WELLINGTON reserves lost 3-2 at home to Bow in a crucial promotion battle in Division 1 of the Devon and Exeter league on Wednesday.

Wellington's young side gave a very energetic spirited display but lost despite leading 2-0 after 70 minutes.

Welly started down the slope and pressed their opponents hard with Brother Sam, Jack and Conor Bryant causing havoc with their energy in the opening exchanges. The opener was due to good link up play between Sam and Conor Bryant with Sam's flick on finding Conor who beat the defender for pace and slotted home for the opener.

Welly looked comfortable and weathered a Bow storm who were physically aggressive and tried to unnerve the young Tangerines. Welly did recieve a blow before half time losing Sam Bryant to injury but he was replaced by Ashley Gaines who again showed quality coming off the bench with an accomplished display in midfield.

On 45 minutes Welly scored again with Danny Thomas hitting an awkward free kick which the keeper spilled and Conor Bryant showed good positioning gambling on a rebound to poke home his second.

The second half half was as expected Bow came out all guns blazing but Welly held firm and had a few half chances on the break to finish the game which they could not convert. Then Bow managed to pull one back on 70 minutes after some neat play. Welly also lost Jack Bryant to injury as they tried to hold out for the win.

Bow though pushed Welly deeper all the time and the tangerines struggled to get hold of the ball and conceded again to bring the scores level. With 10 minutes to go Bow then capitlised on a defensive mistake to make it 3-2.

In a bizarre twist the referee played a total of 61 minutes in the second half with Welly pushing for an equaliser but efforts from Tim Legg and Conor Bryant went just wide.

The result now means the Tangerines will have to win their remaining games and hope for others to slip up to finish in the top 3 and gain promotion but they certainly showed the large home crowd what a good young squad they have which are developing all the time.

Next up is bottom side Newton Poppleford away on Saturday