SAM Towler scored the winning goal with a spectacular injury-time free-kick in Wellington’s 4-3 away win over Oldland Abbotonians in the Premier Division of the Jewson League.

The Tangerines went into the game on the back of three straight defeats and the result lifted them further away from the foot of the table.

They got off to a flying start by taking the lead after only three minutes. Douglas Camlio, returning to the side on a dual registration with Willand Rovers, burst forward and fed Phil Mendonca whose shot came back off the post for Josh Lukins to net the rebound. But Wellington’s joy was shortlived as Oldland hit back with two goals in the next 13 minutes.

They drew level when a cross from the right was headed home by Cash Vinnall and then scored again from the penalty spot, through Tom Blake, after keeper Jack McAndrews had been penalised for a challenge.

A ding-dong first half saw Wellington draw level after 35 minutes as Towler won the ball, made ground and his low cross eventually reached Miles Quick to drive home.

Having taken the lead after three minutes, the visitors then regained it three minutes into the second half – this time a perfect cross from the left by Phil Mendonca was nodded home by Jake Quick.

That prompted Oldland to take the game to the Tangerines and McAndrews was forced into a reaction save before the hosts levelled things up again on the hour mark – and what a goal it was.

The ball was played across field to Blake 30 yards out and he produced an stunning first-time volley which flew past McAndrews into the top corner.

That sent up a nervy finale to the game and tensions boiled over with Wellington boss Richard Cherry sent from the technical area by the referee.

But frustration turned into joy after five minutes of stoppage time when Camilo was brought down just outside the D of the Oldland area.

Towler lined himself up and fired an unstoppable shot to the right of the wall and just inside the far post to clinch the points.

The result should be a confidence booster ahead of the tough trip to runaway leaders Portishead Town on Saturday – they beat Wellington 4-0 at the Playing Field just a week ago.

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Sam Sheldrake, Jacob Shore, Kieran Bailey, Nathan Byrne, Josh Lukins, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Douglas Camilo, Phil Mendonca, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Harry Scott and Glen Wright (used); Rob Hall (not used).