Wellington AFC

Toolstation League Division One: Weston St Johns 0, Wellington 0.

WELLINGTON gave a much improved performance as they were held to a goalless draw at St Johns on Tuesday.

New boss Kevin Evans was greeted by a set of stocks emblazoned with his name on his first return to the club where he was chairman, manager and secretary last season.

But it was Evans who nearly had the last laugh as his side bounced back from their defeat at Longwell Green to create all the first-half chances.

Greg Blenkinsop, playing against his former side, Nick Woon and Leon Taswell all went close early on.

But the closest the visitors came to scoring was five minutes before the break when Taswell rose to head a Scott Holland cross against the bar.

Wellington were almost made to pay for not killing off their opponents in the first half as St Johns almost scored twice just after the interval.

First, James Gustard was left completely unmarked to poke a free-kick just wide and then another former St Johns player, keeper Shaun Locke, produced a magnificent flying save to keep out a Gustard volley.

Both sides pressed to break the deadlock with Woon just failing to control a through ball from Simon Elsley, who also saw a cross hit the top of the bar.

At the other end, Locke produced another smart stop from sub Chris Cullis. And, in the gathering gloom, Woon almost snatched the points with a powerful shot which was smothered by keeper Matt Jakeman.

The Wellington line-up included midfielder Shane Gage, who has rejoined the club, although they lost influential defender Mark Hughes with an ankle injury early in the second half.

Wellington: Shaun Locke, Mark Hughes, Mark Fitzgerald, Adam Markham, Simon Elsley, Andy Butler, Greg Blenkinsop, Shane Gage, Scott Holland, Nick Woon, Leon Taswell. Subs: Greg Jackson, Richard Tutill (both used), Steve Shrubb (not used).

Toolstation League first division: Longwell Green 2, Wellington 0   

WELLINGTON’S suffered a disappointing defeat at Longwell Green on Saturday, August 26th.

After two wins in their opening three games, Kevin Evans’ side went into the match with their confidence high.

But they were outplayed by Longwell Green, who scored a goal in each half.

Wellington: Locke, Jenkins, Markham, Fitzgerald, Elsley, Tutill, Butler, Blenkinsop, Holland, Woon, Taswell. Substitutes, Coleman and Jackson (used) Dawes (not used).    

Toolstation League first division: Almondsbury 0, Wellington 1

WELLINGTON made it two wins out of three with a hard-earned victory at Almondsbury last Saturday.

The only goal of the game was scored just before half-time by Simon Elsley.

Next Saturday, August 26th, Wellington are away to Longwell Green and the following Tuesday they travel to Weston St Johns (6.30).

A PENALTY four minutes from time robbed new-look Wellington of the point they deserved as the new season got under way at Portishead last Saturday.

A game of few incidents was heading for a draw – which would have been the fair result – when the home side snatched victory right at the death.

A long clearance from keeper Robin Moore sailed over the Wellington defence and as Dave Pettitt ran on to the ball, he was flattened by Moore’s opposite number, young Shaun Locke, and the referee pointed to the spot even though the ball eventually ended up in the net.

Striker James Clarke stepped up to the send the penalty kick into the top corner – and there was no way back for Wellington.

ALL the preparations are over, the pre-season friendlies are complete … and now Wellington are ready for the new season in the Toolstation League's first division.

It has been a busy summer for the club with the appointment of new first-team and reserves managers – Kevin Evans and John Norman.

The close season has also seen the enlargement and decoration of the changing rooms.

And the first team squad will be wearing new kit – sponsored by AJ Shire Electrics – along with tracksuits (Weldec Painting and Decorating) and training tops (RW Gale Surfacing).

They get under way with a potentially tricky game at Portishead on Saturday, August 12, and then make the short trip to Elmore on Saturday, August 15.

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