Toolstation League premier division: Welton Rovers 1, Wellington 4
Skipper Sam Towler bagged a hat-trick as Wellington opened their win account for the season away to newly promoted Welton Rovers last night (Tuesday).
After being denied victory by an injury-time goal at Falmouth Town on the opening day, they went one better with another excellent all-round performance.
Wellington made three changes from the side narrowly beaten by Willand Rovers in the FA Cup – new defender Mike Murphy, back from suspension Eli Collins and experienced Jack Bown-Porter replacing the injured Mark Cornish, unavailable Jamie Nicholson and Glen Wright, who was among the subs.
They could have taken the lead in the opening minutes when striker Jake Quick was sent clear but failed to hit the target.
However, after 14 minutes, they did make the breakthrough as the ball dropped invitingly to Towler who composed himself before shooting home.
Almost immediately it was 2-0 – Quick making amends with a clinical finish after being played in by Nathaniel Groom – only for Welton to pull one back after 19 minutes from a low shot by Jaiden Savery which squeezed inside the near post.
Wellington thought they had restored their two-goal advantage on the half-hour through Tom Stone but, after a lengthy consultation by the officials, his effort was ruled out for offside.
The game’s pivotal moment came on the stroke of half-time. Welton felt they should have been awarded a penalty and the visitors rubbed salt into their wounds by then making it 3-1. Jack Bown-Porter’s long throw reached Towler who skilfully lobbed home.
Wellington secured the points after 63 minutes when Groom was brought down and Towler dispatched the penalty for his hat-trick.
Welton huffed and puffed to get back into the game but found their opponents were too well organised.
The only downside of the evening for Wellington was when keeper Rob Hall limped off in the closing stages. That meant a first team debut for 17-year-old keeper Charlie Hawkings who looks like one to watch in the future.
Wellington: Rob Hall, Mike Murphy, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Nathaniel Groom, Stefan Phillips, Sam Towler, Eli Collins, Miles Quick, Jake Quick, Jack Bown-Porter. Substitutes: Glen Wright, Joe Chamberlain, Charlie Hawkings, Lewis Smith (all used).
Next up for Wellington is a trip into Cornwall on Saturday to play Helston Athletic. The club are running a coach to the game (£10 per person) and anyone interested should ring Graham Aspin on 07771 533856.
