WELLINGTON manager Jon Pugh praised his team's hard work as they powered into the semi-final of the Herefordshire FA County Challenge Cup with a 3-0 win over 10-man Hereford Pegasus.

Despite the final result it was Pegasus who started stronger with Cameron Peters and Carlos Moreira both going close.

However, Welly came into the tie as the game wore on and a Joe Davies header gave them a slender 1-0 lead at the interval.

After the break Peters had a chance to draw the tie level, but his effort was denied by the legs of goalkeeper Matt Apperley.

With the game still open the controversial moment came on 71 minutes when Moreira was denied what looked a penalty by the referee.

Moments later Moreira was involved in a challenge and after words with the referee was sent off.

Wellington capitalised and five minutes later substitute Saul Thomas was awarded a spot kick at the other end which he dispatched to make it 2-0.

Brendan Hackett completed the scoring with a third goal running onto a through ball and firing low in off the post.

"I'm really pleased with the result as we know Pegasus are a really good side and they showed that last year," said Pugh.

"Our lads have worked extremely hard knowing that we are going to come and play football and I think we looked a lot fitter and sharper than them.

"When they were at their best in the first 20 minutes they put us under a lot of pressure, we weathered that storm a bit and I feel we earned the right to play.

"I thought in the second half we dominated the game.

"The lads have worked hard, it's hard coming out of a lockdown and asking the lads to work hard for something that may not be as meaningful to them as being happy and coming out of lockdown.

"They responded. It was a hard game at Pegasus last year and we know they will still be a good team next season.

"We are working on something, we've got a young team and we're willing to give our young players a chance."