By Kevin Marriott

WESTERN LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION (SATURDAY)

St Blazey 1 Wellington 3

ST BLAZEY conceded two late Phil Mendonca goals to crash to an unlikely defeat after dominating the match against visiting Wellington.

The Green & Blacks were leading through a Ryan Downing goal three minutes before half-time and had two chances to double their lead around the hour mark.

But the sending off of Downing in the 61st minute was a blow to Blazey, before Jake Quick equalised 15 minutes from time.

Blazey continued to push for a winner but they were caught out two minutes from time with a Mendonca goal and before they had time to recover, the substitute made it 3-1.

Joint manager Brad Richardson said: “Yesterday’s game was such a disappointment to lose, especially when for large part of the game they never looked like troubling us.

“It’s been a struggle with three out of the back four out and no first choice goalkeeper for four games, we have looked disjointed.

“For large parts our shape was better and we looked solid and more in control.

“The sending off was a huge turning point. I’ve been critical of referees in the last couple of weeks but this one I feel he got right.

“But even with 10 men I felt we still looked like we were the only side going to win the game.

“We had a great chance with a header that if he put it either side of the keeper it’s game over. Then we conceded a really soft goal from a corner with about 15 to play out of nowhere, but we still looked dangerous on the counter.

“What is inexcusable is the way we conceded in the 89th minute, it’s just poor defending, it’s not good enough – then the one straight after is the same.

“We have to defend better!”