Jewson Western League Premier Division: Wellington 0, Clevedon Town 3
Wellington AFC could hold their heads high after a battling display against second-placed Clevedon Town at the Carly Press Ground last night (Wednesday).
Playing their first game since the appointment of a new management quartet, the Tangerines gave their best display of the season so far.
Although it ended in another defeat, new boss Joe Conway and his team will take plenty of positives as they faced one of the favourites for promotion.
Clevedon also had a new man in charge – ex-Bristol Rovers striker Jamie Cureton – and fielded a side packed with experience.
Wellington keeper Charlie Hawkings was called into action after seven minutes, getting down well to keep out a free kick as the visitors looked for an early breakthrough.
But the home side held firm until the 20th minute when Clevedon finally went ahead. Hawkings did well to parry another free kick but Laurent Davis-Wilson reacted quickest to lift the rebound over the keeper and into the net.
Wellington suffered a blow almost immediately as striker Alfie Barratt, their scorer on Saturday, limped off to be replaced by U18s skipper Elijah Hiller.
Clevedon doubled their advantage after 29 minutes in controversial fashion. The visitors were awarded a penalty despite Wellington protests and Nick McCootie tucked away the resulting spot-kick.
Despite trailing 2-0 at the interval, it had been a gutsy first-half display from the Tangerines.
Hawkings, who had a fine game, produced a superb flying save ten minutes after the restart as Clevedon went in search of a third, but Wellington continued to battle away and refused to buckle.
They threatened themselves with 12 minutes remaining as Ben Evett tried his luck from long range and forced Clevedon keeper James Dunn into action.
However, any hopes of a late comeback were ended two minutes later when a wayward back-pass presented Clevedon with the opportunity to extend their lead, Jacob Sloggett knocking the ball home to make it 3-0.
The visitors almost added a fourth in the closing stages but Jack Lewis produced a fantastic goal-line block before the visitors missed a golden opportunity in front of goal.
The Tangerines will now look to take the improved display into their trip to Liskeard Athletic on Saturday.
Wellington: Charlie Hawkings, Harry Chetland, Connor Pengelly, Tom Hawkings, Jack Lewis, Lewis Oaten, Max Edgecombe, Sam Poole, Ben Evett, Josh Baker, Alfie Barratt. Substitutes: Elijah Hiller, Luke Perry, Isaac Baker, Aaron Hawkings (all used). Attendance: 98.
ABOVE: Defender Jack Lewis, left, and keeper Charlie Hawkings.
BELOW: Sam Poole battles for possession.
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