Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round: Wellington 0, Bideford 2
Wellington were beaten but far from disgraced as they bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup this afternoon (Saturday, August 5th).
Glen Wright was our man-of-the-match and he received the award from John Pool, chairman of the Toolstation League, who was at the game along with the president, Brian Beer.
In a tie switched to Willand Rovers’ ground because of cricket at the Playing Field, they took on Bideford from the level above them, the Southern League division one.
And Richard Cherry’s young squad gave a good account of themselves, eventually going down to a goal in each half.
Extremely windy conditions at Silver Street ruined the game as a spectacle and meant chances were at a premium.
But the North Devon outfit took their first opening after 18 minutes as the ball was chipped over the Wellington defence and Ryan Turner ran on to slot it past keeper Shay Allen, who was making his first appearance of the season.
The Tangerines suffered a blow on 28 minutes when midfielder Keiran Ireland limped off after a heavy challenge and was later discovered to have sustained a fractured tibia, meaning a long spell on the sidelines.
Allen then did well to deny the onrushing Josh Coles shortly afterwards and it remained 1-0 at the break.
Wellington had conditions in their favour in the second half and they almost got on terms after 70 minutes when a dipping volley from man-of-the-match Glen Wright dipped inches over the angle.
But Bideford sealed a home tie against Helston Athletic in the next round with their second goal three minutes later.
A fine run by the dangerous Javan Wright led to him feeding Finn Roberts on the left of the box and he thumped a low drive into the net with the help of a deflection.
Wellington, who had used all three of their permitted subs, were forced to play the final few minutes with ten men after Wright went off following a heavy clash.
They had the consolation of picking up £375 while Bideford earned £1,125.
Wellington: Shay Allen, Lloyd Tucker, Jordan Hayman, Matt Futcher, Jack-Bown-Porter, Finn Smith, Keiran Ireland, Josh Lukins, Glen Wright, Tom Burt, Miles Quick. Substitutes: James Cottrill, Ryan Hibbert and Rohan Poulsom (used); Lewis Jennings and Beckham Pyatt (not used).
Next up for the Tangerines is a trip into Cornwall to take on Torpoint Athletic in the Toolstation League premier division next Saturday, August 12th.
Match photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
