WELLINGTON put up a spirited fight before losing 2-1 away to promotion-hopefuls Paulton Rovers in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League in mid-week.

However, they did not make the best of starts with Sid Partridge heading home for Rovers with barely four minutes played.

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 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.

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, who moved up to third in the table after this victory, 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..

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 - and the winner.