Wellington 0, Hengrove Athletic 1
The top v bottom clash in Toolstation League division one saw Wellington edged out by leaders Hengrove Athletic. But although they are still rooted to the bottom of the table, Jamie Ward’s new-look side can take heart from the fact that, in recent games, they have given three of the division’s leading four sides a real run for their money.
Looking to build on three successive league draws, Wellington started brightly with midfielders Andy Butler and Mark Clunie going close early on. But it was Hengrove, who took the lead after 12 minutes as their first attack produced what proved to be the only goal.
A low cross from the right was cleared only as far as striker James Dunn, whose first-time shot from ten yards found the bottom corner of the net. Already without leading scorer Leon Taswell, who is out of action with a knee injury, Wellington suffered a blow midway through the first half when lively new front-man Corey Lewis limped off after a heavy challenge.
To the home side’s credit, it was difficult to tell which team was at the top of the table and which was propping it up in a match of few chances. Hengrove had appeals for a penalty turned down either side of the interval while their winger Ricky Briggs curled a shot just over with seven minutes remaining.
It was never a dirty game but, shortly afterwards, both sides were reduced to ten men after a clash near the edge of the pitch resulted in Wellington’s Andy Butler and Hengrove skipper Ricky Charlton receiving their marching orders.
Wellington: Sam Williamson, Martin White, Ed Weeks, Scott Holland, Nicky Ford, Mark Clunie, Luke Cole, Andy Butler, Darren Rice, Corey Lewis, Kyle Bassett. Substitutes: Luke Redrup (used); Tom Ellis, Joe Holmes, Jack Adams, Max Westlake (not used).
Match sponsor: Tim Potter Butchers.
Report courtesy of Wellington AFC