Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 2, Nailsea & Tickenham 0

Wellington got back to winning ways with a hard-earned victory over Nailsea & Tickenham at the Playing Field yesterday (Saturday, January 25th).

Man-of-the-match was midfielder Glen Wright, right, and he received the award from keeper Jake Viney – currently recovering from injury – on behalf of match sponsors Barry and Tony Knott (former players).

After a run of defeats, the Tangerines have shown a return to form in their recent matches and their improvement was finally rewarded by three points.

The result moved them up into 13th position in a crowded mid-table pack and saw them pass their points tally for the whole of last season.

On a tricky surface, there was little to choose between the sides early on before Nailsea gradually got on top with new keeper Jack McAndrews pulling off a couple of excellent saves to keep the scoreline blank.

But it was Wellington who made the breakthrough in first half stoppage time. Sam Sheldrake fed Miles Quick outside the area and he took aim before planting a pinpoint drive low past keeper Jakob Glover.

Nailsea, who won 3-0 when the sides met at the start of the season, took the game to Wellington after the break but they found the well-organised home defence hard to penetrate.

On the one occasion they did break through, McAndrews was on hand again with a brave block to deny the onrushing striker.

Wellington stuck to their guns and they wrapped things up with a second goal three minutes from time. Young midfielder Jack Winsor burst into the Nailsea area and his low cross was clinically dispatched by sub James de Selincourt.

It was an excellent team performance but they man-of-the-match award went to midfielder Glen Wright on his return to the starting line-up after a lengthy absence with an ankle injury.

The Tangerines, without a midweek fixture, are home again next Saturday when Saltash United, immediately below them in the table, visit the Playing Field.

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jordan Hayman, Tom Stone, Kieran Bailey, Alex Cherry, Glen Wright, Jack Winsor, Sam Sheldrake, Josh Lukins, Miles Quick, Josh Baker. Substitutes: James de Selincourt, Jacob Shore, Jake Quick (used); Sam Towler, Josh Young (not used).

Photos courtesy of Around Wellington.