Wellington AFC

Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 2, Odd Down 2.

WELLINGTON ended their run of defeats with a hard-earned draw against Odd Down at the wind-ravaged Playing Field.

In their first game since Colin Merrick became permanent manager, they got off to a flying start as Craig Herrod shot home after only five minutes.

But Odd Down equalised 15 minutes with a well-placed shot by Matthew Rawlings and went on to hit the woodwork three times before half-time.

The visitors then caught Wellington napping to take the lead only two minutes after the re-start, Jamie Taylor applying a clinical finish.

Merrick’s side refused to lie down, however, and equalised after 63 minutes with a stunning strike from Alex Pounde, whose shot sailed into the top corner of the net.

Odd Down were denied by the woodwork again 15 minutes later, Simon Charity’s shot hitting the post after keeper Ryan Lewis had done brilliantly to keep out a Taylor header.

In an exciting finish, Wellington thought they had broken out to score the winner in injury time – only for Mark Clunie’s shot to be ruled out for offside.

Wellington Reserves could not make it three wins in a row when they found Devon and Exeter Premier Division leaders Seaton Town in formidable second half mood when they visited the Devon coast last weekend.

After a very solid and robust first half when the Wellington back line of James Garrad, Mitch Woodgate, Tom Phillips and Darren Mace let nothing get through so as to get to half time at 0-0 all that hard work was undone by three goals in six crazy second half minutes as Seaton secured the points with an element of aid from the Tangerines second string.

All three subs were tried, but to no avail.

There is no game next Saturday due to a home game being displaced by a rearranged first team match, but the game in question – Clyst Valley – is up four days later under lights on Wednesday 16th February from 7.30pm

TWO events are being staged this month in aid of Wellington Football Club’s clubhouse refurbishment programme.

This Saturday sees a 60s, 70s and 80s disco with the R&S Roadshow. Fancy dress is optional and admission on the door is £3 for members and £4 for non-members.

On Saturday, February 19^th, the club are staging a Valentine’s Dance with popular local band Home Brew. Admission on the door is £3 for members and £5 for non-members.

 COLIN MERRICK is the new manager of Toolstation premier division Wellington.

The former Taunton Blackbrook boss has accepted the job having been in temporary charge since Gary Domone’s shock resignation at the beginning of January.

He will be Wellington’s third manager in a season which has seen them struggling at the bottom of the table.

A club spokesman said: “Colin has impressed everyone with his approach and enthusiasm and we are delighted to have him on board.

“He has had a long managerial career and is very well known on the local football scene.

“Getting the first team out of their current predicament is going to be a huge challenge but we are confident Colin will give it everything.”

Merrick’s first game in permanent charge will be on Saturday when Wellington are home to Odd Down (3pm).

Toolstation league premier division: Wellington 0, Street 1

WELLINGTON suffered another agonising defeat as they conceded the double to Street at the Playing Field on Saturday.

The home side, deep in relegation trouble, responded to a half-time rocket from caretaker boss Colin Merrick without being able to find the equaliser their efforts deserved.

Wellington got off to the worst possible start as they fell behind to what was to be the game’s solitary goal after only two minutes.

Street target man Aaron Lomax was allowed to bring the ball down unchallenged before shooting low past keeper Ryan Lewis, playing against his former club.

Wellington should have equalised on the hour as Alex Pounde’s cross found substitute Craig Mawford with the goal at his mercy but the ball bobbled and his effort went wide.