Wellington AFC

TWO wins over the Easter weekend boosted Wellington’s hopes of a top six finish in the Toolstation League’s first division.
They made rather heavy weather of beating lowly Backwell United 2-1 at the Playing Field last Saturday but then dug deep for an excellent result by the same margin at Bridport on Monday afternoon.
Their hero at Bridport was recent signing Kunie Atiba – playing up front in place of the unavailable Shaun Anthony – who scored both goals although manager Kevin Evans must have been impressed by the all-round performance of his team.
Atiba should have given Wellington a second minute lead when a clearance by keeper Warren Boyt cannoned off him but he blasted over with the goal at his mercy.
And an open start to the game then saw both sides hit the woodwork – Dan Wise for Bridport and Craig Herrod for the visitors.
The breakthrough came after 24 minutes as skipper Nick Woon found Atiba in space to send a shot squirming under Boyt’s body.
Wellington had to withstand some heavy Bridport pressure from the start of the second half but broke out to score a second just after the hour.
This time, James Clough – who had an impressive game in midfield – found Atiba, who cleverly flicked the ball past his marker before clipping it over Boyt.
Substitute Cameron Nott and Graham Burne both went close to putting the issue beyond doubt for Wellington but when Bridport pulled a goal back in the 84th minute through sub Francis Hammond, it set up a tense finish to the game.
On Saturday, Wellington should have beaten Backwell much more convincingly than the final 2-1 scoreline.
Herrod missed a good chance after 18 minutes but made amends shortly afterwards when his cross was thumped in by Craig Mawford despite a valiant effort by keeper Amin Jones. After that, Wellington missed a succession of chances and paid the price as Paul Dempsey was left unmarked in the box to equalise after 56 minutes.
The home side were back in front six minutes later when Mawford corner was flicked up by Scott Holland for his central defensive partner Jason Manley to ghost in and provide the finishing touch at the far post.
Wellington had opportunities to make it 3-1 but instead were indebted to keeper Shaun Locke for two fine saves in the dying minutes.
Wellington (v Backwell): Locke, Legg, Holland, Manley, Short, Mawford, Clough, Burne, Herrod, Woon, Anthony. Substitutes: Jackson, Atiba and Nott (all used). Match sponsor: Blackdown Garden Centre.
Wellington (v Bridport): Locke, Legg, Holland, Manley, Short, Mawford, Clough, Burne, Herrod, Woon, Atiba. Substitutes: Plain and Nott (both used).
LAST Wednesday night, Wellington went down to a 3-0 defeat away to Larkhall Athletic.