Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League premier division: Winkleigh 1, Wellington Reserves 4
Our Reserves completed a hat-trick of away victories with an excellent performance at Winkleigh yesterday (Saturday, February 1st).
Two-goal Ben Evett was man-of-the-match and he is pictured with assistant manager Michael Owen.
With top scorer Jack Bryant out injured, manager Mark Owen pushed Aaron Hawkings forward to support Alfie Barrett and was looking for a fast start from his side – and that’s exactly what he got as they went 2-0 up within 25 minutes.
The first goal came from a fine move with the ball being played out wide to man-of-the-match Ben Evett and, as he fired in a fine cross, Barrett flicked it in from close range.
The second goal came from a free kick out wide on the left. Scott Merritt whipped in a curling cross and, as it flew across the six-yard box, Aaron Hawkings was on hand to turn it over the line.
Winkleigh then created a couple of chances but keeper Rob Hall was in fine form, notably pushing a close range effort wide for a corner.
As the game approached half-time, Wellington scored a third goal. Hall played a free kick upfield and Hawkings played a clever header inside the centre half for Evett to run on to and score.
Wellington could not have asked for a better start to the second half as they made it 4-0 inside the first minute. The ball was played up the right flank and as Evett ran clear he hit a shot from 25 yards over the keeper into the opposite top corner.
This gave Owen the opportunity to make numerous changes, resting some players on a very heavy pitch, and as Winkleigh tried to get back into the game, the Wellington defence held firm, well marshalled by Tom Davies and Sam Bryant, before he went off.
Winkleigh pulled one back with 15 minutes to go but Wellington kept their shape and to complete off three fine away wins against tough opposition.
Team: Rob Hall, Wes Poulsom, Dylan Groves, Sam Bryant, Tom Davies, Tom Hawkings, Ben Evett, Connor Noble, Alfie Barrett, Aaron Hawkings, Scott Merritt. Substitutes: Luke Perry, Ollie Nott, Jim Beatty, Reegan Scotcher, Connor Porter (all used).
