INJURY-HIT Wellington Reserves pushed leaders Sidmouth Town Reserves all the way before eventually going down to a 3-1 away defeat in the Premier Division of the Stitch2Print Devon & Exeter Football League

With five U18s in their line-up, the Tangerines took the lead after 29 minutes when a well-worked move between Wes Poulsom and Alfie Barrett led to skipperJack Bryant heading home.

With some solid defending, the visitors, back in action after a three-week break, remained in front until half-time only for Sidmouth to equalise after the restart.

Wellington were disrupted by injuries to both Jack and Sam Bryant while keeper Charlie Hawkings pulled off a string of fine saves and Tom Hawkings made a goal-saving clearance.

But their resistance was finally broken by two quickfire goals to give Sidmouth the points.

The Reserves, now down in sixth spot after only their third loss of the season, play at home to ninth-placed Feniton on Saturday, November 14 (2.15p.m.).