Welton shared the points with Hallen in an entertaining game on a sunny afternoon at West Clewes.

Within a minute of the kick-off, Welton Captain, Chris Peck, found himself in space on the edge of the Hallen box, he turned and shot low, which was saved by the visitors’ keeper, Joshua Stawroliski.

Welton continued with this lively start and Dan Cottle picked up a loose clearance from the Hallen defence, raced at goal, only to see his shot fly over the bar. Hallen responded and good play from Tom Collett saw his goalbound effort deflected for a corner and minutes later, Paul McKelvaney scooped his shot over the Welton bar.

The visitors took the lead on 25 minutes when hesitation in the Welton defence allowed the lively Collett to tear through the centre, round Ryan Perry in the Welton goal and slot the ball into the Welton net. As half-time approached, Welton pressed for the equaliser and a Cottle free kick went an inch over the Hallen bar and a glancing header from Martin Johnson flew past the near post.

The second half saw Welton press for the equaliser and Omar Simpson used his pace to beat his marker, only to shoot wide of the target. Further Welton pressure saw efforts from Cottle and Simpson go close, but the visitors’ defence were in fine form and soaked up the Welton pressure.

Hallen looked dangerous on the break and a curling shot from Issac Reid went wide of the Welton post. Welton’s Joe Garland was having a cracking game in defence for the home side and Manager, Nick Beaverstock, brought on new signing, Kailan Gould, for his Welton debut and the youngster was straight in the action and impressed the Green Army.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Welton got the ball into the Hallen net, but referee, Morris, ruled the goal out for a foul on the keeper. However, Welton were not to be denied and with minutes remaining, Cottle was found in space on the left flank. He drove into the Hallen area, rounded his marker with ease and then struck an absolute cracker of a shot that nearly broke the back of the Hallen net to give Welton a deserved equaliser and point.

Bob Allard