Emirates FA Cup
Extra preliminary round
Wellington AFC 2, Bodmin Town 2 (3-4 pen)

WELLINGTON exited the 2020/21 FA Cup at the first hurdle on Tuesday night, after letting a two-goal lead slip against Bodmin Town.

The Tangerines’ first fixture of the season was played at Cullompton Rangers’ ground (with the Playing Field not yet ready for football, as the floodlights could not be erected in time following the end of the cricket season last weekend), and their starting 11 featured no fewer than seven new signings.

Not that they needed time to gel early on, scoring twice in the opening nine minutes thanks to Miles Quick, who took a pass from George Sinnott and fired home, and Mason Raymond, who converted Sinnott’s low cross.

But the Cornish visitors, who play in the South West Peninsula League, grew into the game and were only denied a goal by an reflex save from ex-Taunton Town loanee Chandler Hallett, who tipped Jordan Trott’s shot onto the crossbar.

Bodmin had the better of the play after the break but created few chances, until a dramatic finale that stunned the hosts.

Martin Watts powered home a free-kick with three minutes left, and just two minutes after that a driven cross rebounded in off Wellington player-manager Tim Legg.

With no extra-time or replays in the FA Cup this season, the game went straight to penalties, and Jesse Howe and Raymond’s misses sent Bodmin through.

Wellington: Chandler Hallett, Josh Champion, Tim Legg, Jordan Casey, Jack Lewis, Jamie Vaughan-Ryall, Miles Quick, Harry Walford, Mason Raymond, George Sinnott, Jesse Howe. Subs: Ollie Holman and James Clough.

Wellington will need to pick themselves up for this coming Saturday’s opening league fixture, away to Cadbury Heath (3pm).

The following Tuesday (7.30pm) sees them visit Shepton Mallet, with their first Premier Division game at the home coming the Wednesday after (September 16, 7.45pm), when they take on neighbours Bridgwater Town.

Division 1 side Bishops Lydeard start their 2020/21 campaign at home to Corsham Town (3pm).

Lydeard, now managed by Nick Buttle and James Clapperton - last season’s reserve team management duo - after Olly Feltham stepped down after just five weeks in the role, play again the following Monday, away to Wells City (7.30pm).