WELLINGTON are out of the FA Cup after losing 2-0 away to Southern League Bideford in a first preliminary round replay in North Devon on Tuesday night.

But Wellington can hold their heads high after giving another good all-round performance against a side from a higher division. However, the result was fair on the balance of play.

The Tangerines had been robbed of a famous victory by a goal in the injury time when the sides met last Saturday. And, with the replay also taking place at Bideford because of cricket at the Playing Field, they again pushed their higher level opponents all the way.

Wellington were without both Quick twins, Miles and Jason, so defender Ryan Hibbert and striker Matt Crawley came into the starting 11.

Bideford created the first opportunity in the seventh minute before taking the lead shortly afterwards. Finn Roberts skilfully manoeuvred through a series of Wellington challenges before striking decisively into the net.

Wellington defender Ryan Hibbert made a crucial challenge in the 17th minute, preventing Bideford from doubling their lead, and it remained 1-0 until the break.

The second half resumed with Tangerines keeper Jake Viney producing the first of several fine saves and he was supported by some resolute defending as they prevented a second goal until the 88th minute.

A low corner was turned into the net by Jordan Ewing to seal the tie although there was still time for Wellington sub Danny Wordsworth to see a dipping volley drop on to the bar.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Mark Cornish, Jordan Hayman, Kieran Bailey, Ryan Hibbert, Harry Scott, Josh Lukins, Glen Wright, Sam Towler, Matt Crawley, Jake Quick. Substitutes: Oscar Albano, Josh Young, Sam Sheldrake, Danny Wordsworth, Connor Noble (all used). The attendance was 241.

Meanwhile, Wellington will be looking to bounce back when they play away to former Southern League outfit Paulton Rovers in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League on Saturday, August 24.

Having not been able to play yet at home this season, this will be Wellington's eighth successive away game. Three of these have been FA Cup ties while the other four have been in the league, where Wellington have won two and lost two.

Their only really disappointing display so far was away to Nailsea & Tickenham where they lost 3-0. But they have impressed in wins at Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, and also won at Buckland Athletic in the FA Cup.

Paulton, who came down from the Southern League at the end of last season, are through to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup where they play away to Gloucester City on Saturday, August 31.