Jewson Western League premier division: Welton Rovers 0, Wellington 1
Wellington moved into the top half of the table as they made it seven straight wins at bottom-of-the-table Welton Rovers yesterday (Saturday, November 9th).
But they were made to fight all the way by their opponents, without a point so far, and it took a late goal from substitute Sam Pashen to extend their run of victories.
With coach Matt Hesford running the side in the absence of manager Richard Cherry, the Tangerines welcomed back dual registered Phil Mendonca and Nathan Byrne plus midfielder Kieran Ireland who has rejoined the club from Clevedon Town
Welton, who have recently appointed a new management team and signed 11 new players, certainly proved more challenging than their league position suggested, and they had the better chances in an end-to-end first half.
The hosts hit the post after 20 minutes before Ireland and Mendonca both went close for the Wellington.
The match remained lively, with Welton nearly taking the lead in the 29th minute through a clever dinked shot, but Jason Quick was on hand to clear the danger.
The visitors thought they had scored in the 33rd minute, only for the ‘goal’ to be ruled out for offside, and, as the first half drew to a close, both teams created opportunities, with Byrne heading over from a corner, and Welton hitting the post for a second time just before the break.
It was a different story in the second half as Wellington launched repeated attacks without being able to make the breakthrough.
They were thwarted by keeper Mackenzie Welsh, who produced a succession of sharp saves, and also had appeals for a penalty turned down for a challenge on sub Matt Crawley with five minutes remaining.
It looked like the Tangerines would have to settle for a point, but the winner finally arrived in the 88th minute.
Sam Gleeson’s cross from the left fell to Pashen at the far post and he made no mistake, smashing an unstoppable shot past Welsh.
Wellington have now kept four successive clean sheets and recorded more wins than in the whole of last season.
They will be looking to maintain their momentum on Wednesday night when Ilfracombe Town visit the Playing Field, ko 7.45pm, followed by a local derby at home to Bridgwater United on Saturday.
Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Sam Gleeson, Kieran Ireland, Sam Towler, Josh Lukins, Nathan Byrne, Phil Mendonca, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Sam Pashen, Matt Crawley, William Pinnick (all used).
Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.