Toolstation League premier division: Wellington 1-3 Ilfracombe Town

Wellington failed to build on a bright start as they were beaten by Ilfracombe Town at the Playing Field yesterday (Saturday, October 14th).

Looking to bounce back from their 6-0 defeat at Barnstaple, the Tangerines welcomed back Ryan Brereton, who played up front, but were without injured central defender Jordan Hayman.

And it was Brereton who gave them the lead after only 14 minutes, pouncing on a dropping ball in the box to drive home from 15 yards.

That was the signal for the visitors to step up a gear and they hit back twice to lead at the break.

They equalised on the half-hour as a low cross reached Dan Wilson on his own at the far post and he tucked away the simple chance.

Their second goal was not as straightforward. A cross from the left cannoned off home skipper Tom Stone and the referee awarded a penalty for handball, with Wilson tucking away the spot kick.

If Wellington felt hard done by, they could have few complaints two minutes into the second half as Wilson cut in from the right to give keeper Shay Allen no chance with a superb curling effort to complete his hat-trick.

That goal killed off the game and although  Wellington used all three outfield subs, they were unable to make any inroads into a stubborn Ilfracombe defence.

The Tangerines return to action away to unbeaten Clevedon Town next Saturday.