WELLINGTON go into their opening match of the season in Division One of the Toolstation League at Bishop Sutton on Saturday without centre back Kae Fisher.

The 25-year-old has been signed by Premier Division neighbours Willand Rovers.

“It is a big disappointment for us - but we’ll get over it,” said Wellington boss Clive Jones. “You can’t blame any player from wanting to better himself and Willand have money.

“It’s something I’ve not had before but I can deal with it.”

“Rovers are a bigger club than us. We cannot compete; we are behind these clubs and we must try to get close to them.”

“However I’m confident we can do well against Bishop Sutton. We have trained hard and the squad looks good.”

On a more positive note, Jones has signed Sam Kemp who scored for Wellington in the 7-2 away win over Witheridge in a friendly on Friday evening. “Sam’s a good player but has been out of the game for a long time,” said Jones. “All he needs now is to work on his fitness.” Saturday’s opener is the first of eight successive away matches in the league for Wellington whose first home game is not until Saturday, September 10, when they again play Bishop Sutton, this time in the FA Vase. Unable to play in the FA Cup because their ground is not up to the required standard, Wellington will be looking for a good run in the Vase and in the League and Somerset Premier Cups.

Wellington Reserves will not be in action until Wednesday, August 24, when they play away to Bickleigh in Division One of the Devon and Exeter League.

n Wellington have another league match away next Tuesday at Wincanton.

n Wellington, with a squad of 20 players, lost 3-0 away to Crediton in a friendly last week and with a smaller squad beat Witheridge 7-2 away on Friday with goals from Jack Bryant (3), Ian Bellringer, Jack Porter (penalty), Sam Bryant and Kemp.

Wellington were due to play their final warm-up game at Axminster last night when Jones’ starting line-up was going to be very much the one that begins at Bishop Sutton.

“The aim of friendlies is to take a good look at players,” added Jones. “Results are of no real importance and are quickly forgotten when the league starts.”