A CONTENTIOUS second-half penalty consigned Wellington to a 1-0 home defeat against highflyers Paulton Rovers in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League.

Both sides entered the game with momentum with Paulton pushing towards the top of the table, while Wellington were looking to build on their midweek victory at Street.

But it was a cagey opening 45 minutes, with few clear chances for either side.

Wellington had the first real opportunity in the ninth minute, with an effort going wide despite appeals for offside from the visitors.

Paulton responded with a spell of pressure around the half-hour mark, earning several corners but failing to convert.

The second half saw more urgency, particularly from the visitors. Paulton came out of the blocks with intent, forcing two strong saves from Wellington keeper Jack McAndrews on 50 minutes to keep things level.

Moments later, Wellington nearly caught Paulton out with a dangerous backpass which skidded just wide of the post.

As the game opened up, both defences were tested and Tom Stone produced a superb last-ditch tackle in the 59th minute to deny Paulton.

The breakthrough finally came in the 67th minute – but not without controversy. A high boot from Jack Alcock was judged to have made contact with the Paulton striker in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Joel Smedley made no mistake from 12 yards, tucking the penalty away to give the visitors the lead.

Wellington pushed for an equaliser but were nearly punished again late on, with Paulton hitting both the crossbar and the post in quick succession around the 85th minute.

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jack Alcock, Tom Stone, Jake Haggerty, Nathan Byrne, Alfie Slough, Glen Wright, Oscar Albano, Miles Quick, James De Selincourt, Josh Baker. Substitutes: Josh Lukins and Harry Chetland (used); Daniel Conway, Lewis Oaten and Ryan Brereton (not used).