WELLINGTON gained a thrilling 3-2 away win over Oldland Abbotonians in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League, earning three valuable points which lifted them further away from the foot of the table.

Wellington’s Alfie Slough saw his effort deflected over the bar on 11 minutes, before Ryan Brereton twice went close.

The breakthrough came on 26 minutes when midfielder Sam Towler, who has rejoined the club from Wells City, played a perfectly weighted pass inside the full-back to Oscar Albano, who cut inside and drilled home a low shot. Albano almost turned provider shortly after when his cross found Towler, who fired wide.

Wellington then doubled their lead just before half-time when Slough found James De Selincourt who thumped a volley past the keeper to make it 2-0.

The second half saw the home side step up a gear, forcing Wellington to defend in numbers.

McAndrews and his back line were called into action early, clearing one effort off the line, before Oldland halved the deficit on 69 minutes — a free kick met by a powerful header.

Two minutes later, Oldland missed a good chance to level, firing over from close range, and McAndrews had to make a brave stop soon after.

Then, against the run of play, Wellington struck what proved the decisive blow. Nathan Byrne’s cross caused chaos in the six-yard box, allowing Slough to bundle the ball home to make it 3–1 on 79 minutes.

But Oldland weren’t finished, and another set-piece header in the 88th minute made for a nervy finale.

Deep into stoppage time, a goalmouth scramble saw McAndrews make a crucial save before Mark Cornish hacked clear.

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Harry Chetland, Jack Alcock, Mark Cornish, Nathan Byrne, Oscar Albano, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Ryan Brereton, James De Selincourt. Substitutes: Will Curtis, Charlie Wood, Daniel Conway (used); Josh Lukins (not used).