Radstock completed the double over local rivals, Welton Rovers, in a derby fixture that was competitive at times, but often failed to ignite the passions of the large Bank Holiday crowd at Southfields.
It took a while for both teams to get to grips with the rock hard playing surface and it was Aaron Seviour who launched a penetrating run through the Radstock defence, only to see his effort cleared away for a corner. Radstock responded and a weak shot from Callum Elms was easily dealt with by Charlie Phillips in the Welton goal.
After twelve minutes, the game was halted when Simon Millard was in collision with Phillips and the Radstock striker needed lengthy treatment before being stretchered off and going off to hospital by ambulance.
The game restarted after a ten minute delay and it took both sides time to get going again. Another penetrating run by Seviour saw his final effort go inches wide of the Radstock post. Grant Price then headed wide when he met a corner from the right for Welton. At the other end, a corner on the left by Radstock was only half cleared by the Welton defence and the ball fell to substitute, Craig Wilson, who thumped his shot against the Welton post. Further Welton pressure saw Captain Joe Garland’s back flick find Seviour in space six yards out, but he somehow managed to scoop his shot over the Radstock bar.
Just before half-time a long throw from the right into the Welton box was met by Jake Wyatt and he firmly planted his header into the top corner of the Welton net, giving Phillips no chance, to give the Miners the lead. Welton responded immediately and Mallick Jammeh got the ball into the Radstock net, but was ruled offside. A melee then ensued involving several players with referee, Fudge, booking two Radstock and one Welton player as he blew the half-time whistle.
The miners came out after the break looking for their second goal and an effort from Elms went over the bar and a header from Wyatt was palmed away by Phillips. Welton fullback, Aaron Cockerill, then placed a cracking effort into the mix that was well handled by Radstock keeper, Glen Murley, under intense pressure. Welton were then reduced to ten men when Garland received his second yellow card from referee, Fudge, following a coming together with full back, Danny Lock. The Green Army were bewildered by this decision, which was a real setback for Welton.
As the half progressed, the ten men of Welton were up against it and Tom Smith did well to clear Morgan Skipp’s shot and a header from Logan Cassidy was cleared off the Welton goal line. As the game went into added time, Welton won a corner and it was met by keeper, Phillips, who was up to boost the numbers and his header went wide of the Radstock goal – right at the end, a stinging shot from Chris Pile was well saved by Murley.
Bob Allard