Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 0, Sidmouth Town 3
Injury-hit Wellington AFC suffered a second Easter holiday defeat – and conceded the double to Sidmouth Town – at the Carly Press Ground yesterday (Easter Monday).
The Tangerines, beaten at Barnstaple Town on Good Friday, were without several players for the game including skipper Glen Wright who was only fit enough for a place on the bench.
Meanwhile, Sidmouth are attempting to book the final play-off place and the victory virtually secured their spot.
The visitors made the breakthrough in the 13th minute when former Wellington player Phil Mendonca was brought down in the box and Will Collins stepped up to confidently convert the penalty.
The hosts were dealt a further setback midway through the half as Nathan Byrne, making his first full start after injury, was forced off following a heavy challenge.
But they responded well and nearly found an equaliser on 33 minutes as Josh Baker’s close-range header rolled agonisingly wide of the target.
There was little to separate the sides for the remainder of the half, but Sidmouth carried their slender lead into the interval.
Just after the hour mark, the visitors came close to doubling their lead when a dangerous delivery into the box was turned over the bar, before keeper Andy Collings denied an attempted chip moments later.
Collings was called into action again on 74 minutes, producing a fine save from a deflected effort to keep Wellington in the contest.
However, Sidmouth eventually extended their lead after 78 minutes. A low cross into the area found Will Collins at the far post, and he made no mistake for his second of the afternoon.
Wellington keeper Collings then kept his side in the game, making a brilliant stop before Miles Quick cleared off the line, only for Sidmouth to be awarded a second penalty.
Collings guessed correctly to deny his near-namesake Will from the spot and then reacted superbly to keep out the rebound.
Despite that resistance, Sidmouth sealed the victory in stoppage time as Will Collins made amends by racing clear to complete his hat-trick and wrap up a comprehensive win.
The Tangerines go again at the Carly Press Ground on Saturday as Shepton Mallet are the visitors with an early kick-off at 2pm.
Wellington: Andy Collins, Jack Alcock, Mark Cornish, Jordan Hayman, Alex Cherry, Charlie Shearer, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Nathan Byrne, Ryan Brereton, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Oscar Albano, Alfie Slough, Daniel Conway, Harry Chetland (used); Glen Wright (not used). Match sponsor: R&M Wholesale.
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
