Toolstation Western League: Wellington 0-0 Clevedon Town

WELLINGTON gave a much improved performance as they held second placed Clevedon Town to a goalless draw at the Playing Field yesterday (Saturday, January 27).

With manager Richard Cherry and assistant Jack Bown-Porter both unavailable, the team were run by chairman Mike Hall and former keeper Ian Nott who will have been delighted with the clean sheet.

There was a new-look defence following the 5-1 defeat by Nailsea and Tickenham with recently signed keeper Jake Viney behind a back four which saw skipper Tom Stone flanked by youngsters Jordan Hayman, Ryan Hibbert and Josh Young.

Clevedon held the edge as the first half produced few chances with the experienced Viney dealing well with everything which came his way.

Wellington’s best effort was a low drive from midfielder Sam Towler which fizzed just wide of the post.

The visitors almost broke the deadlock five minutes after the break when Viney was finally beaten by Freddie King whose shot came back off the foot of the post.

They came pressing for a goal, but the Wellington defence held firm with centre back Hayman – making his first start after a long injury layoff – subsequently being named man-of-the-match on his 21st birthday.

However, they were caught out by a quick break ten minutes from time which should have produced the winner. The ball was crossed to King – on his own in front of goal – but he lifted his shot over the empty net.

Wellington almost snatched victory themselves in the dying minutes with Clevedon keeper James Dunn doing well to push a shot from sub Gabriel Plant around the post.

The result lifted the Tangerines a further place away from the foot of the table and they now face an important game next Saturday when they travel to Welton Rovers – one place and one point above them in the table.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Ryan Hibbert, Tom Stone, Jordan Hayman, Josh Young, Sully McKenna, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Josh Lukins, Nathan Byrne, Ryan Brereton. Substitutes: Lewis Jennings, Gabriel Plant and Rohan Poulsom (all used).