WELLINGTON’S poor run continued when they slumped to a 2-0 home defeat against lowly Torpoint Athletic in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League.

The club were staging a pre-Christmas charity fundraiser at the game but there was little festive cheer on the pitch as the Tangerines had two players sent off.

There was a pitch inspection earlier in the day following overnight rain - and it was deemed playable although there was a strong wind throughout the match.

Manager Richard Cherry gave a full debut to young striker Alex Parsons, recently signed from Street, while wide man Jack Bryant was promoted from the Reserves and went on to collect the man-of-the-match award.

Although Bryant saw a volley well saved by Ryan Rickard early on, Torpoint had the better chances in a goalless first half. Gary Herd raced clear twice only to be denied by keeper Jake Viney on both occasions and, when Viney was beaten, the ball smacked against the foot of the post.

Wellington were looking to improve after the break but the game took a dramatic turn five minutes into the second half. Defender Mark Cornish was ruled to have brought down a Torpoint striker in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Cornish, who claimed he got the ball first, had already been booked in the first half and received a second yellow followed by a red before Elliot Crawford dispatched the resulting penalty to put the visitors 1-0 up.

Ten-man Wellington huffed and puffed to get back in the match, but it was the visitors who always looked more likely to add to their tally with Kevin McCallion hitting the post.

And the Tangerines’ day got worse in the closing minutes when sub Nathan Byrne was shown a straight red for a challenge on a Torpoint defender.

The visitors then rubbed salt into their wounds by adding a second goal deep into stoppage time, scored by McCallion.

It was another disappointing result for Wellington who lost for the fifth successive game - after putting together a winning run of eight games which took them up to sixth in the table. Since then they have lost twice to sides in the first division in cup competitions - both at the Playing Field.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Jordan Hayman, Tom Stone, Mark Cornish, Sam Gleeson, Jack Bryant, Sam Pashen, Sam Towler, Josh Lukins, Alex Parsons, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Will Pinnick, Nathan Byrne, Sully McKenna (used); Sam Bryant, Rob Hall (not used).

Meanwhile, Portishead Town opened up a two-point lead at the top of the premier division after they beat Saltash United 4-3 at home.

However, there was more misery for Welton Rovers who crashed to a 10-0 defeat away to Ivybridge - their 24th loss in 24 games.