Toolstation League premier division: Ilfracombe Town 1, Wellington 1

A debut goal from striker Lewis Trusson ended Wellington’s run of defeats as they collected a well deserved point in North Devon last night (Tuesday, August 30th).

After their FA Vase defeat by Okehampton Argyle on Saturday, the Tangerines gave a much improved performance in a high tempo contest.

They fell behind in unfortunate circumstances after only three minutes as a speculative low cross was diverted into his own net by skipper Tom Stone.

But Wellington refused to let that early setback knock them out of their stride and got back on terms ten minutes before the break.

Jordan Hayman found Trusson in space on the left and the 21-year-old, signed from Ilminster Town of the Somerset County League, cut inside before driving home.

Wellington could even have gone into half-time in front but Josh Lukins’ free kick curled inches wide.

Both sides pressed for an equaliser after the break without being able to find the winner. Stone just failed to get a clean connection on Hayman’s knock down with 13 minutes remaining and then Wellington were indebted to Hayman for an excellent block right at the death.

An extra bonus for Wellington was the return of midfielder Ryan Brereton – a 70th minute sub – just over four weeks after fracturing his ankle on the opening day of the season.

The Tangerines can now look forward to a trip to Saltash United – just below them in the table – on Saturday.

Wellington: Rhys Williams, Mark Cornish, Jack Bown-Porter, Glen Wright, Tom Stone (cpt), Jordan Hayman, Lewis Trusson, Josh Lukins, Tom Burt, Miles Quick, Flynn Smith. Substitutes: Rohan Poulsom, Ryan Hibbert and Ryan Brereton (all used).