Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League premier division: Upottery 2, Wellington Reserves 2
After last week’s home win, it was back on the road for our Reserves with a short trip to Upottery.
Mark Owen had to make some team changes with midfielders Luke Perry, Arron Hawkings and Sam Poole all ruled out by injury.
With Connor Noble and Scott Merritt both starting in midfield for the first time together and Owen selecting himself, Wellington started the game the better team and made all the early chances.
But they could not make the breakthrough with the Upottery keeper making some fine saves.
After 20 minutes, Wes Poulsom was brought down in the box resulting in a penalty to Wellington and a great chance to break the deadlock.
Jack Bryant stepped up to fire the ball to the left but the keeper guessed right and made an outstanding save to deny him – the third penalty the Reserves have failed to score soi far this season!
With Wellington still creating chances and dealing well with Upottery’s speedy front line it was a surprise when they went 1-0 down.
From a Wellington attack, the ball was cleared down the middle and the Upottery forward was left to run clear. A last-ditch block from Mark Owen was unable to stop the shot flying past Charlie Hawkings and into the net.
Wellington’s response was instant, being awarded another penalty when Jack Bryant being fouled. This time, Ollie Nott stepped up to unleash an unstoppable shot into the top corner and make the game level at half-time.
Upottery starred the second half the better team and it was now the Wellington goal under pressure with Dylan Groves making a goalline clearance to keep the game level.
Wellington were forced to make several change with 20 minutes to go with both Owen and Sam Bryant both forced off injured.
With 15 minutes left, Jack Bryant chased a ball into the area and headed it past the keeper. With the ball loose in the middle of the box, substitute James Beatty tapped it into the empty net to make it 2-1 to Wellington.
Upottery responded well and equalised instantly with a fine shot from the edge of the box past Hawkings.
Both teams tried to find the winner but the game ended in a draw which was a fair result.
Wellington: Charlie Hawkings, Mark Owen, Dylan Groves, Sam Bryant, Tom Davies, Wes Poulsom, Connor Noble, Scott Merritt, Ollie Nott, Jack Bryant, Alfie Barratt Substitutes: Tom Hawkings, Lenny Old, Josh Sibanda, Ned Ogilvie, James Beatty (all used).
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Our A team recorded a 1-0 win over Wyvern at Court Fields today Alfie Hill scoring the goal.
Man-of-the-match was Jimmy Groves who is pictured with joint manager (and dad!), Matt.