WELLINGTON went down to a 3-1 away defeat against Bradford Town in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League.

After an 18-day layoff, they were met by a soggy pitch, swirling wind and intermittent rain. Wellington got off to the worst possible start as, less than two minutes in, Bradford took the lead. Although keeper Jack McAndrews made an initial stop, Josiah McKayle knocked the ball home from close range.

However, Wellington gradually grew into the game and their perseverance was eventually rewarded five minutes before the interval. Nathan Byrne’s cross took a deflection and dropped perfectly for Alfie Slough, who drove home to level the scores.

But parity was shortlived. Deep into first-half stoppage time, a defensive slip allowed Jensen Wakefield to race clear and restore Bradford’s lead. Moments later, McAndrews had to save smartly with his legs to prevent further damage.

The second half continued in much the same vein — Wellington probing and Bradford threatening on the counter.

Sam Towler saw a free kick well saved on 54 minutes, while at the other end a deflected effort clipped the top of the bar before a Bradford corner ended up in the net but was ruled out for a foul.

Wellington carved out their best move of the match just after the hour, ending with James De Selincourt’s powerful strike being superbly tipped over by keeper Tom Creedy.

As the clock ticked down, the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser, committing bodies forward in search of a deserved leveller.

But Bradford stood firm and almost increased their lead as Josh Lukins headed off the line on 80 minutes before McAndrews produced another sharp stop to keep Wellington in the contest.

Deep into stoppage time, the hosts finally killed the game. A low cross from the left found Darren McAlistair, who drove home to make it 3–1.