This was the earliest start to a Western League Season ever and was Welton’s first ever competitive fixture to be played in the month of July.

Another bit of history was also achieved as

Welton recorded their first league win at Odd Down since 2006, with an all-round spirited team performance that sent the Green Army back down Dunkerton Hill much pleased with the team’s efforts.

The first effort of the game saw a toe punt from Welton’s Jake Slocombe fly wide of the target. Then, a corner on the right for Welton was met by Courtney Charles in space at the far end of the goal, but the chance went begging as the striker scooped his effort over the bar.

Welton were pressing and another corner from the right was met by Charles and this time, his firm header flew inches over the Odd Down bar.

New signing in midfield for Welton, James Batchelor, was controlling his patch and delivering quality balls for the frontmen. The hosts’ best effort was a long range shot from Luke Bryan that failed to trouble Matt Dunk in the Welton goal. Welton continued to press for the all important opening goal and a flowing attack saw the ball fall to Slocombe on the right and his low shot flew across the box only to strike the base of the far post and go out.

Welton were not to be denied and just before the half-time whistle, took a deserved lead into the break. Another sweeping Welton attack using both sides of the pitch saw the ball fall to Slocombe, this time on the left hand side of the goal, and he fired in a cracking shot into the far corner of the net giving Odd Down keeper, Reece Bannister, no chance.

Lewis Russell’s strike smashed against the Odd Down post, rebounded out to Slocombe whose first time shot was brilliantly saved by Bannister who managed to push the ball onto the other post and out. Odd Down were awarded a penalty shortly afterwards when Bryan, on a charge into the Welton area, was brought down by Archie Morris and referee Ouchene had no hesitation in awarding a spot kick. Bryan took the penalty himself, making no mistake with his effort to equalise for Odd Down.

However, at the other end, Odd Down had young keeper Bannister to thank after he pulled off another outstanding save to deny Charles. Odd Down were then reduced to ten men after former Radstock stalwart, Jack Metcalf, was sin binned for ten minutes for something he said to the referee. Welton were now pressing for the winner and a Chris Pile goal bound free-kick was denied by a fingertip save by Bannister and a dipping free-kick from Alex Wych grazed the top of the bar as it went over.

With six minutes remaining on the clock and one minute left of Metcalf’s sin bin, Welton got the all important second goal. Pile was found on the edge of the area, he turned and fired in a shot that took a couple of deflections to wrong foot Bannister and crept over the line to score the winner – much to the delight of the travelling Green Army.

On Saturday, Welton are on their travels Away to Bishops Lydiard, kick-off 3 pm.

Bob Allard