Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League premier division: University of Exeter 2nds 1, Wellington Reserves 4

Our Reserves capped another excellent season by securing a top three finish yesterday (Saturday, May 2nd).

Player of the match was Rohan Poulsom – playing in goal on his return from Canada – and he is pictured with Michael Owen.

Their final game saw a trip down the M5 to take on Exeter Uni 2nds and with several key players unavailable – including manager Mark Owen – assistant boss Michael Owen was only able to take a squad of 13 for this tough away day.

With no recognised keeper, Rohan Poulsom went between the sticks on his return from Canada while Daniel Conway made his first start.

With rain starting to fall just before kick-off, both teams settled into the game and went close in the early stages with Jack Bryant seeing a shot from outside the box going the wrong side of the post with the keeper beaten.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Wellington took the lead from the penalty spot as Conway was tripped in the box and picked himself up to hit his kick low into the bottom corner.

Both teams kept probing at each other but poor finishing and good defending saw the half end with the visitors 1-0 up.

Wellington had to make an early change in the second when Luke Perry was forced off and was replaced by Elijah Hillier.

Wellington increased the lead when Jim Beatty raced clear and hit a fine shot past the keeper.

A third goal was not far away as the ball was cleared from a Exeter attack. It was worked down the left and, after some slick passing the ball, fell to Hillier to tap in from close range.

Sam Bryant was also forced off just after that goal and he was replaced by the returning Alfie Barrett, who had been out injured for five months.

The game got even better for Wellington when Jack Bryant made it 4-0 with a fine shot from the edge of the box.

Exeter managed to pull one back in the final minutes but the visitors held on for a fine result to make it eight games unbeaten and end the season on a high note.

Team: Rohan Poulsom, Wes Poulsom, Connor Noble, Sam Bryant, Tom Davies, Ollie Ackland, Sam Poole, Luke Perry, Daniel Conway, Jack Bryant, Jim Beatty. Substitutes: Elijah Hillier and Alfie Barrett (both used).

League table: