Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 3, Ilfracombe Town 1

Wellington made it eight wins on the trot – and moved up into the top six – with a hard-earned victory over Ilfracombe at the Playing Field tonight (Wednesday, November 13th).

With manager Richard Cherry back at the helm after missing Saturday’s win at Welton Rovers, there were two changes to the starting line-up with Sam Pashen and Miles Quick coming in for the unavailable Sam Towler and Phil Mendonca.

On a chilly evening, the Tangerines got off to a dream start by taking the lead after only five minutes.

Good work on the left by Nathan Byrne saw him send in a low cross and Jake Quick produced a sublime back-heeled flick to beat keeper Dom Aplin.

Ilfracombe refused to let that setback affect them and proceedings then switched from end-to-end until the visitors were reduced to ten men before the break by having a player sin-binned.

Miles Quick (twice) and his brother Jake both went close to extending the lead, but it remained 1-0 at half-time.

However, Jake was not to be denied, and he doubled Wellington’s advantage eight minutes after the restart when the ball dropped to him in the box and he snapped up the half-chance.

Ilfracombe pulled one back three minutes later through Aidan Barrow’s close-range finish – the first goal conceded by the Tangerines in more than 400 minutes of football.

It gave the visitors hope but that faded as they had a player sin binned and then red carded with 14 minutes remaining.

Wellington duly wrapped up another victory in stoppage time with their third clinical finish – sub Matt Crawley’s curler giving Aplin no chance.

Next up for Cherry’s buoyant squad is a tasty local derby at home to Bridgwater United on Saturday.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Sam Gleeson, Kieran Ireland, Sam Pashen, Josh Lukins, Nathan Byrne, Miles Quick, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Matt Crawley, William Pinnick, Charlie Wilson (used); Ryan Hibbert, Matt Hesford (not used).

You can see the up-to-date league table by CLICKING HERE.

Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.