Toolstation Western League: Wellington 1-3 Buckland Athletic

Wellington’s run of draws ended with defeat by play-off hopefuls Buckland Athletic at the Playing Field yesterday (Saturday, February 17th).

The pitch had only just passed a morning inspection and although the heavy conditions worsened during the game, the two sides still produced a decent contest.

The Tangerines continued their recent improvement by matching the visitors for long spells before Buckland eventually sealed a win which moved them up into third in the table.

Manager Richard Cherry was without the dual registered Josh Baker and Nathan Byrne – both wanted by their parent club Willand Rovers – so defender Ryan Hibbert came into the side and there was a first start for winger Joe Wragg, who recently rejoined the club from Weymouth Under 23s.

The match got off to an exciting start with a goal apiece in the opening stages, Wellington taking the lead after only five minutes with a definite contender for their goal of the season.

Young midfielder Josh Lukins burst forward from midfield and let fly from 25 yards with an unstoppable rocket into the top corner.

The home joy was shortlived, however, as Buckland drew level five minutes later when skipper Rob Farkins converted a pull-back from close range.

Both sides had half-chances before the break without adding to the score and it was the visitors who then went ahead after 51 minutes.

Some neat play on the left by Sam Morcom saw him send in a low cross and former Taunton Town striker Jared Lewington produced a neat flick which turned the ball just inside the far post.

Cherry rang the changes in a bid to get back on terms, but it was Buckland who wrapped up the game thank to another quality finish with seven minutes remaining.

Teigan Rosenquest won the ball out on the left and advanced on goal before coolly slipping it past keeper Jake Viney.

The Tangerines now need to pick themselves up for their rearranged Somerset Premier Cup quarter-final away to Larkhall Athletic of the Southern League on Wednesday night.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Tom Stone, Ryan Hibbert, Miles Quick, Sam Towler Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Josh Lukins, Ryan Brereton, Joe Wragg. Substitutes: Gabriel Plant, Tom Burt, Lewis Jennings and Josh Young (used); Sully McKenna (not used).

There was no game for our Reserves while our A team are still top of their table after beating Bridgwater Sports 2-0 thanks to a pair of goals from Jordan Sellick.