan Hayman, Glen Wright, Flynn Smith, James Cottrill, Rohan Poulsom, Josh Lukins, Kieran Ireland. Substitutes: Ryan Hibbert, Nico Cottle, Beckham Pyatt, Mike Murphy, Josh Young.
Next up for the Tangerines is an Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie against Bideford of the Southern League on Saturday.
Owing to cricket at the Playing Field, the match is being played at Willand Rovers.
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
