FOOTBALL: Wellington suffer controversial defeat (From Somerset County Gazette)

FOOTBALL: Wellington suffer controversial defeat

11:23am Sunday 3rd March 2013 in Sport

WELLINGTON’S four-match unbeaten run ended in controversial circumstances as they went down 2-1 away to promotion-chasing Bradford Town yesterday.

Jamie Ward’s resurgent side were leading 1-0 with 15 minutes to go but returned from Wiltshire empty-handed thanks to two late goals – the second being a penalty which saw keeper Jake Viney sent off.

Bradford, who moved up to second in the table courtesy of the win, created the better chances in the first half but it was Wellington who led 1-0 at the break.

They made the breakthrough after 38 minutes when Joe Holmes drove in a free-kick from the corner of the box and his fellow midfielder Andy Butler rose unchallenged to head home.

Wellington could have increased their lead in the second half as they were twice left with one-on-ones with home keeper Nick Gingell but Luke Redrup’s effort was cleared by a defender and strike partner Kyle Bassett was thwarted by Gingell himself.

And Bradford drew level with 15 minutes remaining when the ball was headed on to substitute Matt Minnis, who gave Viney no chance with a sweetly-struck volley.

Four minutes later came the game’s pivotal moment as Minnis was played clear, lobbed Viney who got a hand to the ball but – when the substitute then went to ground – referee Sam Fudge pointed to the spot and showed Viney a red card.

Central defender Martin White took over the gloves but was powerless to stop Liam Milburn’s penalty, which gave Bradford the points.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Tom Ellis, Martin White, Scott Holland, Jack Adams, Nicky Ford, Andy Butler, Joe Holmes, Darren Rice, Luke Redrup, Kyle Bassett. Substitutes: Max Westlake (used) and Corey Lewis (not used). Attendance: 59.