Shepton stunned by Wellington: late goal not enough to save the day | Football | News | News Shepton Mallet Nub

Shepton Mallett was left licking his wounds after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Wellington despite dominating much of the game. A soft penalty and missed chances proved costly, leaving Shepton without the points they deserved.

Shepton started well, with Wellington goalkeeper Charlie Hawkins busy from the start, denying shots from Cam Allen and Harry Rutty. Ethan Witchell went close to goal in the 10th minute but his shot was deflected for a corner. A series of headers into the box culminated with Charlie Bateson hitting the crossbar before Hawkins attempted to claim the ball. It seemed that Shepton’s goal was only a matter of time.

But disaster struck 20 minutes later when Shepton defender Will Banks was harshly punished for handballing despite knowing little about the incident. Sam Towler coolly converted the penalty, leaving the Shepton fans furious – especially after a blatant attack on Bateson in another box went unpunished.

Despite the setback, Shepton had the better chance before the break, with Bateson forcing Hawkins to save a 25-yard free-kick and Josh Jenkins heading just wide.

Shepton pressed for an equalizer early in the second half but good work from Allen and Witchell was not enough to break down the Wellington defence. Jenkins came close again but failed to connect with Allen’s cross.

It got worse for Shepton when Matt Crawley went unmarked from a corner to nod in for Wellington’s second goal on the hour mark. The home side then parked the bus and Shepton struggled to create clear-cut chances as time wore on.

Substitute Aaron Seviour gave Shepton hope with a stoppage-time goal, deflecting Nathan Legg’s shot past Hawkins, but it was too little, too late.

Ethan Witchell took the Man of the Match award ahead of Monty Burgess, but it was a disappointing day for Shepton Mallett.

Attendance: 85

Next: Shepton take on Oldland Abbottonians away on Saturday 19 October, kick-off 3pm. Their next home game is against Paulton Rovers in the Les Phillips Cup on Tuesday 22nd October, kick-off 7.30pm.