Isuzu FA Vase second qualifying round: Wellington 2, Penzance 3
A spectacular late winner consigned Wellington to defeat in a pulsating FA Vase tie at the Carly Press Ground yesterday (Saturday).
Central defender Jake Haggerty was our man-of-the-match and he is pictured with our chairman and interim manager Mike Hall. Thanks to the match sponsors, C&C Carpets, Curtains, Beds & Blinds.
The Tangerines had previously beaten Penzance, of the South West Peninsula League, twice in the competition, but the visitors gained revenge by edging a game which could have gone either way.
Wellington went into the tie having parted company with manager Josh Stunell in midweek so chairman Mike Hall took interim charge, supported by skipper Glen Wright.
And the captain nearly led by example after 11 minutes as his fierce rising drive smacked against the underside of the bar.
However, it was Penzance who went ahead five minutes later with a quick break which was to become their trademark throughout the game.
George Molcher drove forward and fed skipper Silas Sullivan who coolly slipped the ball under keeper Jack McAndrews.
Wellington hit back to equalise on the half-hour as striker Josh Baker stooped to head home a Nathan Byrne free-kick and then they took the lead with a stunning goal three minutes before half-time.
Byrne, a constant threat on the right, cut inside and sent a stunning shot flying past keeper Harry Salmon and into the top corner.
The home joy was shortlived as a ding-dong first half ended with Penzance drawing level when Charlie Willis was played in to coolly make it 2-2.
Both sides pressed to regain the advantage in the second half with Wellington foiled by a couple of goalline clearances and defender Tom Stone firing over from close range.
At the other end, McAndrews did well to turn a close-range header on to the angle and young defender Cris Amponsah cleared off the line after a scintillating run by Willis.
The Tangerines were then reduced to ten men for the closing stages as Amponsah received a second yellow card and so was sent off.
But the game still looked to be heading straight to penalties until Penzance clinched victory in the final minute with a cracking strike, a long-range drive by Marc Vercesi which flew past McAndrews.
There was still time for Wright to see another effort cleared off the line before the final whistle blew.
Despite the result, Wellington could take heart from a hugely improved performance as they return to league action on Tuesday night with a trip to Street.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jack Alcock, Tom Stone, Jake Haggerty, Cris Amponsah, Nathan Byrne, Glen Wright, Miles Quick, Oscar Albano, Alfie Slough, Josh Baker. Substitutes: James De Selincourt (used); Ashley Bellingham, Harry Chetland, Daniel Conway, Louis Oaten (not used).
Photos courtesy of Robin Steward Photography – to see the full gallery, CLICK HERE.
