Jewson Western League Premier Division: Wellington 3, Bradford Town 1
Wellington made it back-to-back 3-1 wins with another battling display at the Carly Press Ground yesterday (Saturday).
Defender Jordan Hayman was our player of the match and he is pictured with club helper and former player Keith Harcombe from sponsor, R&M Wholesale.
Goals from Charlie Shearer, skipper Glen Wright and substitute Alfie Slough gave the Tangerines revenge for a defeat by the same scoreline at Bradford in December.
The visitors threatened first when a low drive was drilled across the Wellington goal inside four minutes, but the home side responded almost immediately as a flowing move ended with Josh Lukins forcing a good save from keeper Tom Creed.
Wellington were dealt an early setback in the sixth minute when defender Tom Stone was forced off through injury, Jack Alcock coming on in his place.
The hosts refused to let this knock them out of their stride and took the lead after 16 minutes thanks to an excellent piece of attacking play.
Josh Baker’s hold-up and clever pass released Charlie Shearer, who showed great composure to lift a neat lob over Creed to make it 1-0.
Wellington pushed for a second and nearly found it midway through the half, but Creed produced a superb double save to deny Wright.
Baker also went close as the Tangerines continued to apply pressure, firing narrowly wide from the edge of the box.
Bradford started the second half brightly and levelled just after the hour mark. A through ball split the defence and Josiah McKayle beat onrushing keeper Andy Collings to poke home the equaliser.
The hosts responded positively, with Wright seeing a goalbound effort blocked, before Collings was called into action at the other end, making a fine save after a quick Bradford break.
Wellington then regained the lead with 11 minutes remaining. Sam Towler delivered an inviting corner and Wright rose to power home a textbook header and restore the advantage.
The points were sealed four minutes later from a disputed penalty. Creed was penalised by the referee with one of their players sin-binned for protesting the decision. Substitute Alfie Slough stepped up to calmly convert the spot kick and make it 3-1.
The Tangerines now turn their attention to Tuesday night when they face a tough trip to fourth-placed Paulton Rovers.
Team: Andy Collings, Jordan Hayman, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Josh Lukins, Charlie Shearer, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Oscar Albano, Miles Quick, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Jack Alcock, Ryan Brereton, Alfie Slough, Daniel Conway (all used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
