East Devon Senior Cup: Wellington Reserves 0. Uni of Exeter 2nds 2
Our Reserves played their first home cup tie of the season yesterday (Saturday, March 15th) as they welcomed the Exeter students to the Playing Field.
Manager Mark Owen had eight of his squad unavailable, including himself and assistant manager Tom Hawkings, with Mike Owen and Ken Pearson taking up the managerial duties.
Three U18s were called up into the squad, with two of them – Harry Shetland and Ollie Southcott – making a start while Rob Hall returned in goal with Charlie Hawkings unwell.
Both teams started well and both had early chances with Jack Bryant unlucky when he hit the inside of the post with a first-time shot from 25 yards.
Then, on 20 minutes, Exeter took the lead when Wellington lost the ball on the edge of the box and an opposition player hit a shot low across the Hall into the far corner. He keeper was unlucky as he got a hand to the ball but was unable to push it wide.
Wellington were forced into two early substitutions as both Sam Bryant and Connor Pengelly were forced off with injuries.
The rest of the first half had little action in either box as both teams defended stoutly and it ended 1-0 to Exeter.
Wellington started the second half well and should have equalised when Olly Nott had a close-range effort saved by the keeper.
The hosts kept pushing for an equaliser while restricting Exeter to shots from outside the box.
But they were again forced into changes as both forwards, Jack Bryant and Alfie Barrett, came off injured.
With the game into its final ten minutes, Exeter were awarded a penalty when a needless foul was committed right on the byline. The spot kick was converted and the game ended with a 2-0 win to Exeter.
Wellington: Rob Hall, Harry Shetland, Dylan Groves, Sam Bryant, Tom Davies, Connor Noble, Connor Pengelly, Oliver Nott, Alfie Barrett, Jack Bryant, Ollie Southcott. Substitutes: Lewis Oaten, Scott Merritt, Josh Sibanda, Aaron Hawkings, Reegan Scotcher (all used). Match sponsor: Fox Electrical.
