University of Exeter 2nds 5, Wellington Reserves 2

Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter League premier division

IT was an afternoon to forget for Reserves as they travelled to Exeter Uni on Saturday.

Mark Owen was only able to name a squad of 13 and also welcomed back Rob Hall in goal for his first start in over two years as Charlie Hawkings stepped up to the first team.

Wellington could not have asked for a worse start as, with the game only 15 minutes old, they had conceded two goals and also lost Hall to injury.

Tom Hawkings went in goal with Reagan Scotcher coming off the bench.

Wellington should have pulled a goal back straight after the restart.

Ollie Nott collected a poor pass at the back of the Uni defence and, as he tried to skip around the keeper to knock the ball into the net, he was denied by an excellent last-ditch save and the ball was cleared.

Wellington struggled to keep up with the youthful Uni side’s fast movement and passing and, as half-time approached, they added two more goals to see the visitors Wellington go into the break 4-0 down.

Wellington started the second half on top, keeping possession a lot better, but they could not make a breakthrough, and, on the hour, Uni made it 5-0 with their first effort on goal since the restart.

A low shot from ten yards beat Tom Hawkings in goal and went just inside the post.

Wellington made a second substitution with Lenny Old coming on for Sam Poole and Nott moving back into midfield.

Wellington kept going and scored a goal on 70 minutes.

Ben Evett made a fine run into the box and, as he cut in along the byline, he pulled the ball back to Nott who shot past the keeper from close range.

Then within five minutes Wellington had a second when Alfie Barrett ran through and hit a fine shot past the Uni keeper to make it 5-2.

Wellington could have scored further goals but poor finishing summed up a disappointing day all-round and a deserved win for Uni.

Thanks to the supporters who followed the side to Exeter – it was much appreciated.

Man-of-the-match was Aaron Hawkings.

Wellington Reserves face a tough task on Saturday when they host premier division leaders Clyst Valley.

They have won four of their opening six games, their latest success a 2-1 home win against Crediton United Seconds, who are one point and one place above Wellington in the table.

Wellington: Rob Hall, Dylan Groves, Scott Merritt, Ned Ogilvie, Tom Davies, Tom Hawkings, Aaron Hawkings, Sam Poole, Alfie Barrett, Ben Evett. Substitutes: Lenny Old and Reagan Scotcher (both used).