Welton notched their third consecutive clean-sheet victory on Saturday after an outstanding second-half performance against visiting Taunton side Bishops Lydeard. Though they were the better team for the majority of the game, Rovers were level at the break, before a whirlwind three goals in fifteen minutes ensured a deserved victory for the Greens.

Despite that second half domination, it could have been a different story, had Welton keeper, Tom Drewitt, not been alert to pull of an outstanding one handed save just thirty seconds after the break. Drewitt had to be at his absolute best to contort his body and claw out a close range Lydeard effort that seemed destined to open the scoring for the visitors, with the game at 0-0. That seemed to spur Welton into life and saw them begin their romp to victory.

The opening goal was a special one. Chris Pile earned Welton a free-kick 25 yards from goal. Numerous Green men lined up to take the kick, but eventually it was left-back Aaron Cockerill who was afforded the opportunity. It was a good choice, as his low curling effort evaded the wall and nestled nicely in the bottom right hand corner of Lydeard keeper, Dave Barell’s goal.

Welton’s confidence was instantly boosted, and the lead was doubled within five minutes. Lydeard were slow to react to a quick corner taken by Lewis Russell. Chris Pile delivered the cross and while everyone seemed to pause waiting for the award of a penalty for a clear foul on Rovers skipper, Tom Smith, Joe Battrick retained his composure, controlling the ball with one touch and then stabbing in the second goal with his next.

Aaron Seviour’s fourth goal in five games was the cherry on top. Dylan Hatt delivered a great pass into the left channel that still left the striker with plenty to do. He waited for the ball to sit up for him before lobbing a side-footed volley over the head of the advancing keeper and into the net.

There could have been more goals for Welton, who put on a passing masterclass for the remaining fifteen minutes, with little danger hinted at by the visitors. The final whistle brought the curtain down on one of the best 45 minutes seen at West Clewes in the past four seasons, and a three points which lift Welton to third in the table and extend the Midsomer Norton side’s unbeaten run to five games.

Welton’s next action is this coming Saturday (15th) in the FA Vase, away to Toolstation Western League Premier Division side, Odd Down.

Gareth David