Toolstation Western League: Wellington 3-1 Millbrook

Wellington completed their first double of the season and collected three valuable points with an important victory over Millbrook at the Playing Field on Saturday, March 16.

It was the clash of the bottom two in the table – only one team is being relegated – and defeats for Oldland Abbotonians and Welton Rovers meant the Tangerines’ win lifted them to up into 15th place.

Having been without a string of key players for the midweek Somerset Premier Cup defeat by Larkhall Athletic, manager Richard Cherry was able to field virtually a full-strength side against Millbrook.

Wellington got off to a nervy start but improved as the first half progressed and nearly went ahead ten minutes before the break.

Sam Towler’s curling free kick came back off the bar and Glen Wright slid in at the far post with his connection coming back off the outside of the upright.

But they were not to be denied and, almost immediately, took the lead. A slick move ended with Towler playing in Ryan Brereton to slot the ball past onrushing keeper Jamie Dudley.

That settled the Wellington nerves, and they doubled their advantage with another quality goal after 40 minutes.

Alex Cherry played the ball forward to Sully McKenna who bought it under control at pace before wrongfooting Dudley for a clinical finish.

The homes tails were up and McKenna – cup-tied in midweek – made it 3-0 eight minutes into the second half.

Brereton took a quick throw to Josh Lukins who squared for the winger to drill home his second of the game.

To their credit, Millbrook refused to lie down and pulled a goal back from a corner with 13 minutes remaining. Jay Boyle’s powerful far post header was cleared from under the bar, but the referee’s assistant ruled the ball had crossed the line.

With a number of players still feeling the effects of their tough game at Larkhall, Cherry used all five subs in the second half.

Wellington still looked dangerous and McKenna was denied his hat-trick by a sharp save from Dudley in injury time.

A busy March for the Tangerines continues with a trip to Street on Wednesday night before they host Oldland Abbotonians next Saturday.