Wellington AFC

WELLINGTON went 3-0 away to Southern League neighbours Taunton Town in a friendly at Wordsworth Drive on Tuesday night.

Taunton’s Nick McCootie capitalised on a slip by centre-back Scott Holland to put the home side into a 20th minute lead.
Set up by Shaun Anthony, Lewis Irish doubled the advantage on 37 minutes, and concluded the scoring just before the hour mark with the best goal of the game.
The impressive Rice picked out McCootie with an excellent cross-field pass. The forward then wrestled clear of Holland and crossed to the far post where Irish finished on the run.
Wellington manager Warren Patmore’s approach was equally experimental. The ex-Yeovil striker used five substitutes including Blackbrook players Alex Stephens and Pat Sherwood in the second half.
Wellington: Ryan Lewis, Craig Mawford (Pat Sherwood 66), Jack Adams, Martin White, Neil Vogwill (Marcus Vaughan 45), Scott Holland, Darren Stone (Luke Desave 45), Simon Ingram (captain), Matt Francis (Mark Burgess 45), Shane Kingston, Craig Herrod (Alex Stephens 66).

WELLINGTON continued their build-up to the new season with an impressive display as they drew 2-2 away to an Exeter City XI yesterday.

The young Exeter side – with their first team boss Paul Tisdale watching – went ahead early on through Jack Furzer’s powerful header.

But in a high-tempo game, Wellington hit back to lead before half-time thanks to two goals from striker Shane Kingston.

First, he scored with a low drive after being set up by skipper Simon Ingram.

And then he turned home a low cross by Aussie winger Darren Stone.

Both sides created openings in an even second half but it was Exeter, who drew level on the hour as Tom Nicholls scored against his home town club.

Wellington’s next friendly is on Tuesday when they travel to play neighbours Taunton Town (kick off 7.45).

WELLINGTON’S first pre-season friendly this weekend has been switched from Friday night to Saturday afternoon.
The Toolstation League premier division club are travelling to play division one Gillingham with a 2.30 kick-off.
Meanwhile, more than 30 players attended last night’s latest training session conducted by new manager Warren Patmore.
The former Yeovil Town striker has taken over from Leigh Robinson, who quit at the end of the season to become joint manager of Bridgwater Town.
Patmore’s team at Gillingham is expected to include a number of new faces alongside members of last season’s squad, who finished seventh in the premier division.

JOE Conway and Jason Hawkings will run Wellington Reserves in the premier division of the Devon and Exeter League this season.
The pair were appointed today(Tuesday) to take over from Nick Bowrah, who has stepped down from the job to concentrate on playing.
Chairman Ken Bird said: “Joe and Jason are both long-serving players and popular figures within the club.
“Jason captained the third-team to the Intermediate One championship last season while Joe played for both the reserves and thirds.
“They also each manage a team in our youth set-up and have now decided to set up into senior management.
“We are delighted to have them on board and wish them every success in their new challenge.”
Meanwhile, Wellington’s FA Cup tie at home to Bideford on August 15 has been switched to Tiverton club Elmore’s ground because there is cricket at the Playing Field that day.

  NEW Wellington manager Warren Patmore will meet his players for the first time when they return for pre-season training tonight (Thursday).
 The former Yeovil Town striker was appointed last week to replace Leigh Robinson, who has joined Southern League club Bridgwater Town as joint manager.
  Chairman Ken Bird said: “Warren spent Saturday morning at the club, meeting people and getting a feel for the place and the facilities.
  “He wants to hit the ground running and has developed a full training schedule to dovetail a programme of friendlies.”
  New players are welcome to attend tonight’s session at the Playing Field, which start at 7.15pm and there will be a further session on Saturday morning.
  Meanwhile, Patmore will find himself on the same pitch as England skipper John Terry when he plays in a testimonial match for Yeovil’s player-boss Terry Skiverton at Huish Park this Saturday.

  WELLINGTON have formed a commercial committee to handle sponsorship and other revenue-generating opportunities.
  It consists of five executives – Andy Thorne, Ryan Lewis, Paul Sellick, Steve Luxon and Joe Conway – with Shirley Evett acting as administrator.
  Wellington have a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available – including advertising on kit and tracksuits. Anyone interested, should ring 07909-828301.

  WELLINGTON Reserves, who play in the premier division of the Devon and Exeter League, are looking for a new manager.
  Player-boss Nick Bowrah has decided to step down from the job to concentrate on playing.
  Anyone wishing to apply for the job, should ring chairman Ken Bird on 07909-828301.

 WELLINGTON have been drawn to play at home on August 15 in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup against Bideford – although that tie will have to be re-arranged with Wellington’s ground
  unavailable.
A victory for Wellington will then see them travel to Paulton Rovers on August 29 in the preliminary round.
And if Wellington are successful again they will play host to Tiverton Town in the first qualifying round on September 12.
 In the FA Vase, Wellington have been drawn away at either Wadebridge or Penzance in the second qualifying round.
 And, if successful, Wellington would then entertain Budleigh Salterton or Barnstaple Town in the first round.