Welton gained a valuable point against Bridport with a last gasp equaliser which they deserved in a tight match at West Clewes.

The game got underway in glorious autumnal sunshine and Welton captain Chris Peck looked lively early on and his first time drive from the edge of the area narrowly missed the target. This was followed up by good play on the right from Dan Cottle and Omar Simpson combining well and causing the visitors defence problems. Welton keeper, Ryan Perry, was then called into action when he saved low down to save a stinging shot from Matt Condliffe.

There was a delay when Bridport’s Jamie Symes received treatment for a head injury. Perry had to be alert again when he blocked Darren Watts’ snap shot as the visitors started pressing the Welton defence. A free kick from twenty yards out by Tom Smith was easily gathered by Bridport keeper, Ashley Weeks. This was followed by a pacey run down the right flank by Jack Welling and his cross was met by Anthony Conradi, whose header flashed past the near post. At the other end, Welton conceded a needless corner and from the delivery, Symes’ brave diving header saw the ball strike the Welton far post and fly into the net to give Bridport a half-time lead.

Welton started the second half going all out for the equaliser and a deep cross from the left was met by Lewis Dunn and his bullet header crashed against the Bridport bar and rebounded out and fell to Simpson, but he shot wide of the goal. The visitors responded and pounced on a loose ball, which was delivered into the box where Warren Byerly should have done better with the goal at his mercy. Welton substitute, Ritchie Chandler, was brought down on the edge of the area and Cottle’s curling free kick was only inches away.

It looked like being one of those days at the office for Welton, but as the game moved into added time, a quality piece of play from Cottle saw the youngster twist and turn before delivering a pinpoint pass for Martin Johnson, who fired in from close range to equalise and send the Green Army into raptures.

Bob Allard