STEVE Brotherwood stormed back from a lengthy lay-off by grabbing a hat-trick as Wellington beat Shifnal Town 4-2 in West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division.

Wellington were the best team throughout the gameand played some neat football. Brotherwood and Josh Hunt combined well to set up Paul Jones on a number of occasions, but he could not convert any of the chances.

But the villagers did go in front when Will Perkins headed in a Ben Thomas header at the back post.

They then went further ahead when Jones set up Brotherwood to chip Shifnal’s goalkeeper from close range.

Brotherwood, who has been out for a season, scored his second goal of the game before half time to take Derek Williams’ side into the break 3-1 ahead. Wellington then missed a glut of chances in the second half, with Shifnal’s goalkeeper denying Ben Fischer and Hunt.

But Brotherwood did beat him with 20 minutes to go to complete his hat-trick before Shifnal scored a late consolation.

In Division 1, Hereford Lads Club beat Wrens Nest 2-0, thanks to goals from Sam Keetch and Scott Turner, but Bartestree went down 1-0 at home to Stone Old Alleynians.

Bromyard Town, who are top of the league, saw their away game at Worcester Raiders postponed.