Jewson Western League premier division: Barnstaple Town 4, Wellington 1
Wellington suffered a Good Friday defeat at the hands of promotion chasing Barnstaple Town.
The North Devon club, who have already guaranteed a spot in the end-of-season play-offs, are still in the hunt for the title and an automatic step up into the Southern League.
They were quick out of the blocks from the kick-off and dominated the early stages of a game played in a blustery wind.
Keeper Andy Collings has called upon to produce a smart block with his chest to deny the hosts inside the opening minute.
However, the pressure soon told. On seven minutes, Wellington failed to clear their lines and Shea Bennington-Mannings capitalised, turning sharply to fire home from 12 yards.
Barnstaple continued to press, firing over from close range soon after, but Wellington gradually steadied themselves.
Midway through the half they came close to an equaliser when Jordan Hayman’s goalbound header was cleared off the line.
However, the game’s key moment arrived on the half-hour mark with a controversial penalty decision.
A cross into the box resulted in a handball call from the referee’s assistant, much to Wellington’s frustration, and Tommy Rogers made no mistake from the spot to double the lead.
The visitors responded positively, with Mark Cornish volleying over and Oscar Albano curling a teasing cross against the bar in quick succession, but they went into the break two goals down.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Barnstaple largely in control.
Josh Lukins produced an excellent goal-line clearance to prevent a third, while Wellington’s task became harder when skipper Glen Wright was forced off through injury before the hour mark.
Despite being under sustained pressure, the Tangerines found a lifeline on 71 minutes.
Substitute Nathan Byrne, back from injury, showed good awareness to find space, swivel and deliver a low cross which Charlie Shearer converted to make it 2-1.
Unfortunately, the comeback hopes were short-lived as Barnstaple restored their cushion just four minutes later when Gabriel Rogers’ cross was flicked home by Tre Davey.
Any remaining doubt was removed five minutes from time when Collings made an initial save, only for Neil Slateford to react quickest and convert the rebound to seal a comfortable 4-1 victory for the hosts.
The Tangerines are back at the Carly Press Ground on Easter Monday when Sidmouth Town – another side chasing promotion – are the visitors, kick-off 3pm.
Wellington: Andy Collings, Jordan Hayman, Mark Cornish, Miles Quick, Josh Lukins, Alfie Slough, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Oscar Albano, Charlie Shearer, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Nathan Byrne, Ryan Brereton, Daniel Conway, Harry Chetland (used). Rob Hall (not used). Attendance: 300.
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
