Even at this early stage of the season, this was an important game for both sides, as they have both found points difficult to come by – but it was the visitors who left West Clewes with three points in the bag.
The game got underway on a blustery afternoon and the first action of the game saw a mix-up in the Warminster defence, allowing the ball to fall to Chris Pile on the edge of the box and his first time shot curled past the far post.
The visitors’ response was good play down the right by Francis Allen and his final effort was saved by Owen Knight in the Welton goal. Minutes later, Knight was called into action to save a Warminster free kick low down by the post. As the half progressed, both sides struggled to put together decent passages of play. Welton’s Charlie Babb raced down the right and then towards goal, only to see his shot deflected onto the outside of the visitors’ post. Just before half-time Knight saved well to deny Sam Clift.
The second half began with both sides testing each other out and Welton were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area. Up stepped Will Hunter, who fired a gem of a kick which went inches wide of the post. The deadlock was finally broken on the 57th minute, with a quality goal from Warminster.
A great piece of play on the right by the lively Jack Miluk saw him torment the Welton defence, he then delivered a pin point pass that was met by Allen, who was on a charge, and his first time thunderbolt nearly broke the back of the Welton net.
Three minutes later a lapse in concentration allowed Allen to break through the Welton defence and he calmly slotted the ball past Knight to score his and Warminster’s second goal.
Although Welton gathered their thoughts, they rarely troubled the Warminster goal and the visitors got their just reward.
Bob Allard