WELLINGTON Reserves completed a hat-trick of away victories with an excellent 4-1 win at Winkleigh in the Premier Division of the Devon & Exeter Football League.

It followed victories on the previous two Saturday’s - at St Martins and Colyton - which has lifted the Reserves to seventh in the table.

With top scorer Jack Bryant out injured, manager Mark Owen pushed Aaron Hawkings forward to support Alfie Barrett and was looking for a fast start from his side – and that’s exactly what he got as they went 2-0 up within 25 minutes.

The first goal came from a fine move with the ball being played out wide to man-of-the-match Ben Evett and, as he fired in a fine cross, Barrett flicked it in from close range. The second goal came from a free kick out wide on the left. Scott Merritt whipped in a curling cross and, as it flew across the six-yard box, Aaron Hawkings was on hand to turn it over the line.

Winkleigh then created a couple of chances but keeper Rob Hall was in fine form, notably pushing a close range effort wide for a corner. As the game approached half-time, Wellington scored a third goal. Hall kicked a free kick upfield and Hawkings played a clever header inside the centre half for Evett to run on to and score.

Wellington could not have asked for a better start to the second half as they made it 4-0 inside the first minute. The ball was played up the right flank and as Evett ran clear he hit a shot from 25 yards over the keeper into the opposite top corner.

This gave Owen the opportunity to make numerous changes, resting some players on a very heavy pitch, and as Winkleigh tried to get back into the game, the Wellington defence held firm, well marshalled by Tom Davies and Sam Bryant, before he went off.

Winkleigh pulled one back with 15 minutes to go but Wellington kept their shape to complete three fine away wins against tough opposition.

Wellington Reserves: Hall, Wes Poulsom, Dylan Groves, Sam Bryant, Tom Davies, Tom Hawkings, Ben Evett, Connor Noble, Alfie Barrett, Aaron Hawkings, Scott Merritt. Substitutes: Luke Perry, Ollie Nott, Jim Beatty, Reegan Scotcher, Connor Porter (all used).

Wellington will be looking to maintain their fine form - 15 goals in three away games - when they play at home to Colyton on Saturday, February 8, hoping to complete the season’s double over their rivals. Wellington will go above Colyton if they win.

Meanwhile, Lapford moved back on top of the table after their 4-1 victory at home to Colyton, the mid-Devon side maintaining their perfect home record to overtake Feniton who, despite a close call, were beaten 1-0 by the University Reserves.