Welton moved up to fourth in the Toolstation Division One table with a determined performance against Sherborne, and credit must go to both teams for producing a good game of football played on a glue-pot of a pitch.

The pitch passed a very late inspection by referee, Tobin and playing conditions were always going to be difficult for both sets of players.

Welton started brightly, and a free-kick from Callum Elms was met by Joe Garland, but his header sailed straight into the grateful arms of Sherborne keeper, Josh Lucas.

At the other end, fullback, Aaron Cockerill, was on hand with a last ditch tackle to deny Marc Caines. Welton were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the visitors’ area. Up stepped Elms, and his quality shot had goal written all over it, until Lucas produced an outstanding save to deny Welton an opening goal.

Welton continued to press, and good play by Steve Bridges on the left saw him find Joe Battrick in space, but his effort went inches-wide of the target. Tom Drewitt, in the Welton goal, then produced a fine save to deny Lewis Morgan.

Welton took the lead on the half-hour, when positive midfield play from Chris Pile saw him find Elms on the right and from 25 yards out, Elms launched a brilliant curling shot that flew into the top corner of the Sherborne net, giving keeper, Lucas, no chance.

Minutes later, Welton got a second when a corner from the left by Pile was met by Welton Captain, Joe Garland, who headed home from just outside the six-yard box.

The second half began with conditions worsening and the playing surface really cutting up. However, Welton continued to press the visitors, and were rewarded with a third goal on 55 minutes. The ball fell to Dylan Hatt – who was having a very good game for Welton – who was out on the left flank and launched an absolute gem of a cross that found Pile, who raced goalwards and calmly slotted the ball into the Sherborne net.

Further Welton pressure saw Lucas called into action to deny efforts from Pile and Jackson Hamilton. Both sides rang the changes, bringing on all their permitted substitutes, as players were picking up knocks and the state of the pitch was taking its toll.

The visitors’ best effort of the game saw a cracking shot from substitute, Issac Atherley, rock the Welton crossbar.

Just before the full-time whistle, both sides were reduced to ten men: Sherborne’s Dan Newens was stretchered off following a coming-together with Hamilton, and Welton lost the services of Jaiden Savery with a calf injury.

Special mention must be made about referee, Tobin and his two assistants, who all had excellent games and allowed the match to flow in challenging circumstances.

Welton entertain Chard Town on Saturday, 10th February at West Clewes – kick-off at 3 p.m.

Bob Allard