WELLINGTON advanced to the third qualifying round of the FA Vase after they twice came back from behind to beat Shifnal 3-2.

The villagers missed a penalty in a see-saw game that went all the way to the final whistle but manager Derek Williams is bemused by their ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ performances this season.

He said: “We’re pleased with the result but we’re in a bit of a hole at the moment, I can’t put my finger on it.

“We’ve lost four games on the trot and drawn one and then just can’t seem to get back on it.

“It’s not the best football to watch but we’ve got to do the best we can.”

The home side had the first two clear opportunities of the game with top scorer Paul Jones hitting a shot over the bar and Andy Price having a free header saved from a free kick.

The Shropshire side created a few chances themselves and eventually took the lead on 38 minutes when an outswinging corner found Ben Guttridge and he slotted home.

It was no less than the visitors deserved but Wellington could have gone in level when Andy Price had a shot blocked on the line on the stroke of half time.

Wellington looked a different team in the second half and we’re awarded a penalty when striker Aaron Morgan was brought down by the keeper while one on one.

Paul Jones’ penalty was saved by visiting goalkeeper Luke Kriskinans who was given just a yellow card for the original foul.

“That’s the second time we’ve missed an important penalty this season, said manager Williams.

“I wish he hadn’t bought him down really because he would have gone round him.

“I don’t argue with officials, if it’s a penalty it’s a penalty and if there’s was a penalty then that’s just how it is.”

The villagers equalised on 58 minutes when Thomas rose to head home a corner whipped in by Andy Price.

On 65 minutes Shifnal had a penalty themselves when Curtis Smith was fouled and Steve Handley successfully converted to put them back in front.

Two goals in three minutes from substitute Ben Fischer gave Wellington the lead for the first time but they could have thrown it away in stoppage time when Handley missed from four yards out.

“We ground out a result today and probably deserved the win after, but in the end but they still could have got an equaliser in the last minute - That just sums up our season.

“It’s great for the club to progress and any club that’s in this competition can win it.

“If you can get on a bit of a cup journey it just lifts everybody.

“It gives you a bit of a buzz, only one team gets promoted from our league so everybody else is chasing a bit of glory in the Vase or our County Cup.”

The result brings an end to a run that had seen the club not win in the last five games after winning the opening three games.

Williams said: “After three games I thought we might be in the top ten at the end of the season but now and we’re struggling and we haven’t really played the top teams yet.

The villagers face Smethwick at home this Saturday.