Wells City 0 Welton Rovers 1

Welton maintained their 100% start to the season with a hard-fought win over a Wells side that pushed the league leaders all the way and can count themselves unlucky that they didn’t come away from the game with at least a point.

Wells started the game in dominant fashion and for the first ten minutes, Welton struggled to get a look in as the hosts totally dominated proceedings.

A fine shot from Tom Hill flashed across the Welton goal and Charlie Cross tested Matt Dunk in the Welton goal with a volley.

If the Wells finishing had been a bit sharper, Welton would have been in trouble.

Welton were finally able to settle down and get into the game and former Wells player, James Batchelor, charged down a loose clearance only to see the ball fall into the grateful hands of Wells keeper, Alfie Kelsey. Hill then got back into the action for Wells, only to see his long-range shot fly wide of the goal.

Much against the run of play, Welton took the lead in the 25th minute. Good play down the left from Jayden Savery saw him deliver a deep cross that was met by Joe Garland, who was playing up front in place of the injured Courtney Charles, and Garland cut in front of his marker to head home from ten yards. James Bayliss then responded for Wells only to slice wide his final effort in front of goal.

Referee Mitchem had a busy half, booking two Welton and one Wells player as the game bubbled over on occasions.

Welton got off to a flying start to the second half, a long ball out to the right found Chris Pile on a charge, he raced into the area before launching a cracking shot that flew inches past the Wells far post.

The hosts responded and a long range shot from Adam Wright failed to trouble Dunk.

The game was going from end to end and a shot on the turn from Garland was gathered safely by the Wells keeper.

As the half progressed, Wells stepped up a gear and were going all out for the equaliser. Dunk was at his best with a tremendous save to deny Craig Herron and the rebound fell to Wright – his shot blocked by excellent defensive work from Jacob Watson.

Minutes later, Dunk saved Welton again with a great save low down to deny Bayliss and Dunk was at it again when Wright broke through the Welton defence. Dunk stood tall and was able to save Wright’s firm shot.

As the game went into added time, Welton very nearly got a second, a deep cross fell to Jake Slocombe in front of goal and his first time shot was brilliantly saved by Kelsey in the Wells goal.

The Green Army went back over the Mendips knowing that Welton can count themselves fortunate to return to West Clewes with the three points, but it’s the result that counts and that’s Welton with six straight wins, eighteen points and top of the table.

Bob Allard