Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 1-0 St Blazey

Wellington bounced back from their 8-0 thrashing at Falmouth with a well-deserved draw at home to newly promoted St Blazey on Saturday, September 16th.

Manager Richard Cherry was able to field a more experienced side after several key players missed the trip to Cornwall and his line-up also included Nathan Byrne who has rejoined the club on loan from Willand Rovers.

It was the Tangerines’ first home game of the season, after nine away fixtures because of cricket at the Playing Field, and they marked their return with a much-improved performance.

There were half-chances for both sides in an open first half before the deadlock was broken ten minutes before the break.

St Blazey striker Luke Cloke pounced on a defensive slip and advanced on goal before producing a cool finish.

Young keeper Rhys Williams, again deputising for the injured Shay Allen, also pulled off a couple of smart stops but it was Wellington who looked more dangerous after the break.

Defenders Jordan Hayman and Tom Stone both went close with headers before they equalised after 53 minutes.

A trademark long throw from assistant player-coach Jack Bown-Porter was flicked on by skipper Stone and reached Glen Wright whose goalbound header went in off a defender.

Wellington almost snatched a winner right at the death as substitute Ryan Hibbert embarked on a mazy run, ending with a shot which curled just wide.

The Tangerines now have a welcome break after a busy start to the season – they have no game next weekend and don’t play again until September 30th when Welton Rovers visit the Playing Field.