WELTON ROVERS RES 2 RADSTOCK TOWN RES 1

This was a cracking local derby played in front of a big crowd at West Clewes, and credit must go to both teams for producing end-to-end attacking football, but it was Welton who came away with the points that saw them move up to second in the League table.

It was another blustery afternoon at West Clewes, with both sides getting used to the conditions. Even after all the rain on Friday, the West Clewes pitch looked immaculate.

Welton had the first chance of the game – a corner on the left was met by Will Hunter, and his first-time shot flashed past the visitors’ near post. Radstock’s response was a swift move down the right, and the cross was met by Brad Whittock, but his first touch just sent the ball wide.

A quality Welton attack saw Ben Alexander and Joe Stoppard combining well; they split the visitors’ defence, only for the final effort to go wide. Welton continued to press and a bullet of a shot from the edge of the area from Stoppard had ‘goal’ written all over it until a late deflection sent the ball out for a corner.

The game was end-to-end and Whittock broke through the Welton defence, only to see his effort saved by Welton’s keeper, Luke Roberts’ trailing legs. Radstock were awarded a free-kick thirty yards out. Up stepped Jordan Townsley, and his thunderbolt of a shot rocked the Welton crossbar.

Another corner on the left for Welton was met by Seb Nix, and his power-driver of a header went inches-wide of the target. Welton continued to press for the opening goal, and Joe Battrick’s strike from 25 yards out thumped the Radstock bar. Just before half-time, Welton took the lead, a long-throw from Alexander found Andy Keen in front of goal; he turned and set up Battrick, who drilled his shot low into the Radstock net.

The second half began with both sides going all-out in attack, but it was Welton who struck in the 52nd minute. Further good play by Alexander, who was having an excellent game, saw him attack down the right, deliver the perfect ball to Captain, Aaron Fowler, and he sent a perfectly placed shot into the far corner of the Radstock net past Townsley to score Welton’s second.

Virtually from the restart, Radstock pulled a goal back, when hesitation and a mistake in the Radstock defence allowed Whittock to nip in and fire in a low shot past the Welton keeper. This setback didn’t appear to affect Welton, as Radstock keeper, Nath Townsley, had to be on top form to deny Ben Parsons.

Townsley then saved well again to deny substitute, Alfie Dix’s effort, and this time the ball fell to Keen, but he headed over. Welton continued with the pressure on the Radstock defence, and Fowler was denied by another great save from Townsley in the Radstock goal.

The visitors’ Jordan Townsley was through on goal, only to see his shot saved by Roberts. This was great stuff, as there was no let up in the effort from both sides. Just before the final whistle, Welton were reduced to ten men when Captain, Fowler, received a second yellow card from referee, Wesson, and was off.

This Saturday, 24th August, Welton entertain Oldland Abbotonians in Toolstation League One. Kick-off 3 p.m. at West Clewes.

Bob Allard