AFTER their midweek Les Phillips Cup victory over Wells City, Welton Rovers returned to action in the first division of the Jewson Western League with a short trip to East Bristol to face AEK Boco where they lost 2-0.

The match began under a torrential downpour, making conditions difficult for both sides. Welton started brightly. Charlie Madison created space on the edge of the area and fired narrowly wide. Courtney Charles had the ball in the net soon after, but the ‘goal’ was disallowed for offside.

Boco responded with a dipping strike from Ibrahima Diallo that flew just over the bar. Madison continued to threaten, breaking through the defence and forcing a fine one-handed save from Nicholas Croucher.

The breakthrough came five minutes before the interval when Will Hailston produced a composed finish, lifting the ball over Matt Dunk to give the hosts the lead.

Boco pressed early in the second half, but Welton held firm. Alex Kieh impressed with a long-range effort that went just wide, while substitute Will Butler delivered a dangerous cross that Charles met with a glancing header, narrowly missing the far post.

Dunk then produced a superb save to deny Diallo. The match remained open, with both sides creating chances. A Boco corner led to a prolonged scramble in the six-yard box before Welton eventually cleared.

In the 80th minute, the referee awarded Boco a penalty following a seemingly innocuous challenge. Despite no appeals from the hosts, Jordan Ricketts stepped up and converted from the spot to secure the win.

Welton will look to bounce back next Saturday, 8th November, when they host Mendip Broadwalk at West Clewes. Kick-off is at 3pm. Broadwalk are lying eighth in the first divsion, having lost only three of their games this season, while Rovers remain second from bottom.

Bob Allard