A DOUBLE strike early in the second half consigned Wellington to a 2-1 home defeat against Shepton Mallet in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League.

For their penultimate home game of the season, the Tangerines were again without half a dozen players, either injured or unavailable.

The game was ruined by a fierce wind with both sides struggling to produce any fluency.

Wellington started brightly and a Sam Towler corner sparked the first real threat after 23 minutes, with efforts from Alfie Slough and Charlie Shearer both blocked in quick succession.

The home side continued to probe and, four minutes later, Ryan Brereton saw a fierce shot on the turn deflect off a defender as Wellington looked the more likely to break the deadlock.

Shepton Mallet’s first meaningful opportunity arrived after 34 minutes when Ali Sen tested Andy Collings, who reacted well to push away a curling effort.

Wellington’s pressure paid off nine minutes before half-time. Towler’s free kick into the box fell kindly for Jordan Hayman, who made no mistake from close range to give the hosts a deserved lead.

They nearly doubled their advantage before the interval, but Glen Wright’s strike was blocked as Shepton held on to trail 1-0 at the break.

The visitors responded immediately after half-time as a floated free kick was met by Conrad Peck, whose header crept just inside the post for the equaliser.

Five minutes later, Shepton struck again in dramatic fashion. A loose pass from Wellington gifted possession, and Ethan Cannings unleashed a stunning effort from more than 35 yards which flew over Collings and dipped under the crossbar.

Wellington: Andy Collings, Harry Chetland, Mark Cornish, Jordan Hayman, Jack Alcock, Alfie Slough, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Charlie Shearer, Ryan Brereton. Substitutes: Josh Lukins (used); Daniel Conway and Rob Hall (not used).