WELLINGTON Wanderers Under 12s continued their pre-season preparations with an entertaining 5-2 victory over Twyford Spartans at Dobree Park, in conditions that could only be described as monsoon-like!

The young Tangerines started brightly and looked to get the ball down and play, but the difficult conditions made things tricky. Wellington created some promising positions but struggled to find that final pass, with the heavy rain and wet surface certainly playing their part.

Despite the positive start, Wellington found themselves 1-0 down following a mistake on the edge of the box. However, the response was excellent. A slick passing move opened up the Twyford defence, allowing Harry G to finish brilliantly, rocketing the ball into the top corner. There was little the keeper could do, and the teams went into half-time level 1-1.

Some changes were made at the break and Wellington came out with renewed intensity. The extra pressure soon paid off when a dangerous Rowan G corner was met by Kohen W, who glanced a header into the net to put Wanderers 2-1 ahead.

Twyford responded and another Wellington mistake allowed them to equalise at 2-2. But once again, Wellington showed great character and refused to let the setback affect them.

The young Tangerines then went through the gears, with the pressure finally telling. Riley L broke through on goal and showed great composure to calmly finish and restore Wellington’s lead at 3-2.

From there Riley added two more goals to complete an impressive hat-trick and secure a deserved 5-2 victory for Wanderers.

It was another really positive outing, with some excellent individual performances and, more importantly, signs that the team is beginning to take shape nicely ahead of the new season.

A huge thank you to the parents who braved the conditions and helped pack everything away. And, as always, a big thank you to shirt sponsor, Roadchef.