Pipped by the leaders
Toolstation League premier division: Bitton 1, Wellington 0.
WELLINGTON suffered their first premier division away defeat since way back on August 30 as they were edged out by title favourites Bitton on Saturday.
But Leigh Robinson’s side could hold their heads high after giving the league leaders a run for their money, only being thwarted by a disputed goal 15 minutes from time.
Despite missing both leading scorer Shane Kingston (unavailable) and defender Dan Short (shoulder injury), Wellington again proved how far they have come under Robinson in their first season back in the top flight.
Bitton are clear leaders and have games in hand on all their rivals yet it was Wellington who carved out the early openings.
Aussie Darren Stone saw a shot turned round the post in the first minute while a far post header from Matt Francis smacked against the upright.
Bitton took the game to Wellington as the half wore on but Rob Scott headed their best chance wide on the half-hour and they also had loud appeals for a penalty turned down shortly afterwards.
Chances were few and far between in a tense game with neither goalkeeper seriously tested and the Wellington defence holding firm with Scott Holland and Andy Robertson outstanding.
But it was finally breached in the 75th minute when a speculative shot by substitute Jake Hallet was turned into the net by striker Mark Reynolds with Wellington appeal vehemently – but in vain – that he was offside.
The visitors threw men forward in search of the equaliser their efforts deserved but the closest they came was a low drive by skipper Simon Ingram, which fizzed just wide.
Wellington: Ryan Lewis, Craig Mawford, Scott Holland, Andy Robertson, Jack Adams, Darren Stone, Simon Ingram, Andy Butler, Ricky Davey, Craig Herrod, Matt Francis. Substitutes, Mark Thompson and Luke Desave (used), Jon Crowford (not used).
