A GOAL15 minutes from time consigned battling Wellington to a 1-0 away defeat against Shepton Mallet in the first round of the Jewson League’s Les Phillips Cup on Tuesday night.

After losing their previous two games 6-0, the Tangerines showed a huge improvement and could hold their heads high at the end

Wellington produced a determined defensive display against their fellow premier division opponents, with keeper Charlie Hawkings in outstanding form.

The home side created the first clear chance after 11 minutes when the ball was slipped through, but Hawkings was quickly off his line to make a fine block.

Shepton threatened again four minutes later, only for a shot to be blasted over the bar.

Playing up the slope in the first half, Wellington – beaten 4-0 at Shepton in the league – defended resolutely and frustrated their opponents.

Hawkings came to the rescue again after 33 minutes with another smart save and was called into action once more in first-half stoppage time, getting down well to keep his goal intact.

Hawkings was again the hero in the 59th minute, diving at full stretch to keep out another free kick as Wellington continued to resist the home side’s efforts.

However, their resistance was finally broken with 15 minutes remaining when a low shot took a deflection straight into the path of Conrad Peck, who drove the ball home.

Shepton looked to add to their lead and Hawkings was called upon again in the 81st minute to prevent a second goal.

Wellington continued to battle and Luke Perry produced a brilliant goal-line block three minutes into stoppage time.

Wellington: Charlie Hawkings, Reegan Scotcher, Jack Lewis, Tom Hawkings, Mike Murphy, Glen Wright, Luke Perry, Gabriel Plant, Josh Baker (capt), Sam Sheldrake, Isaac Baker. Substitutes: Elijah Hiller, Danny Wordsworth, Linkoln Nash (used); Harry Chetland, Daniel Conway (not used).

Wellington have no match this weekend.