Jewson Western League premier division: Wellington 0, Portishead Town 4

Wellington were beaten by a promotion chasing side for the second time in the space of five days at the Playing Field last night (Wednesday, March 5th).

After losing to second-placed Clevedon Town on Saturday, this time they were undone by leaders Portishead – although their cause wasn’t helped by having to play two-thirds of the game with ten men.

The Tangerines had given a good account of themselves in the opening half-hour before midfielder Sam Sheldrake was shown a red card for a heavy challenge on former Wellington defender Jason Quick.

Before that, the hosts had carved out the first opening when Josh Baker’s snapshot after 18 minutes was turned round the post by keeper Ryan Thacker.

But, when the corner move broke down, Portishead raced upfield and a low cross by Ethan Feltham was turned home by Jay Murray.

Wellington battled well, despite being a man down, and kept it at 1-0 until the break, only for the visitors to double their lead within three minutes of the restart.

And it was a repeat story as Feltham crossed low into the box where Murray gratefully converted the opportunity.

Wellington nearly pulled a goal back on the hour mark when Josh Baker’s header from a Nathan Byrne cross came back of the bar with Thacker beaten.

But, as happened in the first half, Portishead responded immediately and it was Murray again, this time bringing the ball down on the edge of the box to drive home and complete his hat-trick.

The first meeting of the sides in January had to be abandoned because of fog, and the visibility again started to worsen with Murray denied a fourth goal by a fine save from keeper Jack McAndrews.

But this time the game was able to be completed and Portishead moved another step towards Southern League football when Callum Eastwood headed their final goal with seven minutes remaining.

After back-to-back 4-0 defeats, Wellington now face four successive away games, starting at Brislington on Saturday.

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jacob Shore, Tom Stone, Kieran Bailey, Nathan Byrne, Sam Sheldrake, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Josh Lukins, Josh Baker, Phil Mendonca. Substitutes: James de Selincourt and Sam Pashen (used); Harry Scott, Matt Hesford and Rob Hall (not used).

Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.