WELLINGTON Ladies played top-of-the-table Staplegrove at the Playing Field on Sunday and their overall performance was outstanding, despite going down 2-0 to a side very much favourites to win the championship in Division Three South of the Somerset Women’s League.

The whole Wellington side fought well, stood their ground and played their game as a team – it’s safe to say they have come a long way since the beginning of the season.

In the first half, Staplegrove played downhill and Wellington’s defending was brilliant with lots of clearances from defenders Nyima Touray, Katie Sweetland Charlotte Holder, Chloe Carpenter and captain Tash Hole who kept cool despite the pressure.

The Taunton outfit went 1-0 up after 17 minutes from a brilliant strike by one of their defenders. However, Wellington didn’t let their heads drop and they carried on creating a few chances for striker Jade Pope but unfortunately nothing coming from them, allthough not for a want of trying.

Wellington started the second half strongly with a lot of good runs made by Kate Sinfield, player-manager Ash Grabham-White and Leah Bradbeer but again they just could not find the back of the net.

Staplegrove, beaten only once this season, were awarded a fortunate penalty for an accidental handball and, although new keeper Natasha Ireland saved, on the rebound the visitors scored to make it 2-0.

The Ladies played a great game and every one of them should be proud of the performance they put in against a very good sidee indeed. Wellington’s Player-of-the-match went to keeper Ireland as she produced some brilliant saves in only her second game in goal. She certainly kept her side in with a chance throughout the game.

In the only other game in the division, Crewkerne Rangers were 2-1 home winners over Watchet Town Ladies which, unfortunately, leaves Wellington bottom of the table.