After the midweek win over Cribbs Friends Life, the Green Army were hoping for more of the same from Welton, but were disappointed with a frustrating display that allowed the visitors to return home over the Mendips with all three points.
Before kick-off, there was a minute's silence to remember Paul Ingram, who has recently passed away. Paul was very active on the football side of things at Welton and was well known in local football circles. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
The game started just as the sun came out over West Clewes and it was the visitors who attacked first and Welton's Jack Niks was on hand to thwart the attack. Welton responded and an attack led by youngster, Ryan Gay, saw his effort cleared for a corner. Andy Catley's corner fell right at the foot of Gay and he was about to pull the trigger when a Cheddar boot cleared the danger. On 25 minutes, the first real chance of the game fell to Cheddar's Wayne Scorse and his shot from distance flew inches past the Welton upright.
Dan Scrivens was causing problems down the left and a cross fell just behind striker, Jamie Mines, with the goal at his mercy. However, minutes later, Mines pulled up and had to be replaced by Rhys Cook. Just before half-time, good work from Bradley Partner saw him beat two men and deliver a quality cross that was eventually cleared by the visitors.
The second half saw Cheddar straight out of the blocks, piling pressure on the Welton defence. A series of corners for the visitors were dealt with by Welton. However, on 55 minutes, Cheddar took the lead when the ball fell to substitute, Joe Ellis, who was unmarked in the Welton area and he calmly slotted the ball past Dan Tamblyn and into the Welton net. Minutes later, Welton were reduced to ten men when central defender, Billie Cooper, was shown a straight red by referee, Spender, following an altercation with Cheddar's Jamie Howson.
Welton responded with two corners on the trot that were dealt with by the Cheddar defence and despite being down to ten men, Welton went all out for the equaliser. A Barry Sandquest effort was cleared off the line and a Catley free kick was saved by the visitor's keeper, Sam Talbot. With less than ten minutes remaining, a poor kick from Talbot landed at the feet of Welton Captain, Jack Metcalf, who was in space on the edge of the area. He attacked the goal, rounded the advancing Talbot and, with the goal at his mercy, thumped his shot against the Cheddar crossbar.
Bob Allard