Toolstation League Division 1: Wellington 3, Portishead 1.

TWO goals in the last ten minutes earned Wellington their fifth successive win at the Playing Field last Saturday.

But the result, which maintained their six point lead at the top of the table, was marred by an injury to keeper Stuart Wood. Signed to replace fractured skull victim Ryan Lewis, Wood was clattered by an opponent in the opening minutes and, although he completed the game in severe pain, he was later found to have sustained a broken rib.

It is testimony to the Wellington defence - with the central partnership of Daniel Short and Scott Holland again outstanding - that Wood was hardly called into serious action during an often bad-tempered and scrappy game.

Chances were few and par between in a goalless first half which was ruined by a strong and bitterly cold wind. But the match sprang to life in the 59th minute when Wellington were awarded a penalty for handball and skipper Simon Ingram stepped up to convert his second spot-kick in successive games and 14th goal of the season.

Portishead threw men forward in search of an equaliser and drew level with 17 minutes remaining when Mark Mapstone's low cross was turned out by Wood only as far as ex-Taunton Town striker James Clarke, who scored from close range.

Portishead had gambled on a three-man defence when they fell behind and their persistence with the tactic was to prove to be their undoing as they left winger Craig Herrod too much room to set up Wellington's pair of late goals.

With ten minutes remaining, his teasing cross was missed by two team-mates but when the ball reached Ali Pounde, the new signing from Taunton Blackbrook capped another fine display by drilling home a low shot.

And three minutes later, a virtually identical Herrod cross was turned in by substitute Mark Thompson to seal another Wellington win.

Wellington: Stuart Wood, Tim Legg, Scott Holland, Daniel Short, Jack Adams, Ali Pounde, Andy Butler, Simon Ingram, Craig Herrod, Nick Woon, Danial Boere. Subs: Adam Manley, Mark Thompson, Greg Blenkinsop (all used).