Our U16s made it through to the next round of the HO Soccer Taunton and District Youth League Cup with a convincing 3-1 victory over Galmington Dragons.
Galmington, third in division one, were slight favourites against the away side who sit top of division two and are currently unbeaten with 11 wins and 1 draw.
Wellington were able to field a strong 11 and showed their attacking intent from the first whistle.
They had the best of the early exchanges but couldn’t quite convert a number of chances created along both flanks.
Spencer Thomson broke the deadlock around the half-hour mark when he pounced on an opportunity created by Elijah Hiller. The lead was fully deserved and reflected the run of play.
With about five minutes of the first half to go, Galmington made the most of a penalty awarded when Ben Briddon was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box. The half ended all-square.
Having had to toil up the quite considerable slope in the first half, Wellington looked forward to attacking downhill in the second 40 minutes.
Again, Wellington started in energetic fashion and were rewarded a penalty at about 50 minutes. However, the home side’s keeper pulled off an impressive save to keep the ball out.
Galmington looked much stronger in the second half and tested Charlie Taylor in goal on a number of occasions.
Wellington’s rapid forward Toby Marke was a thorn in the opposition’s right side for the whole 80 minutes and his fine work on the left created a gilt-edged opportunity which was converted by Elijah Hiller at about 67 minutes.
Rather than park the bus, Wellington remained on the front foot and Spencer Thomson made it 3-1 a couple of minutes later.
The match finished 3-1 and the reward is a challenging tie away to Isle of Wedmore.
Man-of-the-match went to Ben Briddon for a commanding performance of the middle of the defence.
Notable mentions go to Ollie Ackland, who was unplayable at times and Liam Deville for his best performance this season.
Many thanks to main sponsor, The Mole Resort.
Squad: Charlie Taylor, Ed Old, Brenly Povey, Josh Waygood, Liam Deville, Ben Briddon, Luke Rogerson, Ollie Ackland, Thiago Willetts, Spencer Thomson, Toby Marke (cpt), Elijah Hiller, Frankie Wigglesworth, Harvey Williams.
