Jewson Western League premier division: Buckland Athletic 1, Wellington 0

A dramatic late rally was not enough to earn battling Wellington a point away to unbeaten Buckland Athletic yesterday (Saturday, August 9th).

The Tangerines had found themselves on the back foot for much of the game but took control in the latter stages and had the Newton Abbot side clinging on for the final whistle.

Buckland were kept at bay by a well-organised and energetic display by Wellington which saw the first half end goalless.

The hosts created a number of half-chances while, at the other end, Wellington’s Mark Cornish saw a goalbound effort blocked by a defender.

The closest either side came to scoring was a header by Buckland striker Ryan Bush which brought a brilliant reaction save out of young keeper Charlie Hawkings, deputising for the unavailable Jack McAndrews.

The closest either side came to scoring was a header by Buckland’s Ryan Bush which brought a brilliant reaction save out of young keeper Charlie Hawkings, deputising for the unavailable Jack McAndrews.

Bush was not to be denied, however, and he gave his side the lead three minutes into the second half with a well-worked goal.

A corner was delivered low from the right, ex-Wellington striker Phil Mendonce stepped over the ball and the striker shot home through a crowd of players.

Hawkings kept it at 1-0 with another fine save on 66 minutes, this time from Luke Forward’s header, and, with Buckland unable to increase their lead, it was the visitors who grew in confidence.

New defender Jake Haggerty, a second half sub, almost equalised on 82 minutes with a thumping shot from close range only for keeper Jordan Duffey to produce a point-blank save.

Duffey then produced more heroics to deny Jack Winsor and sub Will Curtis while another sub, James de Selincourt saw a shot deflected just over.

The referee played more than ten minutes of stoppage time with Wellington launching attack after attack but they were unable to snatch a point.

Next Saturday, the Tangerines – who have now had a draw and two odd-goal defeats in the league – travel to Nailsea & Tickenham.

Wellington: Charlie Hawkings, Jack Alcock, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Alex Cherry, Oscar Albano, Glen Wright, Jack Winsor, Josh Lukins, Miles Quick, Alfie Slough. Substitutes: James de Selincourt, Jake Haggerty, Harry Chetland, Will Curtis (used); Nathan Byrne (not used). Attendance: 204.

Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.