WELLINGTON 2

HENGROVE ATHLETIC 2

(Hengrove win 5-4 on pen)

WELLINGTON lost another penalty shoot-out – this time to Toolstation League first division side Hengrove in the first qualifying round of the Buildbase FA Cup on Saturday.

In their opening game of the season, Tim Legg’s side lost on penalties to Bodmin in the Emirates FA Cup and Saturday’s tie also finished 2-2 after 90 minutes before they lost out.

Legg said afterwards: “We really pushed forward in the last 20 minutes to try to get the winner. But we just couldn’t find that winning touch.

“We need to be a bit more clinical. We’re creating chances but not taking them.”

It had all started so well for Wellington who followed up their excellent display against Bridgwater Town in midweek by dominating the opening half-hour.

They took the lead after 28 minutes when a quickly taken throw saw Jessie Howe wriggle towards the byline before crossing for Mason Raymond to stroke the ball home.

But, after that, they lost their way and Hengrove equalised on the stroke of half-time. A cross was headed goalwards and, although stand-in keeper Miles Quick saved at full stretch, Georgio Mancini drove home the rebound.

Hengrove then went ahead eight minutes after the break from another rebound, this time converted by Jack Jones after a shot had smacked against the post.

Legg made a triple substitution after 63 minutes – bringing on club skipper Glen Wright, Ollie Holman and new signing Scott Merritt – and they equalised with their best move of the game seven minutes later.

Some slick passing ended with Howe making room for himself before driving low past the wrong-footed Hengrove keeper Luke Crew.

Both sides huffed and puffed in vain for the breakthrough and, although Hengrove put their first penalty wide, Crew saved from Howe and Raymond to send the visitors through to play Street in the next round.

With no Les Phillips or Somerset Premier Cup competitions this season, the double shoot-out defeat means Wellington will be focusing on the league.

Wellington: Miles Quick, Josh Champion, Jordan Casey, Jason Quick, Jack Lewis, Jamie Vaughan-Ryall, Mason Raymond, James Clough, Harry Walford, Jesse Howe, George Sinnott. Substitutes: Glen Wright, Ollie Holman, Scott Merritt (used); Tim Legg (not used).