WELLINGTON gave another much-improved display despite going down 1-0 at home to Wells City in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League on Wednesday night.

Wellington were thrashed 10-0 at Wells in August – this time it took a first half penalty to separate them.

After their narrow Les Phillips Cup defeat at Shepton Mallet, Wellington had the experienced Glen Wright and Ryan Brereton making their first league appearances of the season.

But they suffered a blow before kick-off when Mike Murphy was forced to drop to the bench, leaving Sam Poole to drop back from midfield to defence where he formed a formidable partnership with Jack Lewis.

There was little to choose between the sides in a closely contested opening, with neither creating a clear-cut chance.

But the breakthrough came after 28 minutes when Alfie Clark – one of three ex-Tangerines in the Wells line-up – was sent tumbling in the box and and Jacob Reader converted the penalty to put the visitors ahead.

Wellington responded three minutes later when Ben Evett struck a firm free-kick which Wells keeper Tom Creed could only parry. At the other end, Luke Vernon produced an excellent double save after 36 minutes.

The Tangerines continued to frustrate Wells after the break, defending resolutely to keep themselves in contention.

With Wellington still denying them a second goal, the visitors made a quadruple substitution midway through the half.

Wellington went in search of a late equaliser, but were unable to find the goal which would have given them their first point of the season.

Wellington: Luke Vernon, Luke Perry, Jack Lewis, Sam Poole, Harry Chetland, Elijah Hiller, Glen Wright, Ryan Brereton, Ben Evett, Ollie Ackland, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Isaac Baker, Gustav Andins, Mike Murphy, Lewis Oaten, Danny Wordsworth (all used). Attendance: 98.

Forthcoming games include: Saturday, October 31: Wellington v Sidmouth Town; North Curry v Wellington A.