Jewson Western League Premier Division: Wellington 1, Saltash United 1
An equaliser deep into stoppage time denied Wellington victory at the Carly Press Ground yesterday (Saturday, March 28th).
Defender Miles Quick was player of the match and he received the award from our former striker Bob Cummins who was among those attending the past players’ reunion.
Richard Cherry’s side were set to bounce back from their midweek defeat by Brislington by taking all three points, only to be denied right at the death.
Chances were few and far between in a game which was affected by a strong wind blowing from one end of the pitch to the other.
After a cagey opening, it was Saltash who began to look the more threatening side as the first half wore on, making use of the wind at their backs without creating any clear-cut openings.
The visitors registered the first real effort on 39 minutes when Jack Jeffers met a delivery with a firm header, but Wellington goalkeeper Andy Collings was equal to it, producing a solid save to keep the scores level.
Just a minute later, Wellington broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. Josh Baker provided the assist, feeding Alfie Slough who unleashed a superb 25-yard volley which flew into the top corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead going into the break.
Wellington looked to build on their advantage in the second half, with Baker again involved as his well-struck effort on 71 minutes forced Saltash keeper Tyler Coombes into a fine save, tipping the ball over the bar.
As the game moved into its closing stages, the visitors increased the pressure and a dangerous cross in the 90th minute saw player of the match Miles Quick diving to head the ball back into the hands of his keeper Andy Collings while under pressure.
Saltash pushed for an equaliser and had an appeal for a penalty turned down before the ball was driven just wide.
Their efforts were rewarded in the 96th minute when a free kick came out to Tyler Yendle who curled a composed finish in off the inside of the post to snatch a dramatic late leveller and ensure the points were shared.
The Tangerines now have a challenging holiday double header against two promotion chasing sides – away to Barnstaple on Good Friday and home to Sidmouth Town on Easter Monday (3pm).
Wellington: Andy Collings, Jordan Hayman, Mark Cornish, Miles Quick, Josh Lukins, Charlie Shearer, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Oscar Albano, Alfie Slough, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Jack Alcock, Ryan Brereton, Daniel Conway (used); Nathan Byrne and Rob Hall (not used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
