WELLINGTON gave another battling display with no reward as they were beaten 4-2 at Paulton in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League.
Paulton were relegated from the Southern League last season and are fancied for a quick return.
The hosts had a couple of openings in the first half-hour before Wellington defender Jason Quick saw a shot blocked.
Paulton then took control with two goals in the closing minutes of the first half. Jack Farion headed them in front before Kye Simpson produced a clinical finish in stoppage time.
Wellington reduced the arrears three minutes into the second half. Big striker Matt Crawley burst forward and unselfishly squared for Miles Quick to score into an empty net.
That gave the visitors hope but they suffered a blow when Crawley went off injured and then Paulton made it 3-1 through Dan McBeam after 68 minutes.
Wellington refused to lie down and they scored again with three minutes remaining when Josh Lukins threaded the ball through to Miles Quick for his second.
Wellington: Jake Viney, Ryan Hibbert, Jordan Hayman, Kieran Bailey, Jason Quick, Sam Gleeson, Josh Lukins, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Miles Quick, Matt Crawley. Substitutes: Oscar Albano, Lewis Smith, Sam Sheldrake (used); Rob Hall (not used). Attendance: 145.