Devon and Exeter League division one: Heavitree United Reserves 1, Wellington Reserves 5
Following the previous weeks disappointing scoreless home draw. our Reserves’ young guns put on a great display full of creativeness and, more importantly, goals!
Travelling to fourth-placed Heavitree without Josh Pearson and Tom Davies, both suspended, and Paul Pocock, unavailable, young Lloyd Manning was recalled into the starting line up to join Fleet and Owen in a back three.
After completely dominating the opening 20 minutes, which was full to the brim of shots, crosses, saves and goalline blocks, Wellington just couldn’t score. Then, on 25 minutes, Heavitree scored with their first effort – corner, swung in and simply headed home past a stranded Rob Hall.
The final 20 minutes of the half finished with Wellington continuing to completely dominate. More opportunities came and went but an equalising goal was still yet to arrive with the half ending 1-0.
The second half continued in the same vein, but this time the goals would come.
On 51 minutes, the equaliser arrived when a goalmouth scramble was eventually poked home by recent signing Ash Saunders. Six minutes later, Wellington finally took the lead as Oli Nott’s superb volley from the edge of the box flew into the bottom corner past a helpless keeper.
On 63 minutes Wellington further extended their lead. A fine passing move, involving Joe Wylie and Connor Pengelly, found its way to young right-midfielder Robbie Broomhead at the far post and he calmly dispatched a low finish for his first senior goal.
The fourth goal arrived on 74 minutes, a simple tap-in for the very much in-form Aaron Hawkings. Skipper Owen took a quick free kick and put Wylie in on the right. His quick feet took him round two defenders before crossing to Hawkings to knock the ball home.
The fifth came from an Ollie Holman free kick, the young striker hitting a powerful low drive past the wrong-footed home keeper.
More chances came and went, with the ever busy Clay Westcott hitting the bar and two more ‘goals’ disallowed.
All in all this was a fine all-round team performance from front to back, packed full of belief and endeavour.
