Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 2, Street 0
Wellington took another step towards securing their premier division future as two late goals sank Street at a soggy Playing Field yesterday (Monday, April 1st).
Our man-of-the-match was midfielder Josh Lukins, scorer of the opening goal. He is pictured receiving the award from supporter Phil Conn who kindly sponsored the game.
The result lifted the Tangerines up into 14th place – 17 points ahead of bottom club Millbrook with only one team being relegated this season.
It also saw them bounce back from last week’s home defeat by Saltash United, the team they have leapfrogged in the table.
Although the pitch passed a morning inspection, heavy rain ahead of kick-off and during the first half made conditions extremely difficult.
But, to their credit, both sides produced an entertaining spectacle.
Wellington start brightly while Street looked dangerous as they moved the ball forward quickly with home keeper Jake Viney producing a couple of smart saves to ensure it stayed goalless at half-time.
The Tangerines suffered a blow ten minutes after the break when skipper Tom Stone limped off with an injury sustained earlier in the game.
That brought a welcome return for young central defender Jordan Hayman after a long injury lay-off while further substitutions by manager Richard Cherry turned the match in Wellington’s favour.
They introduced more width into their play, resulting in both goals to clinch victory.
With 12 minutes remaining, Sam Towler played the ball out to sub Sully McKenna whose long cross was met at full stretch by Josh Lukins and his looping header dropped inside the opposite post.
Street went close to an equaliser before the hosts sealed the points in injury time.
Another sub, Rohan Poulsom, intercepted a loose pass out wide, advanced on goal and, from his pinpoint cross, Towler produced a sublime low finish past former Wellington keeper Shay Allen.
The Tangerines are without a game on Saturday before a tough test next Tuesday when they host title-chasing Falmouth Town.
Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Tom Stone, Alex Cherry, Josh Young, Miles Quick, Sam Towler, Glen Wright, Harry Walford, Josh Lukins, Jordan Casey. Substitutes: Jordan Hayman, Sully McKenna, Harry Scott, Ryan Hibbert, Rohan Poulsom (all used).
Photos by Gill Paltridge of Around Wellington
