Wellington found themselves on the wrong end of an amazing fightback yesterday when they lost 4-3 to Roman Glass in division one of the Toolstation league.

With the 90 minutes up, they were leading 3-1 and seemingly cruising to their first victory under new manager Jamie Ward.

But Roman Glass striker Karim Rendall scored a stunning injury-time hat-trick in less than three minutes to leave the home side cock-a-hoop and the visiting management, players and supporters utterly shellshocked.

It had all started so well for Wellington as Ward rang the changes after their latest defeat including a new central defence partnership of the returning Scott Holland with Dan Robinson – both signed on the eve of the game.

They went ahead after only five minutes when Luke Cole cut in from the left and his fierce drive found the net with the aid of a deflection.

Wellington’s re-shaped defence were taking time to settle and they were indebted to keeper Paul Gibbins for a number of fine saves before they broke out to extend their lead ten minutes before half-time, youngster Luke Redrup bursting forward and crossing to leave skipper Leon Taswell with the simplest of chances.

Roman Glass pulled a goal back shortly afterwards through a downward header by skipper Luke James and their cause was helped on the hour when Cole was rather harshly sent off for a late tackle.

However, Wellington restored their two-goal advantage through Andy Butler’s long-range free-kick ten minutes later and then it became ten-against-ten when Roman Glass sub Matt Hudd was dismissed for violent conduct within minutes of joining the action.

There was no sign of what was to come as the game drew to a close – even when Rendall scored what looked to be a consolation goal from close range in the first minute of injury time.

But almost straight from the kick-off, the home side won the ball and humped it forward with Rendall rising to the ball ahead of the onrushing Gibbins to send a back header rolling into the net.

And, amazingly, he completed a lightning treble straight away as he ran on to another long ball to shoot low across Gibbins for the unbelievable winner.

Wellington: Paul Gibbins, Ashley Parker, Dan Robinson, Scott Holland, Jack Adams, Nicky Ford, Ollie Buckingham, Andy Butler, Luke Cole, Leon Taswell, Luke Redrup. Substitutes: Matty Pounde and Joe Holmes (used); Sam Towler, Mark Clunie and Tom Ellis (not used).

WELLINGTON Reserves' East Devon Cup tie at Morchard Bishop was called off because of a waterlogged pitch.