PRE-SEASON football friendlies for Wellington began with a 2-0 defeat by Brixham – newly-promoted to the Southern League – on the 3G pitch at Court Fields School.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives from Wellington’s performance, particularly in a goalless but entertaining first half.

With Wellington’s starting 11 featuring most of last season’s squad, both sides had scoring chances before the break with the hosts seeing a couple of penalty appeals turned down.

But Brixham, who beat Clevedon Town in the Jewson Western League’s end-of-season playoffs, clinched victory with a pair of goals in the second half – both after shots had come back off the post.

Their scorers were George Dandridge after 49 minutes and Tom Mortimer after 65.

Wellington’s pre-season friendlies continue on Saturday against Middlezoy Rovers of the South West Peninsular League (venue to be confirmed).

That game is followed by trips to play two more Southern League clubs – Willand Rovers on Wednesday, July 16th, and Bideford on Saturday, July 19th.

The league season starts on Saturday, July 26th when Wellington make what will be their longest journey of the campaign, into Cornwall to take on Helston Athletic.

The early rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase were drawn on Friday and Wellington have been drawn as follows: FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round – 2nd August – away to Bideford; FA Cup Preliminary Round – 16th August – if we win v Bideford we will be away to the winners of the Falmouth/Helston game. FA Vase – 1st Qualifying Round – 23rd August – bye; FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round – 20th September – home to Penzance.

Wellington confirmed last month that Richard Cherry would be continuing as first team manager. He steered Wellington to 13th place in the Premier Division of the Jewson League last season - the best position in years. At one stage early in the season they were lying sixth.