WELLINGTON moved up to third place in division one of the Western League with a 2-0 Boxing Day home win over Barnstaple.

The visitors, who were relegated from the premier division last season, were tipped to be among the front-runners for this season.

They have been there or thereabouts all season, but have never really threatened to get involved in the top four and were kept under control by a Wellington side that bossed possession.

The first half was a dour affair as the crowd of 89 that approached waited for a goal.

The breakthrough came after the interval when Sam Towler netted for the second time in two games before Alex Piper added the second.

Wellington: Jake Viney, Tim Legg, Jack Porter, Chris Duchenski, Tom Ellis (C), Sam Towler, James Clough, Nicky Ford, Alex Piper, Ollie Chamberlain and Liam Cleal.

Substitutes (all used): Max Westlake, Joe Holmes and Oli Nott