Toolstation League premier division: Brixham 3, Wellington 1

Despite taking the lead, depleted Wellington ended their season with defeat at Brixham yesterday (Saturday, April 27th).

Our scorer Kieran Bailey is pictured tussling with Brixham’s two-goal Scott Robinson.

Manager Richard Cherry was without 11 players – either injured or unavailable – and, as he said afterwards, it proved to be “one game too many”.

Brixham, eighth in the table, have been enjoying an impressive season after gaining promotion but the Tangerines started brightly with Harry Scott having a shot well saved before the visitors went ahead after 26 minutes.

Sully McKenna sent over a corner from the right and central defender Kieran Bailey – captain in the absence of Tom Stone – ran in at the far post to head home.

Wellington’s joy was shortlived, however, as Brixham struck twice in quick succession to lead at the break.

Both goals came from the head of Scott Robinson who powerfully dispatched a free kick into the box after 38 minutes before again giving keeper Jake Viney no chance with his second three minutes later.

Viney denied Robinson his hat-trick early in the second half while Wellington’s cause was made more difficult after 50 minutes as Glen Wright, who has had such a fine season in midfield, limped off with a hamstring injury.

Viney pulled off several fine saves to prevent the visitors adding to their tally before Brixham eventually sealed the points with a third goal 16 minutes from time.

The visitors lost possession out wide and sub Jaden Maslen was left with a simple finish from the eventual cross.

Wellington nearly pulled a goal back right at the death when Sam Towler’s long-range free-kick hit the bar but, as the final whistle blew, 3-1 was probably a fair reflection of the game.

The Tangerines can look back on a much-improved second half to the campaign which secured their place in the premier division as they finished in 15th position – the same as last season.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Kieran Bailey, Ryan Hibbert, Glen Wright, Josh Lukins, Sam Towler, Harry Scott, Sully McKenna, Joe Wragg, Miles Quick. Substitutes: Tom Scarlett and Danny Wordsworth (both used).

Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.