Toolstation Western League
Premier Division
Wellington AFC 2, Clevedon Town 1

WELLINGTON ended a run of four consecutive defeats by beating Clevedon Town on Saturday, despite going down to 10 men.

The hosts took the lead after seven minutes thanks to a brilliant strike – Jack Bryant volleying past ex-Wellington goalkeeper Connor Sidley-Adams from 25 yards.

That was the only goal of the first half, as home keeper Josh Mclean denied Tyler Ashmead and Syd Camper.

A strong Clevedon side were on the front foot after the interval, aided by the Tangerines being reduced to 10 men on 55 minutes – Josh Wadham shown red for an off-the-ball incident.

Nonetheless, it was the home side who scored next, as substitute Connor Pengelly made it 2-0 on the rebound following a blocked shot.

Clevedon threw everything forward, but a 90th-minute penalty from Lucas Vowles proved a mere consolation as the Tangerines held on.

Wellington, 12th in the Premier Division standings, were at home to Willand Rovers in the Les Phillips Cup last (Wednesday) night, and on Saturday they travel to Hengrove Athletic (ko 3pm) for their next league match.

***

WESTERN League First Division side Bishops Lydeard were without a match at the weekend.

They did, however, play at Wells City in the Les Phillips Cup last Wednesday.

Visitors Lydeard took the lead in the 11th minute, as Zac Ryder slid the ball to Jake Quick, who chipped the keeper to score.

But Wells equalised eight minutes later through Ryan Stiles’ header, and Lee Oakley’s 34th-minute strike proved to be the winner.

This Saturday sees Lydeard go to Devizes Town (ko 3pm).

***

STAPLEGROVE were also without a match last Saturday, as Brislington Reserves failed to raise a side for their Somerset Senior Cup third round tie.

That means Grove will visit Worle in the quarter-finals, on March 2, 2019.

Grove are at home to Somerton Town in the Somerset County League’s Premier & Division 1 Cup this coming Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

***

SUNDAY saw Bishops Lydeard Ladies bounce back from defeat the previous weekend by beating Portishead 5-0, to stay on the tail of South West Premier Division leaders Exeter City.

Abi Parr racked up a hat-trick, with Nicola Brown and Amber Guy-Kemp also netting for Lydeard, who host Torquay United this Sunday (ko 2pm).

Wellington Ladies moved off the bottom of the County League Division 1 table with their first win of the season, 6-1 against Combe.

Ash Rangers Ladies lost 3-1 at home to Portishead Reserves, and Bishops Lydeard Reserves fell 4-0 at Frome.