Fog brings game to an early end

Wellington’s game against Jewson Western League leaders Portishead Town tonight (Wednesday, January 15th) was abandoned because of thick fog.

The referee blew for half-time at the Playing Field five minutes early in the hope that a break in play might see conditions improve.

But that improvement failed to materialise and so he brought proceedings to a premature end with the visitors leading 1-0.

The match was preceded by a minute’s applause for Norman Rogers, a popular Wellington AFC figure, who sadly passed away before New Year.

Manager Richard Cherry made one change to the side which drew at Street with Mark Cornish returning from suspension in place of Sam Gleeson.

There was added spice to the game with the visitors’ lineup including former Tangerines defender Jason Quick who lined up against his brothers Miles and Jake.

Portishead held the upper hand early on with home keeper Jake Viney getting down well to save from Mitch Osmond after 13 minutes.

But both sides were forced into substitutions with Osmond and then Wellington’s Sam Towler going off injured.

Portishead went ahead after 25 minutes as the Tangerines appealed in vain for a foul on Jack Winsor and the resulting cross was forced home.

The hosts almost drew level when Tom Stone’s header brought a fine save out of keeper Ryan Thacker.

But the lack of visibility was causing problems for both sides – and the officials – with an early conclusion becoming inevitable.

The game will now be replayed on a date to be fixed.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Kieran Bailey, Tom Stone, Jordan Hayman, Jack Winsor, Sam Towler, Josh Lukins, Miles Quick, Alex Parsons, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Sam Pashen (used); Glen Wright, Josh Baker, Alex Cherry, Rob Hall (not used).

Wellington are without a fixture on Saturday and then host Barnstaple Town at the Playing Field on Wednesday, ko 7.45pm.

Photos courtesy of Around Wellington.