WELLINGTON stretched their winning run to five matches with a 1-0 home victory over Oldland Abbotonians in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League, with skipper Sam Towler netting the only goal from the penalty spot.

Wellington have now won eight matches in the league - only one less than for the whole of last season.

However, they had to dig deep for their latest victory in a game which could have gone either way.

The Tangerines’ run is all the more remarkable at a time when they have been hit by a string of injuries and manager Richard Cherry again had to make changes his line-up.

His squad included local brothers Jack and Sam Bryant, who have rejoined the club from Cullompton Rangers and have been playing for the Reserves.

There was little to choose between the sides in a first half of few chances with Oldland hitting the post and Wellington’s man-of-the-match Mark Cornish heading straight at the keeper.

But the deadlock was broken after 66 minutes when home striker Jake Quick was felled by a lunging tackle in the box.

The referee pointed to the spot and Towler stepped up to make no mistake.

From then on, Oldland took the game to Wellington but, once again, Cherry’s side defended magnificently to keep them at bay.

The visitors nearly found an equaliser during the lengthy stoppage time but keeper Jake Viney pulled off a spectacular flying save to tip the ball over the bar.

The only down side for Wellington was their injury jinx striking again.

Midfielder Glen Wright stepped off the bench following a long layoff but, after only a short spell on the pitch, a heavy tackle damaged the same ankle and he is now set to be out of action for another month.

Without a midweek fixtures, Wellington they travel to Saltash United for a league match this coming Saturday, November 2.

Wellington:Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Jason Quick, Tom Stone, Sam Gleeson, Nathan Byrne, Sam Towler, Sam Pashen, Jack Bryant, Josh Lukins, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Ryan Hibbert, Glen Wright, Sam Bryant (used); Rob Hall (not used).

Elsewhere, former Southern League club Paulton Rovers produced the performance of the day in the Premier Division by beating leaders Brixham AFC 3-2 at home.

However, second-placed Clevedon Town failed to take full advantage, being held to a 2-2 home draw by Street who moved up to third place in the table.

It was not a good day for the top teams with Barnstaple Town slipping down to fourth after losing 1-0 away to Shepton Mallet.

At the other end of the table, Welton Rovers slumped to a 7-1 away loss against Nailsea & Tickenham and are now 12 points adrift at the bottom without a single point.