Our United U12 boys bowed out of their plate competition after a hard-fought draw saw them lose on penalties to Staplegrove Saints.
Wellington started the game strongly, creating many chances through on goal with the visitors holding firm defensively.
After nearly 28 minutes of end-to-end football with both sides creating chances, Wellington finally broke through with Sonny Rich having a shot which rebounded into the path of centre back Oscar Boucher who smashed the ball home, slipping through the hands of the visitors’ keeper.
It was 1-0 Wellington at the break and the second half started with much of the same end-to-end football until just over halfway through when Saints equaliser with a cracking goal.
The hosts kept pushing through a tough patch of pressure from Staplegrove before returning the pressure but they were just unable to find a winner as the game ended 1-1, sending the teams to penalties.
United’s first ever shootout started well with Harry Newstead calmly finding the back of the net, matched by the visitors. The next two kicks unfortunately didn’t find the back of the net with one going wide and one being saved whilst the visitors netted their efforts.
Wellington scored the fourth, put away by Jack Farrington, but it was unfortunately matched by the visitors which meant they won 4-2 on penalties.
Well done to Oscar Boucher for earning man-of-the-match.
Manager Steve Newstead said: “I’m gutted with the result but really pleased by the performance – well done to all.”
Coach Richard Upham added: “This just goes to show that, when we turn up, we are very able to compete.”
