Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 0, Wells City 1
Wellington AFC gave another hugely improved performance as they suffered a narrow defeat by in-form Wells City at the Carly Press Ground last night (Wednesday).
The Tangerines were thrashed 10-0 when the sides met at Wells in August – this time it took a first half penalty to separate them.
After their narrow Les Phillips Cup defeat at Shepton Mallet, Wellington had the experienced Glen Wright and Ryan Brereton making their first league appearances of the season.
But they suffered a blow before kick-off when Mike Murphy was forced to drop to the bench, leaving Sam Poole to move back from midfield to defence where he formed a formidable partnership with Jack Lewis.
There was little to choose between the sides in a closely contested opening, with neither creating a clear-cut chance.
But the breakthrough came after 28 minutes when Alfie Clark – one of three ex-Tangerines in the Wells line-up – was sent tumbling in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Jacob Reader converted the penalty to put the visitors ahead.
Wellington responded three minutes later when Ben Evett struck a firm free-kick which Wells keeper Tom Creed could only parry.
At the other end, Luke Vernon produced an excellent double save after 36 minutes to prevent the visitors from extending their advantage before the interval.
The Tangerines continued to frustrate Wells after the break, defending resolutely to keep themselves in contention.
With Wellington still denying them a second goal, the visitors made a quadruple substitution midway through the half in an effort to find a way through.
Wells fashioned a couple of half-chances, but Vernon was never forced into serious action as the home defence stood firm.
Wellington pushed men forward in search of a late equaliser, but were unable to find the goal which would have given them their first point of the season.
Although they were left empty-handed, the narrow margin underlined the progress made in recent weeks and they will go into Saturday’s home game v Sidmouth Town full of confidence.
Wellington: Luke Vernon, Luke Perry, Jack Lewis, Sam Poole, Harry Chetland, Elijah Hiller, Glen Wright, Ryan Brereton, Ben Evett, Ollie Ackland, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Isaac Baker, Gustav Andins, Mike Murphy, Lewis Oaten, Danny Wordsworth (all used). Attendance: 98.
MAIN PHOTO: Jack Lewis who was outstanding in defence.
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