The points were shared in this dour affair on a freezing cold afternoon at West Clewes.

It was a slow start from both sides, as they got to grips with a heavy pitch. The first real action of the game saw Chris Pile upended on the edge of the Ashton area. Callum Elms’ free kick was delivered to the far post, where a melee ensued, before the ball was scrambled clear by the visitors.

Ashton’s response was a long-range effort from Sam Hemmings that went well wide of the Welton goal. Tom Smart was fouled on the edge of the Welton area, and Hemmings’ free kick kept low, through the wall, before being safely gathered by Tom Drewitt in the Welton goal.

At the other end, lively play from Aaron Seviour saw him find Pile in space, but his first-time shot was straight at the visitors’ keeper, Will Justin. As half-time approached, a good Welton attack involving Seviour, Kyle Norris and Pile saw the ball find its way to fullback Jaiden Savery, but his final effort was way off target.

The second half started in lively fashion from both teams, and it was the visitors who struck first in the 50th minute. A quality piece of play down the right flank by Jake Flower saw him square the ball into the mix, where it struck the trailing leg of Ashton substitute, Paul Uppington, and the ball flew into the Welton goal, despite Drewitt getting a hand to it.

Three minutes later, Welton were level, thanks to some excellent play down the Ashton right from Savery and Seviour, whose cross was met at the far post by Shakiel Green, rising above the defence to head home to equalise for Welton. This galvanised Welton, as they went all out for the all-important next goal, but despite their best efforts, the winner eluded them and the point gained kept Welton fifth in the Toolstation Division One table.

Welton entertain Cheddar at West Clewes next Saturday, 16th December, kick-off 3 p.m.

Bob Allard