Wellington Reserves 0 0 St Martins
Whereas Wellington Reserves had been a little naive in their last match at Exeter University this was a robust and well drilled showing from first to last as Devon and Exeter Premier Division leaders St Martins were sent back to Exeter with just a point from a lot of huff and puff, but not a lot of blow your house down as they failed to overcome a resolute Tangerines second string who were good value for a point and may even have nicked it at the end.
Robust defensive play all game long from a back four of Mark Owen, Mitch Woodgate, Tom Phillips and skipper Steve Luxon saw that St Martins were – in the main – restricted to pot shots and long range efforts, although Chris Cherry in the Wellington goal pulled off three fine first half saves.
St Martins – known for their combative style on and off the field of play – were quite tame overall and this played into Wellington’s hands as the team showed their hard work on defensive play in the week since the 6-3 drubbing at University had paid off.
Sam Bryant had a great game – all the better as he was suffering with flu like symptoms – and he was a bag of energy in the middle of the park all game and gave St Martins some hairy moments as he worked some nice moves in centre midfield.
Oli Nott gave great input too, but found his way to goal crowded often as St Martins were pushed back by good delivery from dead ball situations from Chris McKee, but the heading was too often over the bar or wide from Wellington.
But that is another aspect for Dave Thomas and the team to work on for this was a fine display against a side who have now not beaten Wellington Reserves in their last three meetings.
Wellington travel to Willand Rovers on Saturday for a local derby and will be keen to build on this result.
