Welton moved up to sixth in the Toolstation First Division with a very late strike from Chris Pile to secure all three points in a game that was badly affected by the gale force wind blowing down the pitch.
Welton had the strong wind behind their backs as they kicked off and it took some time for both teams to adapt to the atrocious playing conditions. The first real effort of the game was a long-range effort from Joe Battrick that was taken by the wind and flew well wide of the Corsham net. The home side’s response was a neat attack involving Leigh Rogers and Ben Wickens, they kept the ball on the floor but Rogers’ final effort flew over the Welton bar. Welton continued to press their hosts but too often the final ball was over hit and taken by the wind. However a corner from the right from Chris Pile was met by Tom Smith and his firm header landed on the roof of the Corsham net. A good move from Welton saw the ball fall to Battrick on a charge and his first-time shot flew just wide of the Corsham upright. At the other end Welton keeper Tom Drewitt was called into action to deny Callum Demkiv. Just before the half-time whistle another long-range effort from Welton, this time by Callum Elms, flew wide of the target.
The second half began with the strengthening wind favouring the hosts as they attempted to break the deadlock. A well-taken corner from Corsham was met by central defender Robbie Tripp and his bullet header flew inches over the Welton bar. The home side were facing the same difficulties as Welton did in the first half, with passes going astray or being over-hit and taken by the wind. Welton on the other hand were playing the ball on the ground and creating problems for the Corsham defence. Good interplay between Francois Allen and Shakiel Green saw Allen’s final shot well saved by Chris Snoddy in the Corsham goal. Then a firm strike from Pile saw Snoddy save at the second attempt as Welton began to dominate proceedings. Welton brought on all three substitutes to keep the momentum going and with two minutes remaining got their just reward. Excellent play on the right from Alex Wych and Jaiden Savery saw the ball crossed over and it fell to Pile, who drilled his shot past Snoddy and high into the Corsham net, much to the delight of the travelling Green Army.
Bob Allard