Welton started the new season off in style with a dramatic victory over Calne Town, much to the delight of the travelling Green Army who made the trip to Wiltshire.
The game got underway on an immaculate playing surface and both sides probed early on, the first shot of the game came after five minutes when Calne's Jake Jefferies effort was saved by Chris Blammon in the Welton goal. As the game settled down, Andy Keen and young debutant, Patrick Doyle, were making a mark on the home side's defence. Doyle broke through the Calne defence with his pace and the youngster launched a great shot from the edge of the area that went inches over of the bar. Blammon was then called into action for Welton to tip an Alex Roget effort over the bar. Then Calne created a good chance when a cross from the right was met by Rory Sporle, but he headed wide of the target. Welton responded and a corner from Andy Catley found Keen and his bullet header was cleared off the line by a Calne defender with the keeper beaten. As half-time approached, Welton stepped up a gear and a superb Welton attack found Keen, but his final effort flashed past the Calne post.
The second half started with both teams determined to get the opening goal and chances were being created at both ends. Kai Hammond went close for Welton. Further Welton pressure earned them a free kick on the edge of the area. Catley's pinpoint free kick was met by Hammond and his shot on the turn was brilliantly saved at close range by Calne's keeper, Jamie Bartlett. Doyle, who had been a pain for the Calne defence all afternoon, was brought down on the edge of the area, but Catley's free kick flew high over the bar. On 75 minutes, Welton got out of jail when a free kick from Jon Davelle was met by Calne Captain, Chris Beesley, in space and his thunderbolt header crashed against the Welton post, much to the relief of the Green Army. As full-time approached, both sides were going all out for the vital goal and with five minutes to go, Mikel Kaputa intercepted a ball on the right, he roared down the line beating off tackle after tackle, and delivered a quality cross into the mix that was missed by the Calne defence and fell to Hammond, who fired his shot with power into the Calne net to give Welton the three points.
– Bob Allard
Mikel Kaputa was named the Somer Valley FM Man of the Match for his impressive, all-round performance. The Welton Rovers right back was solid in defence, containing a lively Calne attack, but Mikel also showed some excellent touches going forward and proved instrumental in the move that provided Welton's winning goal.
Patrick Doyle, a teenager making his debut for Welton, put in an excellent performance against a physical Calne defence. Patrick competed throughout the match, never allowing the more experienced Calne defenders to get the better of him. Patrick was only removed from the action after a series of heavy challenges had taken their toll on him, not once did Patrick dive or go down during the game, preferring to ride the challenges he received to great attacking affect for his team.
Highlights of Welton's victory at Calne were covered on the Somer Valley Sports Show on Tuesday, August 7th and are on http://www.somervalleyfm.co.uk">www.somervalleyfm.co.uk