Jewson Western League Premier Division: Wellington 2, Brislington 4

A second half fightback could not save Wellington from defeat by Brislington at the Carly Press Ground.

With a string of players still out injured, manager Richard Cherry had to shuffle his pack again including a return appearance by long-serving defender Jack Bown-Porter.

His side started brightly and created the first opening when Sam Towler fired over inside seven minutes.

However, it was the visitors who struck first on 21 minutes, Charlie Ames rising to head home into the top corner despite Wellington’s appeals for offside.

Brislington doubled their advantage just three minutes later when a foul in the box resulted in a penalty, calmly converted by Lewis Saunders.

The Tangerines responded well and came close to reducing the deficit on 33 minutes, Josh Baker rounding the goalkeeper before squaring for Oscar Albano, only for the visitors to scramble clear.

The hosts continued to press and felt aggrieved not to be awarded a penalty of their own for handball deep into stoppage time, but went into the break two goals down despite some promising approach play in the opening 45 minutes.

Wellington came out with renewed intensity after the interval and were rewarded on 52 minutes when Oscar Albano surged forward and delivered a cross which Charlie Shearer converted to pull one back.

Just three minutes later, the scores were level as Jacob Shore’s cross was met by a superb header from Ryan Brereton to cap a quickfire comeback.

Parity lasted only briefly, however, as Brislington regained the lead on 58 minutes, Lewis Saunders finishing from close range after a low cross.

The visitors missed a good chance to extend their advantage shortly after, but made no mistake on 68 minutes when substitute Jaden Neal turned home at the far post to make it 4-2.

Wellington pushed forward in the closing stages but were unable to find another breakthrough, leaving Brislington to take all three points.

The Tangerines return to the Carly Press Ground on Saturday when they host Saltash United, with the club also welcoming our former players for their annual reunion.

Wellington: Andy Collings, Jacob Shore, Jake Haggerty, Mark Cornish, Jack Bown-Porter, Charlie Shearer, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Oscar Albano, Ryan Brereton, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Jack Alcock, Sam Sheldrake, Alfie Slough, Josh Lukins, Daniel Conway (all used).

ABOVE: Our scorers – Ryan Brereton, left, and Charlie Shearer.