WELTON Rovers produced one of their most dramatic performances of the season at a sunlit West Clewes on Saturday, scoring a sensational winner deep into added time to defeat AEK Boco and take a significant step away from the relegation zone, writes Bob Allard.

The match began at a frantic pace. Within minutes, Boco’s Jordan Ricketts was sin-binned and booked for dissent over an offside decision, leaving the visitors temporarily down to ten men.

Welton immediately pressed their advantage: Matt Morris fired a powerful 25-yard effort narrowly wide, and from a Morris corner, Courtney Charles rose highest but headed off target. Despite Rovers’ early dominance, it was Boco who struck first on 20 minutes. Welton defender Jake Gardner allowed a ball to run, believing it was going out of play, but Recco Best reacted sharply, collecting the loose ball, turning, and driving low past Will Hunter.

Welton responded superbly. Seven minutes later, excellent work from Charles on the edge of the area saw him lift a delicate cross to the far post, where Will Ford arrived to head home the equaliser.

Boco keeper Nicholas Croucher then produced a fine save to deny a Morris free-kick, injuring himself in the process, but continued after treatment.

Just before the interval, Boco were reduced to ten men permanently when Ricketts received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Morris, who required lengthy treatment. After eleven minutes of added time, the half finally came to a close.

The second half resumed with both sides attacking with intent, and remarkably it was the ten men of Boco who regained the lead. Captain Nathan Legge broke through the Welton defence and released Corey Rawlings, who calmly slotted past Hunter on 54 minutes.

Moments later, Welton were also reduced to ten when Ross Lye was dismissed for dissent towards the assistant referee.

Despite the setback, Welton continued to push forward, though Boco remained a threat on the counter. Ford saw a goal‑bound header tipped over by Croucher, and Rovers had strong appeals for handball waved away.

Welton’s persistence paid off in the 80th minute when Morris was tripped in the area. He stepped up and confidently converted the resulting penalty to level the scores.

As the match entered an extended period of added time, Gardner produced a vital goal‑line clearance with Hunter beaten. Then, in the 15th minute of stoppage time, came the decisive moment. The ball was worked out to Charles on the right; he looked up and unleashed a superb curling strike from distance that arced over Croucher and into the top corner as West Clewes erupted.

There was still time for one final scare as Charlie Perkins struck the upright for Boco, but the final whistle brought jubilant scenes as the Green Army celebrated a vital and richly-deserved victory which saw them move out of the bottom three and two points ahead of third-bottom Keynsham Town who have played two more games. A special mention goes to young full‑back Gio Angelinetta, who delivered an outstanding man-of-the-match performance.

Rovers are due to visit Shirehampton last night (Tuesday) and are on their travels to play-off chasing Bitton on Saturday (3pm).