Emirates FA Cup extra preliminary round: Willand Rovers 2-1 Wellington

Wellington bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup at the first stage with an odd-goal defeat away to Willand Rovers of the Pitching In Southern League today (Saturday). 

They trailed 2-0 at the break but improved greatly in the second half and threw everything at their higher-ranked opponents to try and get back in the tie. 

There was a cagey opening to the game with little between the sides but Willand gradually got on top as the half progressed. 

They went ahead after 34 minutes when Lewis Hill cut inside to drill a low shot past keeper Rob Hall. 

The home side extended their lead just before half-time – thanks to a huge slice of luck – as a low cross was turned past Hall by Sam Towler for an unfortunate own goal. 

That left Wellington with a mountain to climb but they took the game to Willand and felt aggrieved after 64 minutes when Jamie Nicholson looked to be brought down as he rounded keeper George Burton but the referee awarded a corner rather than a penalty. 

Four minutes later, they could have made 2-1 when Jake Quick was played in but failed to hit the target while Towler was denied by Burton twice in a matter of minutes shortly afterwards. 

As Wellington threw men forward, Willand went close a couple of times but the visitors did manage a consolation goal late in injury time through a low drive by sub Lewis Smith. 

Next up for Wellington is a league game away to newly-promoted Welton Rovers on Tuesday night.