WELLINGTON went down 1-0 away to Buckland Athletic in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League despite a late rally.

The Tangerines found themselves on the back foot for much of the game but took control in the latter stages and had the Newton Abbot side clinging on for the final whistle.

Buckland were kept at bay by a well-organised display by Wellington which saw the first half end goalless.

The hosts created a number of half-chances while, at the other end, Wellington’s Mark Cornish saw a goalbound effort blocked by a defender.

The closest either side came to scoring was a header by Buckland striker Ryan Bush which brought a brilliant reaction save out of young keeper Charlie Hawkings, deputising for the unavailable Jack McAndrews.

Bush was not to be denied, however, and he gave his side the lead three minutes into the second half with a well-worked goal.

A corner was delivered low from the right, ex-Wellington striker Phil Mendonce stepped over the ball and the striker shot home through a crowd of players.

Hawkings kept it at 1-0 with another fine save on 66 minutes, this time from Luke Forward’s header and, with Buckland unable to increase their lead, it was the visitors who grew in confidence.

New defender Jake Haggerty, a second half sub, almost equalised on 82 minutes with a thumping shot from close range only for keeper Jordan Duffey to produce a point-blank save.

Duffey then produced more heroics to deny Jack Winsor and sub Will Curtis while another sub, James de Selincourt saw a shot deflected just over during a lengthy second-half.

Wellington: Charlie Hawkings, Jack Alcock, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Alex Cherry, Oscar Albano, Glen Wright, Jack Winsor, Josh Lukins, Miles Quick, Alfie Slough. Substitutes: James de Selincourt, Jake Haggerty, Harry Chetland, Will Curtis (used); Nathan Byrne (not used). Attendance: 204.