Toolstation Western League
First Division
Wellington 3, Chard Town 1

WELLINGTON secured promotion to the Toolstation Western League Premier Division with a 3-1 victory over Chard Town on Easter Monday.

They had drawn 0-0 with Bishops Lydeard on Good Friday, and this second successive derby clash - with an attendance of 192 - saw them finish the chase for Premier status next season.

They were ahead after just two minutes, as Conor Bryant shot through a crowd of players and past the dive of the unsighted keeper Jon Hill.

But Chard hit back, equalising on 16 minutes, and again the goalkeeper was unable to react in time - Connor Sidley-Adams beaten by Scott Jakeman's effort.

Kieran Bailey and James Boyland threatened for the visitors, but two goals in a 15-minute spell after the break won the game for Wellington.

Somerset County Gazette:

PRESSURE: Wellington's Ian Bellinger (orange) and Chard's Ryan Mason vie for possession. Pic: Ash Magill

Jack Taylor gave them the lead with a close-range finish on 57 minutes, and Ian Bellinger could have made it 3-1 soon after, as he shot wide.

It mattered not though, as the third goal did arrive in the 72nd minute, Chard skipper Taoufik Ben-Salem heading into his own net.

The away side could not respond, and so the hosts claimed three deserved points.

Wellington, now seven points ahead of third-placed Cheddar, have confirmed their promotion to the Toolstation Western League Premier Division, and now only Hengrove Athletic can deny them the title.

On Saturday Wellington are away to ninth-placed Malmesbury Victoria (ko 3pm), while Hengrove - two points behind - are at home to bottom side Almondsbury UWE.