Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 1, Buckland Athletic 3
Wellington AFC gave a much-improved display despite suffering another defeat at the Carly Press Ground last night (Wednesday).
The struggling Tangerines had been thumped 10-1 at Buckland last month and lost 8-0 to Bovey Tracey on Saturday.
But they could hold their heads high after a battling performance – and a goalless second half was something of a moral victory.
Wellington started well with Danny Wordsworth creating their first opening after nine minutes before failing to find the target.
Buckland then opened the scoring after 13 minutes as Josh McKayle ran on to a through ball down the middle to net.
McKayle scored his second six minutes later after keeper Luke Vernon had saved well.
And, when Jack Baxter stroked home a pull-back after 36 minutes to make it 3-0, the writing looked on the wall for Wellington.
But, as has been the case throughout a difficult start to the season, they refused to let their heads drop and pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time.
Skipper Josh Baker (pictured above) was sent crashing to the ground outside the box by keeper Mike Searle who was booked for the foul.
Max Edgecombe floated in the resulting free-kick and Baker – Wellington’s only remaining senior player from last season – scored with a flicked header.
He almost scored again seven minutes into the second half but this time his header went wide of the post.
Wellington defended valiantly to prevent any further goals with the sides cancelling each other out after the break.
It’s not often a side is applauded off the pitch after a defeat but the players and management thoroughly deserved it.
They will look to build on the improvement with their third home game in eight days on Saturday when Liskeard Athletic are the visitors.
Wellington: Luke Vernon, Jordan Ford, Tom Hawkings, Mike Murphy, Ben Evett, Sam Poole, Max Edgecombe, Lewis Oaten, Jack Lewis, Danny Wordsworth, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Aiden Trott, Vinnie Wight-Harper Inniss, Spencer Thomson, Daniel Conway, Connor Noble (all used). Attendance: 82.
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