CLYST VALLEY 1 WELLINGTON RESERVES 3

THIS was another cup game and another away day for the Reserves – this time in the East Devon Senior Cup with a short trip down the M5 to play Devon & Exeter League premier division rivals Clyst Valley.

With a few players unavailable due to injury – including keeper Charlie Hawkings and Sam Bryant – Wellington decided to play a 3-4-3 formation on a tight pitch and the game was even in the early stages.

As the first half moved on, the home team started to have the majority of the ball but Wellington kept to a game plan and defended well as a team with Tom Hawkings in goal dealing with everything which came his way.

After 25 minutes, Wellington made the breakthrough when the ball was played down the middle and, as Freddie Margettes raced into the box, he was brought down and the ref awarded a penalty. Up stepped Ben Evett to dispatch the kick to the keeper’s left and into the corner – 1-0 to Wellington.

After 40 minutes, Wellington increased their lead when a corner was cleared by the Clyst defence to Scott Merritt who whipped in an excellent cross to the back post where Tom Davies scored with a header.

All Wellington had to do was stay tight and see the game out until half-time but with the time hitting 45 minutes Clyst made a break down the left and a fine cross was dispatched past Hawkings from ten yards out.

The second half started well for Wellington who began to see the ball more and their back line, notably Dylan Groves, dealt well with everything Clyst threw at them.

With both teams making numerous subs, the game became scrappy, and it became even harder for the visitors when Evett was sinned binned on 75 minutes. But Clyst became frustrated with not finding an equaliser and, with Evett back on, it was Wellington who found the next goal. Tom Davies played a high ball into the box, and everyone stood and watched, apart from Evett who nipped in and headed past a stationary keeper to seal Wellington’s place in the next round.

Wellington: Tom Hawkings, Dylan Groves, Scott Merritt, Connor Noble, Tom Davies, Sam Poole, Wes Poulsom, Jack Bryant, Freddie Margettes, Ollie Nott, Ben Evett. Substitutes: Alfie Barrett, Reagan Scotcher, Luke Perry, Ned Ogilvie (all used); Aaron Hawkings (not used).

This was a particularly fine display by Wellington against one of the best teams in the premier division. Wellington, who were promoted at the end of last season, have shown they can mix it with the best in the top division even when not at full strength.