INJURY-HIT Wellington produced a much-improved display as their local derby with Bridgwater United ended goalless before a big crowd at the Carly Press Ground on Saturday.

Despite being without half a dozen players, the Tangerines produced a positive reaction to their disappointing defeat by Oldland Abbotonians the previous week.

The hosts nearly made the perfect start when an early effort was cleared off the line, setting the tone for a tight encounter.

The opening stages were evenly contested, with both sides struggling to create meaningful opportunities.

Wellington’s skipper Glen Wright went close midway through the first half, glancing a header wide, while Bridgwater began to grow into the game as the interval approached.

Home goalkeeper Andy Collings was called into action, producing a fine save to deny Liam Winter before reacting sharply again to keep out Douglas Camilo, one of several players on both sides facing their former club.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with chances at a premium. Camilo saw an effort deflected wide just after the hour mark before the game’s complexion shifted with a double dismissal.

Bridgwater were reduced to ten men after Morgan Williams received a second yellow card for a foul on Alfie Slough.

However, parity was restored less than ten minutes later when Wellington substitute Ben Evett was shown a straight red for a challenge on Harry Smith.

Despite the numerical fluctuations, neither side could find a breakthrough with Wellington going closest late on as Charlie Shearer headed narrowly wide from a Slough delivery.

In the end, a spirited and disciplined performance from the Tangerines earned them a point in a derby which, while lacking in goalmouth action, was full of commitment.

Wellington return to the Carly Press Ground this Wednesday evening (March 25) when Brislington are the visitors (7.45pm) and are at home again on Saturday when they welcome mid-table Saltash United (3pm).