SKIPPER Sam Towler’s second injury-time goal in eight days earned Wellington AFC a point at Ivybridge Town on Wednesday evening.

The previous week, he drove home a late free kick for the winner at Oldland Abbotonians.

This time, his strike was even more spectacular – a first-time rocket from 30 yards which flew in off the post.

It was no less than Wellington deserved from a much improved display following their 6-1 defeat by leaders Portishead Town on Saturday.

Wellington on the attack at Ivybridge Town (Photo: Around Wellington news and sport website)
Wellington on the attack at Ivybridge Town (Photo: Around Wellington news and sport website) ( )

And it was despite being without captain Kieran Bailey following his decision to join premier rivals Shepton Mallet.

Towler took over the armband and there was a new central defensive partnership of Tom Stone and Jacob Shore who both had fine games.

It didn’t start well for the Tangerines, however, as they fell behind after only nine minutes.

A low drive was deflected into the path of Connor Bush who drove the ball past keeper Jake Viney, playing his first full game after a lengthy injury lay-off.

Wellington recovered from that early setback and the rest of the first half was relatively even.

Their best chance fell to Miles Quick who was played clear by a quick free-kick only to be foiled as he rounded keeper Jordan Duffey.

Manager Richard Cherry made a double substitution early in the second half, bringing on new signing Saul Vanes and Douglas Camilo, who was at the centre of the game’s turning point.

As he raced forward after 63 minutes, Camilo was chopped down by Sam Hillson who was shown a straight red.

Wellington produced some neat approach play as they took the game to the ten men, without being able to create any clearcut chances.

It looked like they would return empty handed from their first ever trip to Ivybridge until Towler levelled things up in the second minute of stoppage time.

Wellington now have seven games remaining and six of them are at home, starting with the visit of Brislington on Saturday.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Harry Scott, Tom Stone, Jacob Shore, Nathan Byrne, Miles Quick, Sam Towler, Sam Pashen, Josh Lukins, Josh Baker, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Douglas Camilo, Saul Vanes, Phil Mendonca, Alex Parsons (used); Rob Hall (not used).