WELLINGTON United bowed out of the Taunton & District Youth League’s Under 12 Plate Competition after a hard fought draw saw them lose on penalties at home to Staplegrove Saints. Wellington started the game strong, creating many scoring chances on goal with the visitors also holding strong defensively.

After nearly half an hour of end to end football with both sides creating chances Wellington finally broke through with Sonny Rich having a shot which rebounded into the path of centre back Oscar Boucher who smashed the ball home as it slipped through the hands of the visitors Keeper. The half time whistle blew with Wellington leading 1-0.

The second half started with much of the same with end to end football until just over half way through when the visitors scored the equaliser by means of a cracking goal. The hosts kept pushing forward during a tough patch of pressure from Staplegrove, while Wellington also returned the pressure but were just unable to find a winner, the game ending 1-1 sending the teams to a shootout.

United’s first ever shootout started well with Harry Newstead calmly finding the back of the net, which was matched by the visitors. The next two penalties for Wellington, unfortunately, didn’t find the back of the net with one going wide and one being saved while the visitors netted theirs. Wellington scored their fourth spot kick which was put away by Jack Farrington. However, this was matched by the visitors who won 4-2 on penalties, meaning Wellington bowed out of the competition. Well done to Oscar Boucher for MOTM. Manager Steve Newstead said: “I’m gutted for the result but really pleased by the performance - well done to all”. Coach Richard Upham said: “This just goes to show when we turn up we are very able to compete. But congratulations to Staplegrove on their win.” Steve Newstead