Welton gained a valuable point at Portishead with a gritty team performance, especially in the second half, which saw them regain their team spirit.

The game got underway on a heavy pitch and both sides took a while to get used to the conditions. Mike Thorpe and Chris Pile looked lively early on, with penetrating runs down the flanks for Welton. Portishead were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Welton box, but young Welton keeper, Charlie Phillips, safely gathered Ollie Trevarthen’s curving shot.

Minutes later, Phillips produced a quality diving save to deny Kieran Marsden as the home side pressed the Welton defence. Welton managed to launch an attack led by Shakel Green and his trickery caused problems for the Portishead defence. Just before the half-time whistle, a shot from Trevarthen curled inches past the Welton far post. In truth, this wasn’t a first half that will last long in the memory.

Welton started the second half in determined fashion and pressed their hosts early on. A great counter-attack led by Chris Pile saw him set up Aaron Seviour, who was put through one-on-one, but Portishead keeper, Dan Worton, was up to the job as he blocked the striker and gained possession of the ball.

Welton continued to press for the vital opening goal and good play by Thorpe down the left saw him set up Will Hunter, whose goal-bound volley was deflected away from the net by the trailing foot of a Portishead defender, who knew nothing about it. Welton were going all out and had a succession of corners, but the vital breakthrough wouldn’t come. Rovers were then reduced to ten men when Referee, Barrow, showed Pile a straight red card following a heavy tackle.

The ten men of Welton more than held their own and full back, Aaron Cockerill, was having a very good game for Welton. In the end, the deadlock couldn’t be broken and the points were shared.

Bob Allard