Western Counties Floodlit Youth League: Yeovil Town U18s 7, Wellington U18s 0
Our U18s finally got back into league action for the first time in almost four months when they played away to the league leaders, Yeovil Town, last night (Tuesday, April 9th).
Unfortunately, the long layoff showed in Wellington’s play and they were well beaten by a very strong Yeovil team who are starting to run away with the league.
The squad arrived at Gillingham, some 20 miles further on from Yeovil, in a confident mood, following some strong performances this season and being in a position to challenge for the league.
This optimism was soon tested as Yeovil started on the front foot and only some last ditch defending kept them out in the early stages.
Wellington were second to the ball and found it hard to get any rhythm into their attacking play.
Just as it looked as if they had weathered the storm, Yeovil took the lead from a set piece. They doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when slack marking from a corner saw a Yeovil player in acres of space and he finished in style.
Wellington didn’t let their heads drop, but it was clear their opponents were technically a very good team and, although Wellington managed a couple of half chances, it was no surprise when a couple of flowing moves produced goals three and four just before the interval.
Wellington tried to regroup at half-time and a change of formation seemed to have worked as they started the second half strongly.
However, just as it looked as if a partial fightback could be possible, a moment of real quality from the Yeovil captain, who is a really fantastic footballer, saw his 25-yard shot fly in off the post for number five.
This deflated Wellington and Yeovil went hunting for more goals which came in a rather soft manner as a pair of defensive mistakes presented them with two more.
Despite being on the rack, Wellington continued to battle and managed to ensure their hosts didn’t add to their total in the last 20 minutes.
This was a difficult night for the team and management, after a successful season to date – it was, perhaps, a reality check.
Losing to Yeovil, an academy team looking to become professional footballers, won’t define their season.
If they remain confident and play at the standard, Wellington know what they are capable of, there is no reason why a top three finish can’t be achieved.
They will be looking to getting back to winning ways in the league when they visit, Axminster Town, on Thursday, April 18th, with a 7.30pm kick off.
Team: Sam Harcombe, Dylan Groves, Ben Fowler, Josh Morse, Ned Ogilvie, James Clarke, Luke Augustine, Jack Slatter, Alfie Doidge, Sean Conway, Freddie Margetts. Substitutes: Josh Moore, Ryan Corbett, Jon Wasey, Sam Snook, Leo Manners-Fonteyn (all used).
Transport sponsor: Connor Sellick Fencing and Decking.
Kit sponsor: Fox Electrical.
