Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 3, Ivybridge Town 1
Wellington returned to winning ways yesterday (Saturday, November 15th) with a confident performance to see off Ivybridge Town at the Carly Press Ground.
Josh Lukins was our player of the match and he received the award from John Pool, chairman of the Jewson Western League, on behalf of sponsors, R&M Wholesale.
Both sides traded early chances in an evenly matched first half. Ivybridge headed wide from a seventh-minute corner before Oscar Albano twice went close for Wellington, first curling over on 20 minutes and later testing the keeper after a strong run down the right.
Sam Towler also saw an effort scrambled over the bar after good build-up play from Albano and James De Selincourt.
At the other end, Towler was back in defensive action shortly before the break, producing a fine block to keep the visitors out.
Just when it looked as though the half would finish goalless, Wellington struck. Towler delivered an inviting corner from the left and De Selincourt met it perfectly, glancing a header inside the far post to make it 1–0.
The hosts nearly doubled their advantage in stoppage time, but Towler had two efforts blocked as the interval arrived with Wellington narrowly ahead.
Ivybridge started the second half brightly and forced Jack McAndrews into a good save from a ball over the top, before a Tom Stone header for Wellington was ruled out.
But the home side gradually gained control and were rewarded just after the hour. On 62 minutes, a trademark long throw from Miles Quick was twice flicked on, and Douglas Camilo reacted sharply at the far post to drive home Wellington’s second.
Four minutes later came the goal of the match – Towler collected the ball, drifted parallel to the outside of the area and unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike which flew beyond the keeper for 3–0.
McAndrews was alert again on 74 minutes, racing out to clear a dangerous through ball, but Ivybridge did find a response soon after when Josh Pope produced a superb curling finish into the top corner to reduce the deficit.
The visitors’ hopes of a late comeback were dented nine minutes from time when they were reduced to ten men following a red card for Owen Howard.
Following a welcome return for defender Jordan Hayman, who came on as a sub after five months out injured, McAndrews made a fine stoppage-time save to prevent a second Ivybridge goal.
It was a determined display by Wellington to take into another home game on Wednesday night when Buckland Athletic are the visitors.
Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Josh Lukins, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Jake Haggerty, Miles Quick, Sam Towler, Douglas Camilo, James De Selincourt, Oscar Albano, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Jack Alcock, Igor Pieswizco, Alfie Slough, Jordan Hayman, Ryan Brereton (all used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
