Jewson Western League Premier Division: Oldland Abbotonians 2, Wellington 3
Wellington edged a tense encounter at Oldland Abbotonians yesterday (Saturday, October 18th), earning three valuable points which lifted them further away from the foot of the premier division table.
Buoyed by their midweek Somerset Premier Cup win, the Tangerines started brightly and carved out several early chances.
Alfie Slough saw his effort deflected over the bar on 11 minutes, before Ryan Brereton twice went close — first being denied by the home keeper and then seeing a deflected effort curl just wide.
The breakthrough came on 26 minutes, and it was a goal of real quality. Midfielder Sam Towler, who has rejoined the club from Wells City, played a perfectly weighted pass inside the full-back to Oscar Albano, who cut inside and drilled home a low shot.
Albano almost turned provider shortly after when his cross found Towler, who fired wide of the target.
Wellington then doubled their lead just before half-time as Oldland failed to clear their lines and Slough found James De Selincourt who thumped a volley past the keeper to make it 2-0 at the break.
The second half saw the home side step up a gear and press forward, forcing Wellington to defend in numbers.
McAndrews and his back line were called into action early, clearing one effort off the line, before Oldland halved the deficit on 69 minutes — a free kick into the box met by a powerful header.
Two minutes later, Oldland missed a good chance to level, firing over from close range, and McAndrews had to make a brave stop soon after to preserve the lead.
Then, against the run of play, Wellington struck what proved the decisive blow. Nathan Byrne did superbly down the flank and his cross caused chaos in the six-yard box, allowing Slough to bundle the ball home to make it 3–1 on 79 minutes.
But Oldland weren’t finished, and another set-piece header in the 88th minute made for a nervy finale.
Deep into stoppage time, a frantic goalmouth scramble saw McAndrews make a crucial save before Mark Cornish hacked clear to finally secure the points.
A hard-fought win and an encouraging performance for Wellington, who will look to build on back-to-back victories when they travel to Nailsea & Tickenham in the Les Phillips Cup on Tuesday night.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Harry Chetland, Jack Alcock, Mark Cornish, Nathan Byrne, Oscar Albano, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Ryan Brereton, James De Selincourt. Substitutes: Will Curtis, Charlie Wood, Daniel Conway (used); Josh Lukins (not used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
