Toolstation League premier division: Bitton 1, Wellington 2
Wellington bounced back from two defeats in four days with a hard-earned victory away to struggling Bitton in Bristol today (Saturday, 8th).
The Tangerines had lost 2-1 to Clevedon Town in the league followed by a 3-2 Somerset Premier Cup defeat away to Frome Town.
And they had to dig deep to beat a side propping up the table with only one point from ten games.
The game was never a classic with both teams struggling to find any sort of cohesion.
It was Bitton who came closest to taking the lead after 14 minutes when striker Jamal Cuevelleau’s shot smacked against the underside of the bar.
The first half was a scrappy affair, but Wellington broke the deadlock as it was about to enter a lengthy period of injury time.
Stefan Phillips lofted a high ball into the home box and midfielder Sam Towler rose to score with a well-placed downward header.
The Tangerines nearly doubled their lead six minutes after the restart but Tom Stone’s goalbound header was hooked off the line – the defender had suffered a similar fate late on against Frome.
However, the visitors were not to be denied and did make it 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining.
Jason Quick floated over a free kick and 16-year-old Kelson Pollard – the smallest player on the pitch – headed home his first goal for the club.
That looked like game over but Bitton produced a late rally, pulling a goal back with six minutes remaining as skipper Jordan Williams powered forward to drive home an unstoppable shot.
That meant an anxious end to the game for Wellington, but they held firm for three valuable points.
Wellington: Harley Wilkinson, Stefan Phillips, Alex Cherry, Glen Wright, Tom Stone, Jason Quick, Kelson Pollard, Sam Towler, Nathaniel Groom, Eli Collins, Joe Wragg, Subs: Mark Cornish, Jake Quick, Jamie Nicholson and Miles Quick (all used).
