Jewson Western League premier division: Clevedon Town 3, Wellington 1
A spirited display against league leaders Clevedon Town ended in frustration as two late goals condemned the Tangerines to defeat at the Hand Stadium last night (Wednesday, October 8th).
The visitors made a bright start and took the game to the hosts from the outset.
Their early enterprise was rewarded in the 18th minute when James De Selincourt drove forward purposefully and sent in a low cross which Josh Baker (pictured) turned home at the far post to give Wellington a deserved lead.
There was a lengthy stoppage immediately after the goal as Clevedon’s goalkeeper Jakob Glover was injured after colliding with Baker and had to be replaced — with striker Sam Beresford taking over between the posts.
Wellington looked to make the most of the situation, with Douglas Camilo and Baker both going close before the break while, at the other end, keeper Jack McAndrews produced a superb save to preserve the slender advantage at half-time.
Clevedon switched formation at the restart, moving to three at the back, and began to find their rhythm.
But Baker twice tested the stand-in keeper early in the second half, while Miles Quick almost doubled Wellington’s lead in spectacular fashion with a free-kick from his own half which was tipped over the bar by Beresford.
Clevedon began to get on top and the pressure eventually told in the 67th minute when a long throw into the Wellington box was only partially cleared and Seb Scott drilled home the equaliser.
McAndrews produced a string of fine saves to keep his side in contention while Wellington also went close as Nathan Byrne’s fierce drive was tipped away by Beresford who adapted well to his unaccustomed role.
The slick-passing hosts continued to push forward and their persistence paid off late on. In the 86th minute, a cross from the left found Charlie Saunders, who bundled the ball over the line to put them ahead.
Deep into stoppage time, Scott struck again with a curling effort from the right to seal the points for Clevedon and give the scoreline a harsh look for the visitors.
Despite the defeat, Wellington could take heart from a determined performance which saw them match the leaders for long spells.
They’ll look to bounce back on Saturday when they host Torpoint Athletic, the only side yet to be beaten in the premier division.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Josh Lukins, Jacob Shore, Jake Haggerty, Nathan Byrne, Miles Quick, Glen Wright, James De Selincourt, Oscar Albano, Douglas Camilo, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Jack Alcock, Cris Amponsah, Ryan Brereton, Alfie Slough (used); Harry Chetland (not used).
