Jewson Western League Premier Division: Wellington 1, Shepton Mallet 2
A double strike early in the second half consigned Wellington to defeat at the Carly Ground today (Saturday, April 11th).
Defender Jordan Hayman was player of the match and he is pictured with Nick Tredwin from sponsors, H. Tredwin & Son.
For their penultimate home game of the season, the Tangerines were again without half a dozen players, either injured or unavailable.
Richard Cherry’s side gave a good account of themselves in the first half – going in a goal ahead – only to be undone straight after the break.
The game was ruined by a fierce wind with both sides struggling to produce any fluency.
Wellington started brightly and a Sam Towler corner sparked the first real threat after 23 minutes, with efforts from Alfie Slough and Charlie Shearer both blocked in quick succession before the visitors managed to scramble clear.
The home side continued to probe and, four minutes later, Ryan Brereton saw a fierce shot on the turn deflect off a defender as Wellington looked the more likely to break the deadlock.
Shepton Mallet’s first meaningful opportunity arrived after 34 minutes when Ali Sen tested Andy Collings, who reacted well to push away a curling effort.
Wellington’s pressure paid off nine minutes before half-time. Towler’s free kick into the box fell kindly for Jordan Hayman, who made no mistake from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead.
They nearly doubled their advantage before the interval, but Glen Wright’s strike was blocked as Shepton held on to trail 1-0 at the break.
The visitors responded immediately after half-time as a floated free kick was met by Conrad Peck, whose header crept just inside the post for the equaliser.
Five minutes later, Shepton struck again in dramatic fashion. A loose pass from Wellington gifted possession, and Ethan Cannings unleashed a stunning effort from over 35 yards which flew over Collings and dipped under the crossbar.
Stung by the quick turnaround, Wellington pushed in search of an equaliser, but the blustery conditions continued to hamper their attacking rhythm.
Despite plenty of territory, clear-cut chances proved elusive against a well-organised Shepton defence and the visitors held firm to take the points.
After three successive defeats, the Tangerines must pick themselves up for their final home game on Wednesday when Street are the visitors (7.45pm).
Wellington: Andy Collings, Harry Chetland, Mark Cornish, Jordan Hayman, Jack Alcock, Alfie Slough, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Charlie Shearer, Ryan Brereton. Substitutes: Josh Lukins (used); Daniel Conway and Rob Hall (not used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
