Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 3, Welton Rovers 1
Wellington ensured another season of premier division football as they got back to winning ways at the Playing Field yesterday (Saturday, March 29th).
Nathan Byrne was our man of the match and he received the award from Andy Govier on behalf of yesterday’s sponsor, Mike Rogers of AFH Wealth Management.
Victory over bottom club Welton Rovers means they cannot be caught by second-from-bottom Ilfracombe Town with five games left to play.
Kick-off had to be delayed by 15 minutes after a car containing several Welton players broke down and, when it did get under way, the visitors – with only one win to their name all season – had the bare 11 players with no subs.
It was, therefore, little surprise that Wellington dominated proceedings although the plucky Welton outfit gave them a shock by pulling a goal back in the second half.
Perhaps the only surprise was that the margin of victory was not bigger as the Tangerines peppered the visitors’ goal with shots and also missed a penalty.
In front of more than 30 past players, who were holding their annual reunion, Wellington went on the attack straight from the kick-off.
They took the lead after 17 minutes when a corner by skipper Sam Towler was headed home at the near post by Nathan Byrne.
It was one-way traffic for the rest of the first half although the hosts were unable to add to their tally.
They had a chance to make it 2-0 six minutes after the break when Byrne was sent tumbling in the box but Towler missed from the spot for the second game running – this time firing against the bar.
Wellington were not to be denied and doubled their tally just after the hour mark thanks to the persistence of striker Phil Mendonca who wriggled into space before poking a low shot just inside the far post.
It looked a question of just how many goals the hosts would score but Welton shocked them by making it 2-1 as Kamal Yassin intercepted a back pass and hit the post before thumping home the rebound.
However, any hopes of a dramatic turnaround were foiled as Wellington added a third goal with eight minutes remaining.
Substitute Charlie Wood, a new signing from Buckland Athletic, found young defender Jacob Shore in the box and he brought the ball under control before shooting home his first goal for the club.
The Tangerines’ run of home games continues on Wednesday night when Street are the visitors, kick-off 7.45pm.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Sam Pashen, Jacob Shore, Tom Stone, Josh Lukins, Nathan Byrne, Sam Towler, Glen Wright, Miles Quick, Jake Quick, Phil Mendonca. Substitutes: Harry Scott, James De Selincourt, Charlie Wood, Alex Parsons (all used).
The game was preceded by a minute’s applause to remember supporter and former player George Govier, whose funeral had taken place the previous day.
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
