Wellington gave another battling display with no reward as they were beaten at Paulton Rovers today (Saturday. August 24).

Paulton were relegated from the Southern League last season and are fancied by many for a quick return but the Tangerines made them work hard for the points.

The hosts had a couple of openings in the first half-hour before Wellington defender Jason Quick saw a shot blocked.

Paulton then took control with two goals in the closing minutes of the first half. Jack Farion headed them in front before Kye Simpson produced a clinical finish in stoppage time.

Wellington needed to get back in the game quickly and they reduced the arrears three minutes into the second half.

Big striker Matt Crawley burst forward and unselfishly squared for Miles Quick to score into an empty net

That gave the visitors hope but they suffered a blow when Crawley went off injured and then Paulton made it 3-1 through Dan McBeam after 68 minutes.

To their credit, Wellington refused to lie down and they scored again with three minutes remaining as Josh Lukins threaded the ball through to Miles Quick for his second.

But Paulton had the final say almost immediately with Simpson also doubling his tally from a low drive.

The Tangerines go again away to Clevedon Town on Wednesday night.

Wellington have won two and lost three so far this season, while Clevedon have started well, winning three of their first five games.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Ryan Hibbert, Jordan Hayman, Kieran Bailey, Jason Quick, Sam Gleeson, Josh Lukins, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Matt Crawley. Substitutes: Oscar Albano, Lewis Smith, Sam Sheldrake (used); Rob Hall (not used). Attendance: 145.