UNDERSTRENGTH Wellington produced an outstanding performance to defeat fellow Western League premier division rivals Buckland Athletic 1-0 away in the extra preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday, collecting £1,125 in prizemoney along the way.

Manager Richard Cherry was without a number of players but his well-organised side went ahead from the penalty spot in the first half and then defended brilliantly to earn a preliminary round tie away to Bideford of the Southern League on August 17th.

Cherry welcomed back defender Jason Quick, who has rejoined the club after playing for Bridgwater United last season and beginning the season at Nailsea and Tickenham, including the 3-0 defeat of Wellington only four days earlier.

There were also first starts for big striker Matt Crawley, previously with Galmington in the Taunton Saturday League, and young midfielder Oscar Albano, signed from Bishops Lydeard.

Chances were few and far between in a tie which was switched Buckland’s ground at Newton Abbot because of cricket on the Playing Field.

Wellington started brightly in the sunshine with Josh Lukins seeing a rising drive tipped over and the lively Albano firing wide before what proved to be the game’s pivotal moment after 19 minutes.

Central defender Jordan Hayman rose for a high ball between two Buckland defenders and the referee pointed to the spot for a push.

Miles Quick stepped up to coolly slot home the penalty kick and Wellington then comfortably held on to their lead until the break.

Buckland, who won their opening league fixture 8-0, took the game to the visitors in the second half, launching wave after wave of attacks.

But excellent defending meant they could only produce one half-chance – fired over by former Taunton Town striker Jared Lewington – while keeper Jake Viney also got down well to save a low free-kick.

It was a fantastic result for Wellington after their midweek defeat and will give them confidence ahead of a stiff test at Brixham in the league next Saturday.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Ryan Hibbert, Jason Quick, Jordan Hayman, Harry Scott, Oscar Albano, Glen Wright, Josh Lukins, Miles Quick, Matt Crawley. Substitutes: Tom Burt (used); Alex Cherry, Danny Wordsworth, Josh Young, Rob Hall (not used). Attendance: 182.

Meanwhile, Wellington Reserves continued their build-up to the new season with a 1-0 away win over Minehead who play in the first division of the Uhlsport Somerset County League.

While the first half was relatively even, it was slightly edged by Wellington who went ahead during injury time to a goal created by an incisive run by the very impressive striker Jack Bryant who squared the ball leaving the equally impressive winger Josh Sabana with a simple tap-in.