Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 0, Liskeard Athletic 3
Despite suffering another defeat, Wellington AFC could take plenty of positives from their performance against fourth-placed Liskeard at the Carly Press Ground yesterday (Saturday).
The Tangerines held the visitors until the stoke of half-time and, although conceding a second goal after the break, they were still in the game until Liskeard added a third at the death.
Buoyed by an improved display against Buckland Athletic in midweek, Wellington started brightly and their player of the match Ben Evett (pictured above) curled a shot just wide after five minutes.
Liskeard then went close in the 24th minute when a quickly taken free-kick caught Wellington out. Keeper Luke Vernon made an important save, but the danger was not over as the ball was then smacked against the underside of the crossbar.
Four minutes later, Liskeard’s James Lorenz curled just over from distance as the visitors began to apply pressure.
Wellington looked set to reach the interval on level terms, but Liskeard struck with virtually the last action of the half.
The ball was played across the box and Kai Gilbert drove home to give the visitors first blood and leave Wellington trailing 1-0 at the break.
There was an early scare for the hosts immediately after the restart when George Newton raced clear, but he lobbed his effort wide.
Newton would not be denied, however, and he doubled Liskeard’s advantage on the hour mark after jinking his way forward before driving home.
Vernon then kept Wellington in the contest with an excellent close-range save two minutes later and was called on again seven minutes from time, producing another fine stop to prevent Liskeard extending their lead.
Wellington’s task became harder in the 88th minute when skipper Tom Hawkings was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Liskeard then added a third in the final minute when Lorenz produced a superb finish to beat the impressive Vernon.
The final scoreline was harsh on Wellington, who had competed well for long periods and showed further signs of improvement against a side whose win moved them up to second in the table.
It’s derby time next Saturday when the Tangerines welcome league leaders Bridgwater Town to the Carly Press Ground.
Wellington: Luke Vernon, Jordan Ford, Mike Murphy, Tom Hawkings, Jack Lewis, Vinnie Wight-Harper Inniss, Gabriel Plant, Max Edgecombe, Nathan Hawkins, Danny Wordsworth, Ben Evett. Substitutes: Luke Perry, Isaac Baker, James Rowe, Daniel Conway (used); Reegan Scotcher (not used). Attendance: 102.
In other action, Wellington Reserves lost 2-1 at East Budleigh while the A team beat Old Inn 98 6-4 at Court Fields.
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