Toolstation Western League: Wellington 0-1 Falmouth Town

Wellington AFC came agonisingly close to pulling off a shock result against title-chasing Falmouth Town at the Playing Field last night (Tuesday).

The Tangerines defended superbly against the high-flying visitors before their resistance was broken by a goal four minutes from time.

Their performance was a demonstration of the side’s improvement under manager Richard Cherry, having been thrashed 8-0 at Falmouth in September during the early days of his first season in charge.

The visitors from Cornwall went into the game in second place after beating promotion rivals Clevedon Town 4-0 at the weekend.

But Wellington matched them blow-for-blow in a first half which produced plenty of decent football but no clearcut chances.

Falmouth stepped up a gear after the break, pegging the hosts back in their own half for long periods without being able to break the deadlock and even making a triple substitution.

Cherry also introduced fresh legs from the bench and, when Falmouth had a goalbound header hooked away before keeper Jake Viney produced a brilliant reaction save, it looked like the game might end goalless.

But, after 86 minutes, defender Tom Annear collected the ball and took aim from fully 30 yards before firing in a powerful low drive which took a deflection on its way into the net.

That signalled a frantic end to the game before the final whistle went to the delight – and relief – of the Falmouth players and their enthusiastic supporters.

The result lifted them to joint top of the table with Helston Athletic, who ironically are the next visitors to the Playing Field for Wellington’s final home game of the season on Saturday.

Wellington AFC took another step towards securing their premier division future as two late goals sank Street last week.

That result lifted the Tangerines up into 14th place, however the defeat to Falmouth sees them back down to 15th.

They are still 17 points ahead of bottom club Millbrook with only one team being relegated this season so safety .

Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Tom Stone, Jordan Hayman, Kieran Bailey, Josh Young, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Josh Lukins, Sully McKenna, Joe Wragg. Substitutes: Harry Scott, Ryan Hibbert, Rohan Poulsom. Lewis Jennings, Alex Cherry (all used).