Jewson Western League premier division: Shepton Mallet 5, Wellington 1
Wellington’s disappointing run of results continued with a heavy defeat at Shepton Mallet last night (Tuesday, September 10th).
Twelve successive away games since the start of the season appear to have taken their toll on the Tangerines who conceded three goals in five minutes near the end.
Manager Richard Cherry again shuffled his line-up with young keeper Charlie Hawkings in for the unavailable Jake Viney plus starts for the dual registered Tom Stone and Josh Baker.
Playing up the slope, Wellington got off to a bad start, finding themselves 2-0 inside the first 25 minutes.
Jacob Sloggett swept the ball home after 16 minutes before Josh Jenkins got in behind the defence to produce a neat finish.
Wellington pulled one back almost immediately as Stone won a header in the box and Sam Sheldrake’s shot was deflected upwards before dropping into the net.
The visitors thought they had drawn level 13 minutes into the second half when Jake Quick slotted home but it was ruled out for offside.
That was as good as it got for Wellington with Hawkings pulling off some good saves before Shepton’s late triple salvo after 85, 87 and 90 minutes.
Jenkins raced clear for his second and then completed his hat-trick with a diving header before sub Cam Allen added the fifth from a free-kick.
Wellington hit the road again this Saturday with a trip to Torpoint Athletic before finally getting their home matches under way against Barnstaple Town next Wednesday.
Wellington: Charlie Hawkings, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Kieran Ireland, Harry Scott, Sam Sheldrake, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Josh Lukins, Jake Quick, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Phil Mendonca, Matt Crawley, Oscar Albano, Ollie Crisp (used); Sam Gleeson (not used).