A GOAL IN the seventh minute of injury time robbed Wellington of a famous victory in the preliminary round of the FA Cup against Bideford in North Devon on Saturday (August 17), the tie ending in a heartbreaking 1-1 draw for Richard Cherry’s outfit.

The Tangerines were on their way to causing a cup upset as they led Bideford into added time, only for the Southern League club to snatch a replay right at the death.

It meant the sides would have to meet again on Tuesday, August 20 – with the tie to take place at Bideford because cricket on the Playing Field prevents Wellington from playing at home in August.

Wellington were without big striker Matt Crawley for the game, but midfielder Sam Towler made his first start of the season and skipper Kieran Bailey also returned from injury.

The match began with Bideford exerting early pressure, launching a couple of efforts on goal, while Wellington’s Miles Quick went close in the seventh minute, volleying wide from a cross by his brother Jake.

The hosts continued to threaten, with a drilled shot going wide and an overhead kick dropping on to the bar, but Wellington held firm.

A fine run from Bideford skipper Aaron Taylor in the 36th minute nearly paid off, but his shot rolled just wide of the target.

And it was Wellington who then made the breakthrough five minutes before half-time. A flicked header from Mark Cornish hit the bar and, from the eventual corner, skipper Kieran Bailey headed in at the far post.

The second half began with Bideford pushing to draw level, but Wellington defended well and keeper Jake Viney was in fine form.

Bideford then saw vehement appeals for a penalty turned down in the 55th minute as they continued to press for a goal.

Despite the hosts’ pressure, it was Wellington who nearly doubled their lead as the game entered added time with Glen Wright thwarted by the legs of keeper Mike Searle.

At the other end, the Tangerines defended valiantly only to be finally undone with the whistle only three minutes away as a long throw dropped to Taylor in the box and he drove home the equaliser.

There was still time for Wellington substitute Tom Burt to nearly snatch a winner, but he was unable to hit the target.

However, Wellington could be proud of their display against a side which plays at a higher level.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Jordan Hayman, Kieran Bailey, Jason Quick, Harry Scott, Sam Towler, Glen Wright, Josh Lukins, Miles Quick, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Oscar Albano, Ryan Hibbert and Tom Burt (used); Josh Young and Danny Wordsworth (not used).