Jewson Western League premier division: Bovey Tracey 4, Wellington 2
Wellington AFC’s revamped side could hold their heads high after an opening day defeat away to newly-promoted Bovey Tracey yesterday (Saturday).
A challenging close season for the Tangerines started with manager Richard Cherry’s departure in May followed by nearly all of last season’s squad joining other clubs.
Cherry’s replacement, Tornado Bello, then stepped down after less than a month in the role leaving chairman Mike Hall to take charge of the side at Bovey.
His squad included a batch of new signings along with players making the step up from the club’s Reserves.
Wellington’s one remaining senior player, striker Josh Baker (pictured above), was appointed captain – and he stunned the big Bovey crowd by giving the visitors a shock lead after only nine minutes.
Picking the ball up 40 yards out, he drove at goal before unleashing an unstoppable shot past Andy Collins, who was the Tangerines’ keeper last season.
Bovey, promoted as runaway champions of the South West Peninsula League, were stunned before gradually working their way into the game.
New keeper James Fowler pulled off a fine save with his legs after 17 minutes but could do nothing about the hosts’ equaliser just after the half-hour. Wellington failed to clear a free kick and the ball was knocked home from close range.
The hosts created a number of chances before the break as the first half ended 1-1 but they then took control with two goals in three minutes early in the second half.
A cross from the left was volleyed home after 50 minutes and then a lobbed cross from the right was nodded home from close range.
Wellington’s battlers refused to lie down and almost pulled one back when new signing Harvey Conroy was sent clear by 17-year-old Ollie Ackland only to be denied by Collins.
The visitors were not to be denied and they did make it 3-2 after 75 minutes. Baker was fouled in the box and another new face, Evan Howse, stepped up to stroke the spot kick past Collins.
Wellington used all five subs in an effort to find an equaliser but any hopes of a point were dashed with eight minutes remaining as Bovey restored their two-goal advantage to seal victory.
The Tangerines were applauded off the pitch by their travelling fans and should go into Tuesday’s trip to Shepton Mallet with their confidence high.
Wellington: James Fowler, Harry Chetland, Vincent Wright-Harper Innis, Connor Pengelly, Carl Jones, Nathaniel Hawkins, Daniel Conway, Sam Poole, Josh Baker, Ollie Ackland, Harvey Conroy. Substitutes: Ned Ogilvie, Connor Noble, Luca Staniforth, Lewis Oaten, Evan Howse (all used).
***
Around Wellington Sport is sponsored by Tone Gate Motors – visit their website by CLICKING HERE