WELLINGTON, playing their first match after four blank Saturdays, slumped to a 4-0 home defeat against Clevedon Town in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western Football League at the Playing Field.

The Tangerines had suffered four successive postponements because of the bad weather and had not played since beating Nailsea & Tickenham at home at the end of January.

There was a hard frost overnight but this soon disappeared as the sun came out for what turned out to be a spring-like day, enjoyed by both the players and supporters.

Wellington could perhaps be forgiven for looking a little rusty although the final scoreline flattered Clevedon who were awarded no fewer than three penalties.The first of them came after 11 minutes when Alex Cherry was penalised for a push and Alex Camm stepped up to make no mistake with the spot kick

If Wellington could have no complaints about that decision, the next after 33 minutes was not as clear-cut as Jordan Hayman went up for an aerial challenge in the box and referee Matthew Uren awarded another penalty, much to the dismay of he home side.

Camm doubled his tally, again giving keeper Jack McAndrews no chance, and had the chance to complete his hat-trick from another penalty early in the second half. McAndrews looked to be harshly penalised as he dived at the feet of an onrushing attacker but it was third time lucky as he pulled off a magnificent save to his right.

Wellington boss Richard Cherry used four of his five subs – including welcome returns for defender Harry Scott and striker Phil Mendonca – in an effort to get back into the game. And Clevedon keeper James Dunn pulled off a sharp save from a deflected shot before the visitors increased their lead after 65 minutes.

It was that man Camm again – and this time from open play – as he was sent clear to coolly complete his match-winning treble. Wellington felt they should have had a penalty of their own with 20 minutes remaining when Jack Winsor went down heavily in the box but the referee turned down their appeals and produced a red card for Sam Pashen in the aftermath.

The ten men battled well but Clevedon had the final say deep into stoppage time with a fourth goal scored by sub Harrison Kyte.

Wellington faced another tough test on Wednesday night when leaders Portishead Town were due to visit the Playing Field.

Wellington: Jack McAndrews, Jordan Hayman, Kieran Bailey, Tom Stone, Alex Cherry, Jack Winsor, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Sam Pashen, Miles Quick, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Harry Scott, Sam Sheldrake, Phil Mendonca, Josh Lukins (used); James De Selincourt (not used).

Meanwhile Portishead, chasing back to back promotions, maintained their four-point lead over Clevedon when they beat fourth-placed Buckland Athletic 4-0 at home. It was Portishead’s 23rd victory in 30 matches.

Brixham AFC, in third place, beat Street 3-1 at home but they are ten points behind Clevedon who, along with Portishead, look good bets for promotion.

Wellington’s defeat meant they dropped to 17th in the table but they have played fewer games than teams around them and are still well clear of the relegation zone.

Bottom side Welton Rovers suffered their 31st loss in 32 matches in going down 2-1 at home to Oldland Abbotonians.