IN THEIR opening fixture of 2023, the Tangerines extended the unbeaten run to five games against the current unbeaten leaders of the first division in the Devon and Exeter Football League last Saturday.

A minute's silence proceeded the game in memory and respect for the Reserves' number 3 and friend Lloyd Manning who sadly passed away before Christmas.

Both teams wore black arm bands (thank-you to Upottery for this, much appreciated). Playing down the slope Wellington started well, taking the game to the opponents at a quick pace.

 A flurry of scoring chances was created to no avail, with the visitor's keeper grateful that two were directly in his path. The breakthrough came on 24 minutes with striker Rohan Poulsom getting behind the back line with pace and skill, cutting inside the box to drill home for a deserved lead.

However, for all their dominance Wellington did not increase the margin, with the visitors equalising with a counterattack on 41 minutes which was neatly dispatched by their impressive number 10. On a deteriorating surface both teams adapted as best as possible, with the Tangerines looking to recapture the initiative on several occasions and the visitors looking dangerous on the break.

The introduction of leading goal scorer Luke Perry, who is back from injury, together with 17-year-olds Ned Ogilvie and Will Armstrong into central midfield added fresh legs on a now very heavy surface.With both teams now toe to toe searching for a winner, the visitors crafted a neat move that was capitalised on with the shot flashing past 16-year-old keeper Tom Hyam on 65 minutes.

A change of formation for Wellington soon followed together with the introduction of wide player Dominic Healey who played an intelligent ball behind the full back for Perry to control and loft a high ball from left to right that deceived the keeper to give his team a well-deserved point on a day that, on reflection , should have been three based on goal scoring chances created.

There were lots of positives to take forward for this young evolving group of players. Man of the match was awarded to captain Mark Owen by former first team player of the 80s & 90s Paul NobleMatch ball sponsor was Conway Cladding Ltd.

Wellington: Tom Hyam, Dylan Groves, Mark Owen, Jamie Fleet, Thomas Davies, Connor Noble, Oliver Nott, Wes Poulsom. Jordan Sellick, Rohan Poulsom, Logan Sellick. Substitutes (all used): Luke Perry, Ned Ogilvie, Will Armstrong, Dominic Healey. Not used: Jake Nichol

There is no fixtures for the Reserves un Saturday, January 21, when they play Beer Albion at the Playing Field.

NICK BUTTLE