A SECOND half fightback could not save Wellington from a 4-2 defeat by Brislington at the Carly Press Ground on Wednesday night in the Western League Premier Division.

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, but on 21 minutes they were behind as Charlie Ames’ header found the top corner despite appeals for offside.

Brislington doubled their advantage just three minutes later with 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.

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.

Parity lasted only briefly, however, as Brislington regained the lead on 58 minutes, Saunders finishing from close-range after a low cross, and 10 minutes later it was 4-2 as Jaden Neal turned home at the far post.

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 this Saturday when they host Saltash United (3pm) on their annual reunion day.

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