WELLINGTON Reserves were beaten 2-0 in their East Devon Senior Cup ties against University of Exeter 2nds at the Playing Field on Saturday.

Manager Mark Owen had eight of his squad unavailable, including himself and assistant manager Tom Hawkings, with Mike Owen and Ken Pearson taking up managerial duties.

Three U18s were called into the squad, with two of them – Harry Shetland and Ollie Southcott – starting while Rob Hall returned in goal with Charlie Hawkings unwell.

Both teams started well and both had early chances with Jack Bryant unlucky when he hit the inside of the post from 25 yards.

Then, on 20 minutes, Exeter took the lead when Wellington lost the ball on the edge of the box and an opposition player hit a shot low across the Hall into the far corner.

Wellington were forced into two early substitutions as both Sam Bryant and Connor Pengelly were forced off with injuries.

The rest of the first half had little action in either box as both teams defended stoutly.

Wellington started the second half well and should have equalised when Olly Nott had a close-range effort saved by the keeper.

The hosts kept pushing for an equaliser while restricting Exeter to shots from outside the box.

But they were again forced into changes as both forwards, Jack Bryant and Alfie Barrett, came off injured.

With the game into its final ten minutes, Exeter were awarded a penalty when a needless foul was committed right on the byline.

The spot kick was converted and the game ended with a 2-0 win to Exeter.

Wellington: Rob Hall, Harry Shetland, Dylan Groves, Sam Bryant, Tom Davies, Connor Noble, Connor Pengelly, Oliver Nott, Alfie Barrett, Jack Bryant, Ollie Southcott. Substitutes: Lewis Oaten, Scott Merritt, Josh Sibanda, Aaron Hawkings, Reegan Scotcher (all used). Match sponsor: Fox Electrical.