Les Phillips Cup first round: Nailsea & Tickenham 1, Wellington 2
Wellington made it three wins on the bounce and booked their place in the second round of the Les Phillips Cup with a hard-fought victory away to Nailsea & Tickenham.
The Tangerines, who will now travel to face either Shepton Mallet or Clevedon Town in the next round, were made to work for their win against a Nailsea side rooted to the bottom of the premier division with just one point to their name.
It was the hosts who took a surprise lead on 16 minutes when a cross from the left was turned on to the post by Omari Sims who then drilled home the rebound.
Wellington had already gone close through Oscar Albano and Miles Quick, and they continued to press. A clever free kick from Sam Towler released Nathan Byrne, whose shot was well saved before Mark Cornish saw his effort from the resulting corner cleared off the line.
Their persistence paid off just a minute later as Towler’s corner found James De Selincourt, who rose highest to power a header inside the post for the equaliser.
Nailsea had appeals for a penalty waved away before De Selincourt went close again, firing just wide, but Wellington struck what proved to be the decisive blow in first-half stoppage time.
Josh Baker’s determined play set up Alfie Slough, who rifled a stunning shot into the top corner to send the visitors in 2–1 up at the break.
The second half saw Wellington continue to create chances, with Albano, Slough, De Selincourt and Baker all testing the home goalkeeper, who produced a string of fine saves to keep his side in the contest.
At the other end, Jack McAndrews was called into action on 67 minutes, deflecting a Nailsea effort over the bar to preserve the lead.
Wellington had a couple of minor scares but managed the game out to the final whistle for another win.
The Tangerines have no fixture on Saturday and return to action next Wednesday with a mouthwatering local derby at home to Bridgwater United.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jack Alcock, Mark Cornish, Jake Haggerty, Nathan Byrne, James De Selincourt, Miles Quick, Sam Towler, Oscar Albano, Alfie Slough, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Ryan Brereton, Charlie Wood, Glen Wright and Cris Amponsah (all used).
