Jewson Western League Premier Division: Wellington 0, Torpoint Athletic 3

Torpoint Athletic extended their unbeaten start to the season with a convincing victory over Wellington at the Carly Press Ground — although the scoreline told only part of a story marked by injuries, a red card, and plenty of drama.

Mark Cornish who has rejoined the club from Wells City.

The match was finely poised in the second half until two controversial incidents, with the Tangerines on the wrong side of both.

Wellington went into the game still missing the injured Tom Stone but buoyed by the return of defender Mark Cornish from a short spell at Wells City.

The visitors began brightly and might have taken the lead early on. A dangerous eighth-minute cross was hacked clear by home skipper Glen Wright, before Joe Rapson clipped the bar with a rising shot after breaking clear on 18 minutes.

At the other end, Oscar Albano drew the first save from the Torpoint keeper with a well-struck drive shortly after.

Wellington’s afternoon took a turn for the worse just before the half-hour when defender Jake Haggerty limped off injured, forcing a reshuffle as Cornish dropped into the back line and Alfie Slough came on.

Torpoint then went ahead — with a stroke of luck. A low cross in the 32nd minute was completely missed by their striker but then turned into his own net by the unfortunate Nathan Byrne.

Trailing 1–0 at the break, Wellington regrouped and looked to push on, but their hopes were hit just before the hour. Jacob Shore’s challenge earned him a straight red card, leaving the home side to play the final half-hour with ten men.

Torpoint took full advantage thanks to another disputed decision. On 72 minutes, they doubled their lead from a corner which was flicked on inside the far post, despite Wellington’s appeals that the ball had actually been punched into the net.

The protests earned Josh Baker a spell in the sin bin, and the visitors put the game beyond reach soon after — a simple far-post finish on 77 minutes completing their victory.

An incident-packed second half left Wellington frustrated and they will look to respond quickly when they host Middlezoy Rovers in the Somerset Premier Cup on Wednesday (ko 7.45pm).

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jack Alcock, Jake Haggerty, Jacob Shore, Nathan Byrne, Josh Lukins, Glen Wright, Mark Cornish, James De Selincourt, Oscar Albano, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Alfie Slough, Harry Chetland, Ryan Brereton, Daniel Conway, Cris Amponsah.

Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.