Andrew Catley was top cat with two assists and a delightful goal that sent the Green Army home very happy.
Playing conditions were pretty decent considering recent weather and the rain managed to hold off for the afternoon. As both clubs' First Teams were not in action, an attendance of eighty gathered at the Southfields Recreation Ground to witness a great game of local football.
Radstock had the better of the opening ten minutes, but created no threats to Dan Tamblyn's goal. A long throw from Ben Bicknell into the box caused problems for Radstock's defence, but their clearance fell to Catley, whose delivery was spot-on for Sam Cottle to head past the stranded Chris Wright in goal.
Jordan Townsley was such a handful all game, but any balls played up were comfortably dealt with by the experienced back four of Welton, who defended stoutly the whole game. Midway through the first half, it was 2–0. The three big boys from the back went up for a corner that was whipped in to the front post by Catley, and Billy Cooper made the header his and powered home from close range.
Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the half as possession in the final third was wasted by both teams, along with excellent defending. A string of corners from Radstock were handled by Tamblyn and caused no threat.
Ross Presley needed to stamp his authority if Radstock were to get back in the game – the energy levels of Luke Ingram just couldn't break Welton down. An Adam Goodwin header nearly crept in but for a fingertip save from Tamblyn as he slipped in the sticky goalmouth and the resulting corner was cleared.
The tireless work rate from Rhys Cook was giving the Radstock defence problems all afternoon and it was Cook who set up the moment of the game. As Wright came rushing from his box to clear a ball over the top, Cook beat him to it and laid the ball inside to Catley who struck a perfect forty-yard lob that dropped between the bar and the retreating defender to seal the victory for the Ressies. More chances were wasted as both Cottle and Mark Andrade missed from close range.
In the dying minutes, a quickly taken free kick was given to Ben Grubb, who smashed his shot into the top corner for a consolation goal.
All in all, a great performance and a deserved victory that put the Welton Ressies joint second in the table.
Man of the Match: Ben Bicknell.
Greg Langridge