Jewson Western League Premier Division: Paulton Rovers 2, Wellington 1

Wellington pushed promotion-chasing Paulton Rovers all the way before going down to an odd-goal defeat last night (Tuesday).

It took a contentious penalty to settle the first meeting between the sides at the Carly Press Groubd back in September and it was a similar story with Paulton’s 74th-minute winner in the return.

The hosts went into the game fourth in the table and made a lively start, taking the lead after only six minute as Sid Partridge headed home a cross into the box.

Paulton looked dangerous in the opening stages and almost doubled their lead two minutes later, but Max Williams fired just wide after a quick break.

After winning their past two games, Wellington gradually settled into the contest, although clearcut chances were hard to come by.

The hosts threatened again in the 32nd minute when a well-struck effort was deflected on to the top of the net before a corner was headed over.

The visitors’ first real opportunity came four minutes before the break when Josh Baker raced towards a goal, only to be denied by an excellent last-ditch tackle.

Wellington finished the half strongly, with Oscar Albano forcing a good save from keeper James Smallcombe before Sam Towler’s corner curled directly against the crossbar in stoppage time.

The Tangerines made a double substitution at the interval, Jordan Hayman and James De Selincourt replacing Josh Lukins and Ryan Brereton as heavy rain began to fall for the second half.

They switched to three at the back and it immediately paid dividends as they drew level five minutes after the restart.

Neat play between Albano and Towler created the opening for skipper Glen Wright, who calmly slipped the ball beneath Smallcombe.

Wellington continued to press and Miles Quick drove a shot narrowly wide two minutes later.

Paulton responded on the hour mark with a breakaway which ended with the ball being poked wide, before keeper Andy Collings produced a smart save from a shot on the turn as the hosts pushed to regain the lead.

There were chances at both ends, De Selincourt bringing a good save from Smallcombe after a Wellington counter-attack, before the decisive moment arrived in controversial circumstances.

Wellington defender Mark Cornish went down with a head injury inside his own half, but play was allowed to continue and Paulton quickly worked the ball through for Dylan Tate to slot home their second.

Wellington continued to battle and almost snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time when Harvey Field broke forward, but he was unable to lift his effort over Smallcombe.

Despite the defeat, it was a determined performance from the visitors, who now turn their attention to Saturday’s home clash with Oldland Abbotonians.

Wellington: Andy Collings, Josh Lukins, Jacob Shore, Mark Cornish, Harvey Field, Oscar Albano, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Ryan Brereton Josh Baker. Substitutes: Jordan Hayman, James De Selincourt, Alfie Slough, Charlie Shearer, Jack Alcock (all used).

PHOTO: Celebrations after Glen Wright equalises.