NINETEEN year old Joe Wragg has rejoined League One Exeter City after a three-month loan spell with Wellington.

The left-sided front-runner has been a big hit with Wellington, and joint manager Alex Pope said this week: “Obviously, we’re going to miss him. He’s only young but he’s already a good player.

“But at the same time Nathan Byrne has rejoined us. He was one of our best players last season. So it’s a case of one in, one out.”

Meanwhile, Wellington prepare for their first match in more than five weeks when they play away to Buckland Athletic in the Premier Division of the Toolstation League on Boxing Day (1p.m. kick-off).

Wellington’s enforced lay-off has left them second from bottom in the table, but with games in hand on all the sides around them.

“Our draw at home to leaders Saltash United seems a long time ago,” added Pope.

“We were getting into a rhythm and the lads were beginning to play with confidence. The break from football could not have come at a worse time.

“You never know quite what to expect when you have such a break. We may be a bit rusty against Buckland but I think we’re now in a good place. We have a squad capable of pulling away from the bottom and I’m sure we can do this in the New Year.”

Buckland are lying fifth in the table and have played four more games than Wellington. Last time out they drew 1-1 away to Helston on Saturday, December 10, and previous to this beat Barnstaple Town 4-1 twice - home and away.

Wellington Reserves, who drew 2-2 away with Teignmouth Reserves in Division One of the Devon & Exeter League last Saturday, have no match until the New Year.

The Taunton Saturday, Somerset Sunday and Taunton Youth Leagues are all taking a break until 2023.