It was the Miners of Radstock who secured the local bragging rights in The Coalfield Classico when Radstock comfortably beat Welton to secure their first Boxing Day win over Welton at West Clewes since 1936. An 80 year wait is over.

The game got underway in front of a bumper crowd of over 250 and it took Radstock only two minutes to take the lead. Sam Gregory was found in space 20 yards away from goal and he fired in a cracking shot that flew into the Welton net giving Welton keeper, Owen Knight, no chance.

Welton’s response was a scuffed shot from Aaron Seviour that went wide of the Radstock post. Good play from Malick Jemmeh saw his effort gathered at the second attempt by Radstock keeper, Dan Nolan, as Welton pressed for the equaliser. Knight then saved well to deny Gregory a second goal, minutes later a stunning volley from Gregory flew into the Welton net, but, fortunately for the Green Army, it was ruled out for offside.

Shakel Green was found on the edge of the Radstock box and he placed his shot low into the far corner, but Nolan was up to the mark and saved well. Ten minutes from halftime, Welton were reduced to ten men when Welton captain, Tom Smith, was shown a straight red card by referee, Frances, following a coming together with Radstock central defender, Sean Keet.

The second half began with the strengthening wing blowing down the pitch in favour of the visitors. Welton were finding it difficult to launch attacks as the visitors pressed for more goals. Welton had veteran defender, Nick Beaverstock, to thank when he stopped a certain goal with a goal line clearance to deny Jack Witcombe. However, Radstock were not to be denied and got their second when good play down the left by Jake Wyatt saw him find Gregory free in front of goal and he drilled his shot into the net to score his second of the game. Welton were shell shocked and a minute late,r the visitors got a third when the ball fell to Simon Millard and he finished off from close range.

Welton were all over the place and ten minutes later, Radstock got number four when the Welton defence was breached again and Ian Jeffery drove his effort into the Welton net. Just before the final whistle, a free kick from out on the left could only be parried away by Knight and Radstock substitute, Tony Pow, was first to react and fired in to make it number 5. As the final whistle sounded, there were great scenes from the travelling Radstock support whilst the Green Army stood there stunned and shocked.

Bob Allard