STRETTON held the lead twice in this entertaining Shropshire County League Premier Division clash at Wellington, but their hosts came back to level, and then snatched victory with a late goal.

The visitors played down the slope in the first period and used this to put Wellington under sustained pressure.

This eventually paid off and Stretton took the lead after 19 minutes with a fine individual goal from Dean Richards. He picked up the ball near the half-way line and then set off down the left, cutting in to beat a couple of defenders before hitting the target with a crisp, right-footed drive.

They continued to create the better chances but were caught on the break in the 35th minute, the home striker surging into the box and was adjudged to have been brought down by defender Neil Castle.

Stretton goalkeeper Anthony Prince made a splendid save but could not hold the spot kick, the striker following up to force the ball home.

It was good end-to-end football after the break with Stretton again nosing in front when Matt Tudor took the ball down the left and cut inside to hit the target.

Minutes later Wellington levelled, and with a draw looking the likely result, snatched victory with a late goal.