Welton's good run in the FA Vase came to an end at Shepton, with a narrow defeat by their Premier League opponents.
The game got underway in ideal playing conditions, with the late Autumn sun shining on a very damp pitch. The Green Army was out in force, making the short trip over the Mendips and special mention must be made to a group of half-a-dozen youngsters who support Welton, who caught the bus from Midsomer Norton to cheer on their local team.
The first action of the game saw Kieron Gould, who was an ex-Welton Under-18s youngster, tear through the Welton defence, only to be denied at the last minute by some solid Welton defending.
Welton's first real effort of the game came from a long-range effort from Dan Cottle that was easily gathered by ex-Bristol City and Rovers keeper, Steve Phillips, in goal for Shepton. Gould was looking lively for Shepton as the half progressed and the home side started to dominate proceedings.
However, Welton looked dangerous on the break and a curled shot from Anthony Conradi whizzed past the Shepton goal. Further quality play from Shepton saw Harry Price set up Ash Willmott and his effort flashed across the Welton goal. With five minutes remaining before half-time, Shepton took the lead when a cross from the right by Dave Thorne took a deflection and fell to ex-Radstock striker, Jordan Townsley, who made no mistake in scoring from the edge of the six-yard box to give the home side a valuable half-time lead.
The second half began with early Welton pressure to get the equaliser and a stunning shot from Luke Palmer saw his effort saved by Phillips on his knees. The game was going from end to end with Welton pressing, but Shepton looking very dangerous on the break.
One such breakout saw the ball fall to Townsley, in space on the edge of the Welton six-yard box and with an open goal in front of him, he lost his footing and scuffed his shot. Welton keeper, Scott Armstrong, was then called into the action to produce a brilliant save to deny Gould, only to see the ball fall to another Shepton player, whose shot was cleared off the Welton goal line. Dan Cottle was brought down twenty yards out from the Shepton goal, but Luke Palmer's free kick didn't cause Phillips any problems in the Shepton goal.
As the final minutes approached, Welton continued to press and Ricky Scott went close with an effort, but in the end, Welton couldn't break down the efficient workmanlike performance from Shepton and the home side deservingly went through to the Third Rounddraw.