Jewson Western League premier division: Helston Athletic 2, Wellington 1
A late rally was not enough to prevent Wellington making a losing start to the new season in Cornwall today (Saturday, July 26th).
The Tangerines went into the game with former boss Tim Legg in interim charge following the recent decision by manager Richard Cherry to step down.
And although they battled hard throughout a close contest, against a side relegated from the Southern League, they made the long trip home empty handed.
Legg’s starting line-up consisted entirely of players from last season’s squad while there were five new signings on the bench.
Chances were few and far between in the first half but it was Helston who made the breakthrough after 17 minutes as Liam Eddy raced clear and squared the ball for Ollie Redd to net.
It was a similar story after the interval only for Wellington to be temporarily reduced to ten men when Miles Quick, who had been playing as a lone striker, was sin binned.
Helston then doubled their advantage with 19 minutes remaining as Matt Searle pounced on a loose ball into the area to net.
That looked like it would wrap things up but Wellington set up a tense finish by pulling a goal back in spectacular fashion with five minutes remaining.
The ball came out to midfielder Glen Wright outside the area and his superb drive flew into the top corner.
Shortly afterwards, sub Oscar Albano had a shot pushed over by keeper Morgan Jones but Helston held out for the points, almost scoring a third goal on the break with the last move of the game.
Wellington go again on Tuesday night with a trip to Shepton Mallet who started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Nailsea & Tickenham.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Josh Lukins, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Alex Cherry, Jack Winsor, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Nathan Byrne, James De Selincourt, Miles Quick. Substitutes: Oscar Albano, Alfie Slough, William Curtis, Ryan Upham (used); Jack Alcock (not used). Attendance: 210.
Photos courtesy of Around Wellington.
