Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 2, Barnstaple Town 4
An entertaining Boxing Day contest saw Wellington build a two-goal lead before going down to defeat by in-form Barnstaple Town.
Keeper Andy Collings was our player of the match and he is pictured receiving the award from Barry Hamilton of Magenta Security, who kindly sponsored the game.
In front of a big crowd at the Carly Press Ground, the Tangerines got off to a flying start against the visitors who were looking to extend their long run of victories.
The hosts took the lead after 14 minutes when Miles Quick’s cross was knocked down to James De Selincourt who drilled home from 18 yards.
Barnstaple threatened an equaliser midway through the half but a heavy touch allowed the home defence to clear, while De Selincourt went close again on the half-hour, his header from Sam Towler’s corner striking the foot of the post.
The Tangerines doubled their advantage on 32 minutes when Nathan Byrne’s drive was parried by the visiting keeper and Quick reacted quickest to knock the ball back towards goal. A defender made a desperate attempt to clear, but the assistant referee ruled the ball had crossed the line.
Barnstaple continued to probe and were denied by keeper Andy Collings before Wellington missed a good chance to further extend their lead when Oscar Albano dragged his shot wide.
The visitors then pulled one back four minutes before the interval as a cross to the far post was met by a powerful header from Joseph Grigg.
Barnstaple pressed after half-time and Wellington were forced into two crucial blocks around the 70-minute mark to preserve their lead.
However, the pressure soon told as the visitors drew level in the 71st minute, breaking down the right before a low cross was turned home by substitute Oscar Knight.
Just three minutes later Barnstaple completed the turnaround when Knight’s low drive took a deflection and spun past Collings into the net.
The sub then completed his hat-trick late on, breaking clear and riding two challenges before running through to score and seal the points for the visitors.
The Tangerines now have a New Year break before hosting Oldland Abbotonians on Saturday, January 3rd.
Wellington: Andy Collings, Josh Lukins, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Nathan Byrne, Miles Quick, Sam Towler, Glen Wright, Oscar Albano, James De Selincourt, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Jack Alcock, Jake Haggerty, Alfie Slough, Ryan Brereton (used); Daniel Conway (not used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
