Five-goal blast sends U18s top of table

Western Counties Floodlit Youth League: Wellington U18s 5 Wells City U18s 1

Our U18s put in another excellent performance in their fourth league game on Tuesday night (October 10th).

The team were full of confidence after last week’s cup win away to Paulton Rovers and were keen to put in a good performance for a very good home crowd.

The game started evenly and both teams had early chances. Wellington took the lead when joint top scorer Sean Conway latched on to a through ball which was missed by a Wells defender and beat the onrushing keeper with a shot in off the post.

Wellington continued to press and had a couple of chances to increase their lead with Freddie Margetts hitting a couple of well-struck free kicks which the Wells keeper did well to keep out.

Wells got back in the game, against the run of play, when a tangle of legs in the Wellington box resulted in a penalty, which was comfortably dispatched.

Wellington didn’t let their heads go down and continued on the front foot, and their efforts were rewarded, just before half-time, when a fine move ended with Jon Wasey bursting into the box and finishing with a low drive.

This was the last meaningful action of the half and the lads led 2-1 at the break.

Wellington started the second half in a very positive manner and, following good work from a set piece, skipper Ned Ogilvie capped an excellent personal display by heading the third.

The home team’s defence and midfield worked hard to keep their opponents at arm’s length and keeper Sam Harcombe put in a solid handling and kicking display.

The fourth goal came when hard-working midfielder Cez Wisniewski followed up on a shot which rebounded off the Wells keeper to drive the ball over the line.

The team were now in the groove and the fifth goal was an excellent example of their confidence as substitute James King smashed a 25-yard free kick into the roof of the net to seal a comprehensive win.

There was still time for the Wells keeper to pull off a couple of excellent saves, one in particular from lively sub Jack Ellis, who produced some impressive runs late on.

The team carefully managed the remaining minutes to run out impressive and deserved winners.

It was really encouraging to see the rest of the squad in the crowd supporting the team. Players are naturally disappointed when they don’t make the matchday squad, but they still want to part of the team’s efforts this season.

This was an excellent performance from the team and it takes them to the top of the league at this early stage.

They will be looking to keep the winning run going when they entertain league newcomers Yeovil Town U18s next Tuesday (October 17th) with a 7.30pm kick-off.

Team: Sam Harcombe, Ben Fowler, Dylan Sellick, Ned Ogilvie, James Clarke, Luke Augustine, Cez Wisniewski, Jack Slatter, Jon Wasey, Sean Conway, Freddie Margetts Subs: James King, Sam Snook, Jack Ellis, Ky Burgess, Dylan Groves (all used).

Matchday sponsor: Ryelands Business Park Ltd.

Matchball sponsor: Fox Electrical.