Jewson Western League Premier Division: Bradford Town 3, Wellington 1

Wellington slipped to defeat as they returned to action in Wiltshire yesterday (Saturday).

After a two-and-a-half-week layoff, they were met by a soggy pitch, swirling wind and intermittent rain — conditions which made flowing football a rarity throughout a hard-fought afternoon.

It got off to the worst possible start for the ring-rusty visitors as, less than two minutes in, Bradford took the lead. Although keeper Jack McAndrews made an initial stop, Josiah McKayle then knocked the ball home from close range.

Despite the setback, Wellington grew into the game and enjoyed long spells of possession, although chances remained at a premium.

Their perseverance was eventually rewarded five minutes before the interval. Nathan Byrne’s cross took a deflection and dropped perfectly for Alfie Slough, who drove home to level the scores.

But parity was shortlived. Deep into first-half stoppage time, a defensive slip allowed Jensen Wakefield to race clear and restore Bradford’s lead with a composed finish.

Moments later, McAndrews had to save smartly with his legs to prevent further damage as Wellington went into the break trailing 2–1.

The second half continued in much the same vein — Wellington probing and Bradford threatening on the counter.

Sam Towler saw a free kick well saved on 54 minutes, while at the other end a deflected effort clipped the top of the bar before a Bradford corner ended up in the net but was ruled out for a foul.

Wellington carved out their best move of the match just after the hour, ending with James De Selincourt’s powerful strike being superbly tipped over by keeper Tom Creedy.

As the clock ticked down, the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser, committing bodies forward in search of a deserved leveller.

But Bradford stood firm and almost increased their lead as Josh Lukins headed off the line on 80 minutes before McAndrews produced another sharp stop to keep Wellington in the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, the hosts finally killed the game. A low cross from the left found Darren McAlistair, who drove home to make it 3–1.

It ended in disappointment for Wellington, who will look to bounce back quickly, with a Les Phillips Cup tie at Shepton Mallet awaiting on Tuesday night.

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Josh Lukins, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Nathan Byrne, Abdel Maikassoua, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Oscar Albano, James De Selincourt, Alfie Slough. Substitutes: Ryan Brereton, Jordan Hayman, Jake Haggerty (all used).

Photos courtesy of the Around Wellington news and sport website.