Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League division one: Wellington Reserves 1, Newton St Cyres 0

After four-week break with no games, it was back to action for our Reserves against Newton St Cyres at the Playing Field.

Man-of-the-match was midfielder Sam Poole and he is pictured with Wes Poulsom of Manny’s Barber Shop, who kindly sponsored the game along with Courtney Bowden & Son Roofing.

Manager Mark Owen again had to play a changed team with keeper Charlie Hawkings away and Wes Poulsom serving a three-match ban.

The game started off with Wellington playing down the slope and, after a slow start, they grew into the game with Rohan Poulsom and Luke Perry causing real problems down both flanks and creating openings but they again failed to convert the chances into goals.

Wellington then seemed to have a legitimate ‘goal’ disallowed. With a free kick taken on the left wing, the ball was swung into the box and Connor Noble made a late run meeting the ball with a fantastic header into the top corner but, to everyone’s amazement, it was ruled out for offside.

However, there was not long to wait for the deadlock to be broken and, on 35 minutes, skipper Tom Davies was quickest to react in the box to head the ball over the keeper and into the net to give Wellington a 1-0 lead at the break.

The 2nd half was a real team effort from Wellington especially in midfield with Sam Poole and Aaron Hawkings as they battled to keep a clean sheet.

Tom Hawkings, who stepped in to replace Charlie in goal, was assured in dealing with any threat from Newton and only had one scare when a looping shot clipped the top of the bar.

Newton really pushed on in the last ten minutes but Wellington stayed strong and saw out the game for a welcome win.

Team: Tom Hawkings, Dylan Groves, Ned Ogilvie, Connor Noble, Tom Davies, Sam Poole, Luke Perry, Aaron Hawkings, Alfie Barrett, Ollie Nott, Rohan Poulsom. Substitutes: Lenny Old, Jack Slatter, Dom Healey, Logan Sellick (all used ); Mark Owen ( not used).

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Our A team are still top of division one in the West Country Drainage Services Taunton & District Football League after drawing 1-1 away to second placed Bridgwater Wolves.

The scorer was Alfie Hill and man-of-the-match was keeper Tom Hyam.

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BELOW: Photos from the Reserves’ victory.