Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 0, Clevedon Town 4
There was no happy return to action for Wellington as they were beaten by promotion-chasing Clevedon Town at the Playing Field yesterday (Saturday, March 1st).
Our man-of-the-match was midfielder Jack Winsor and he received the award from supporter Phil Conn who kindly sponsored the game.
The Tangerines had suffered four successive postponements because of the weather and had not played since beating Nailsea & Tickenham on January 25th.
They could perhaps be forgiven for looking a little rusty although the final scoreline flattered Clevedon who were awarded no fewer than three penalties.
The first of them came after 11 minutes when Alex Cherry was penalised for a push and Alex Camm stepped up to make no mistake from the spot.
If Wellington could have no complaints about that decision, the next after 33 minutes was not as clearcut as Jordan Hayman went up for an aerial challenge in the box and referee Matthew Uren awarded another penalty.
Camm doubled his tally, again giving keeper Jack McAndrews no chance, and had the chance to complete his hat-trick from spot kicks early in the second half.
McAndrews looked to be harshly penalised as he dived at the feet of an onrushing attacker but it was third time lucky as he pulled off a magnificent save to his right.
Wellington boss Richard Cherry used four of his five subs – including welcome returns for defender Harry Scott and striker Phil Mendonca – in an effort to get back into the game.
And Clevedon keeper James Dunn pulled off a sharp save from a deflected shot before the visitors increased their lead after 65 minutes.
It was that man Camm again – and this time from open play – as he was sent clear to coolly complete his match-winning treble.
Wellington felt they should have had a penalty of their own with 20 minutes remaining when Jack Winsor went down heavily in the box but the referee turned down their appeals and produced a red card for Sam Pashen in the aftermath.
The ten men battled well but Clevedon had the final say deep into stoppage time with a fourth goal scored by sub Harrison Kyte.
Wellington face another tough test on Wednesday night when leaders Portishead Town visit the Playing Field, ko 7.45pm.
Portishead are looking to make it back-to-back promotions and are currently four points ahead of Clevedon, who themselves are ten clear of third-placed Brixham.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jordan Hayman, Kieran Bailey, Tom Stone, Alex Cherry, Jack Winsor, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Sam Pashen, Miles Quick, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Harry Scott, Sam Sheldrake, Phil Mendonca, Josh Lukins (used); James De Selincourt (not used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
