WELTON Rovers put up a spirited display before losing 4-1 away to Wellington in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League - their 33rd loss in 34 matches.

Kick-off had to be delayed by 15 minutes after a car containing several Welton players broke down and, when it did get under way, the visitors had the bare 11 players.

It was, therefore, little surprise that Wellington dominated proceedings although the plucky Welton outfit gave them a shock by pulling a goal back in the second half.

In front of more than 30 past players, who were holding their annual reunion, Wellington went on the attack straight from the kick-off.

They took the lead after 17 minutes when a corner by skipper Sam Towler was headed home at the near post by Nathan Byrne.

It was one-way traffic for the rest of the first half although the hosts were unable to add to their tally.

They had a chance to make it 2-0 six minutes after the break when Byrne was sent tumbling in the box but Towler missed from the spot for the second game running – this time firing against the bar.

Wellington were not to be denied and doubled their tally just after the hour mark thanks to the persistence of striker Phil Mendonca who wriggled into space before poking a low shot just inside the far post.

It looked a question of just how many goals the hosts would score but Welton shocked them by making it 2-1 as Kamal Yassin intercepted a back pass and hit the post before thumping home the rebound.

However, any hopes of a dramatic turnaround were foiled as Wellington added a third goal with eight minutes remaining.

Substitute Charlie Wood found young defender Jacob Shore he brought the ball under control before shooting home his first goal for the club.