Wellington AFC produced a spirited display to claim their first home point of the season in a thrilling draw against in-form Newquay.
After back-to-back defeats, the Tangerines led three times in an entertaining contest on Saturday, October 4, which ebbed and flowed from start to finish.
The hosts made the perfect start when, inside the first minute, Josh Lukins released Oscar Albano, who unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner to spark early celebrations at the Carly Press Ground.
But Newquay – who beat leaders Clevedon Town the previous week – hit back almost immediately, with Jack Bray-Evans bundling home a low cross from the left to equalise inside three minutes.
Home keeper Jack McAndrews then kept the scores level with a sharp save moments later, before Wellington went close themselves through Josh Baker’s header.
The home side regained the lead on 24 minutes as player of the match Miles Quick’s teasing free kick caused confusion in the Newquay box, the ball came off a defender into the top corner with Tom Stone claiming the final touch.
The visitors continued to threaten and were denied by the underside of the bar before Rhys Simmonds turned in a low cross to equalise again on 34 minutes.
Despite the strong wind, a pulsating first half ended 2–2, with both sides showing plenty of attacking intent.
After the restart, McAndrews produced another fine stop to keep Newquay at bay before Wellington went ahead for a third time on 64 minutes.
Nathan Byrne’s cross was only half-cleared and fell perfectly for Alfie Slough, who drilled home his first goal for the club to make it 3–2.
But once again Newquay responded almost instantly, Simmonds slotting home his second of the afternoon to restore parity just a minute later.
The closing stages saw Wellington push hard for a winner.
Glen Wright and Quick both went close, while Josh Baker’s header was cleared off the line.
In the 87th minute, Albano thought he had struck again as he hit the bar and then smashed home the rebound, but the effort was ruled out for an infringement spotted by the referee.
At the other end, McAndrews pulled off a superb double save late on to deny Newquay who also missed a good chance before the final whistle.
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