WELLINGTON Town put in a spirited display despite suffering a narrow 2-0 defeat away to Staplegrove Spartans in Division 2 of the Under 14 section in the Taunton and District Youth League on Sunday.

In an entertaining and evenly matched first half, it was Wellington who looked the more likely to break the deadlock; Fletcher Langley forcing an excellent save from the Spartans’ keeper before midfielder Sam Alderman's sumptuous free kick was denied by the crossbar..

Town, looking increasingly comfortable in possession, continued to look menacing after the break as they sought the game's opening goal. But, after 47 minute, it was the hosts who took the lead after a period of sustained pressure.

But with the industrious Jack Fowler and Welly's player of the match, Alderman, winning the majority of the midfield battles, it was Town who looked the most likely to grab the game's next goal.

A spectacular long range effort from winger Jack Bates on 57 minutes looked all but certain to level things up, only for the ball to sail agonisingly wide.

.And with Welly throwing players forward, it was Staplegrove who had the final say; a goal in the final minute of the game wrapping up a hard-fought victory against an ever improving Wellington.