Jewson Western League Premier Division: St Blazey 0, Wellington AFC 1
Patched-up Wellington played their hearts out to make it two wins in four days at St Blazey today (Saturday, April 18th).
Oscar Albano who scored the only goal of the game.
Manager Richard Cherry’s squad has been decimated by injury as the season draws to a close and he only had 11 fit outfield players for their penultimate game.
But the Tangerines scored the crucial opening goal just before half-time and then staged a magnificent rearguard action to take the points.
Wellington started brightly and created the first opening on eight minutes when Miles Quick forced a smart low save from home keeper Kyle Moore.
The hosts responded midway through the half, but keeper Andy Collings was equal to the effort, producing a solid stop with his feet to keep the scores level.
The decisive moment arrived after 44 minutes. Collings’ long clearance caused problems in the St Blazey defence, and when the ball dropped to Oscar Albano, he showed great composure to create space before finishing neatly to put Wellington ahead at the interval.
After the restart, Sam Towler came close to doubling the lead with a curling free-kick which drifted narrowly wide.
St Blazey pushed hard for an equaliser, applying sustained pressure as Wellington were forced deeper into their own half.
But the visitors still broke on occasions and Albano nearly grabbed a second on 75 minutes as Moore dived to save at his feet.
At the other end, Collings continued to prove vital, pulling off an excellent save from a shot on the turn soon after.
Defensive resilience was key, with Jordan Hayman producing a crucial headed clearance from a dangerous set-piece.
There was late drama in stoppage time as St Blazey had strong appeals for a handball penalty waved away, before Collings capped his performance with another fine save from a well-struck shot to secure the clean sheet and the victory.
The Tangerines end their season with another trip into Cornwall on Tuesday and it promises to be a big night.
They play second-placed Torpoint Athletic who will need a win to leapfrog Barnstaple Town and clinch the title plus automatic promotion to the Southern League.
Wellington: Andy Collings, Harry Chetland, Jordan Hayman, Mark Cornish, Chris Amponsah, Oscar Albano, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Charlie Shearer, Jack Alcock. Substitute: Rob Hall (not used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.
