Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 2, Helston Athletic 3
After six successive away games, Wellington got their fixtures under way at the Playing Field yesterday (Saturday) but the return saw them concede an early-season double to Helston Athletic.
Two-goal Oscar Albano was our man-of-the-match and he received the award from club secretary Jane Brown on behalf of sponsors Tim Potter Family Butchers.
Josh Stunell’s side, who beat Bridgwater United 1-0 in their previous match, will feel they could have come away with a point after they fought back in the closing stages with two goals from man-of-the-match Oscar Albano.
But they were left empty-handed as Helston – relegated from the Southern League last season – made it four successive away wins to sit third in the table.
The sides met in Cornwall on the opening day of the season and it was a similar story in the return as the visitors built up a two-goal lead.
They went ahead after 14 minutes when Matt Searle’s chipped cross from the right looped inside the far post.
Eight minutes later, it was 2-0 as Phil Cattran’s jinking run took him past three players and his cross was neatly converted by Olly Redd.
That left Wellington with a battle on their hands but they refused to lie down and reduced the arrears with 15 minutes remaining.
Central defender Jake Haggerty played a long ball over the top and Albano brought it under control before shooting low past keeper Morgan Jones.
Almost immediately, Wellington went desperately close to an equaliser as a spectacular overhead kick by Josh Baker hit the upright and rebounded into the arms of the grateful Jones.
As the Tangerines pressed forward, there was always a danger they could get caught on the break and that was the case with Helston restoring their two-goal advantage through the unmarked George Marris.
However, Wellington hit back again with the game entering stoppage time. Skipper Glen Wright burst forward from midfield and fed Albano whose shot flew in off the underside of the bar.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t find a third goal and must now regroup ahead of their trip to Saltash United next Saturday.
A bright spot for Wellington was the return of midfielder Ryan Brereton as a second half substitute after a long layoff with a broken leg.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jack Alcock, Tom Stone, Jake Haggerty, Alex Cherry, Oscar Albano, Miles Quick, Glen Wright, Josh Lukins, Alfie Slough, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Chris Amponsah, Ryan Brereton and Harry Chetland (all used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
