THERE can be little doubt that Wellington Reserves deserved to beat Heavitree Social United Reserves in division one of the Devon and Exeter League yesterday.

But the decision to award Wellington a late penalty - resulting in a 2-1 win for the visitors - incensed the home side and even left the Wellington bench thinking they had been handed a gift.

That decision apart, this was the best performance of the season from the team managed by Dave Thomas as Wellington were strong at the back with full backs Jamie Fleet and skipper James Rowley and centre backs Adam Cook and Simon Morton forming a robust unit that never lost its shape all game.

And having gone a goal down against the run of play, the whole team reacted in a spirited manner to claim a win that lifts them to fourth place.

Wellington started the game much the stronger of the two sides as they played the narrow pitch well with the full backs getting well forward when they could and with plenty of players been willing to shoot on sight.

Sam Bryant started the game and showed he is back to fitness as he battled for everything and won good ball in both midfield and when he had to track back.

Wellington's front two of Nathan Thomas and Joe Conway worked hard all game and were always making the home side's back line think about their good movement, but for all the good that Wellington were doing they did not close down an HSU attack and a low shot was rattled in and gave Chris McKee in the Wellington goal no chance.

Wellington did not let their heads go down and were back in the game pretty much from the kick off and when Joe Conway had gone as far as he could Nathan Thomas had an open goal to aim into and he made no mistake.

Wellington continued to push and in the last few minutes sub Oli Nott was crunched on the outer part of the penalty area and the referee gave the controversial penalty.

Sam Bryant did as required and slotted home the spot kick.

Wellington: Chris McKee, Jamie Fleet, James Rowley (C), Adam Cook, Simon Morton, Conor Bryant, Jack Bryant, Sam Bryant, Adam Dawe, Nathan Thomas, Joe Conway Subs - Nick Bull (used), Joe Enticott (used), Oli Nott (used), Tom Phillips (not used)