WELLINGTON surrendered a two-goal lead before going down to a 4-2 home defeat against in-form Barnstaple Town in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League on Boxing Day.

In front of a big crowd, the Tangerines got off to a flying start against the visitors who were looking to extend their long run of victories.

The hosts took the lead after 14 minutes when Miles Quick’s cross was knocked down to James De Selincourt who drilled home from 18 yards.

Barnstaple threatened an equaliser midway through the half but a heavy touch allowed the home defence to clear, while De Selincourt went close again on the half-hour, his header from Sam Towler’s corner striking the the post.

The Tangerines doubled their advantage on 32 minutes when Nathan Byrne’s drive was parried by the visiting keeper and Quick reacted quickest to knock the ball back towards goal. A defender made a desperate attempt to clear, but the assistant referee ruled the ball had crossed the line.

Barnstaple continued to probe and were denied by keeper Andy Collings before Wellington missed a good chance to further extend their lead when Oscar Albano dragged his shot wide.

The visitors pulled one back four minutes before the interval as a cross to the far post was met by a powerful header from Joseph Grigg.

Barnstaple pressed after half-time and Wellington were forced into two crucial blocks around the 70-minute mark to preserve their lead.

However, the pressure soon told as the visitors drew level in the 71st minute, breaking down the right before a low cross was turned home by substitute Oscar Knight.

Just three minutes later Barnstaple completed the turnaround when Knight’s low drive took a deflection and spun past Collings.

The sub completed his hat-trick late on, breaking clear before running through to score and seal the points for the visitors.