This was the first-ever meeting between the two clubs, where First Division newcomers, Bristol Telephones, were hoping to extend their 100% start to the season, and Welton were aiming to stretch their unbeaten start to five games.

Welton had two new signings in their line-up, both strikers – Alex Chapman, who started, and Francois Allen, who was on the bench.

The game got underway in blustery conditions at West Clewes, and Welton had the wind advantage in the first half. Malick Jammeh was quickly in the action; he was unceremoniously hacked down, as the ‘Phones showed their early intent. Tom Smith’s free kick was taken by the wind and flew high and wide over the ‘Phones’ bar.

Welton were producing some good football, going forward, playing the ball on the floor and causing the ‘Phones’ defence to be on the back foot. Chris Pile then launched an individual charge at the ‘Phones’ defence, and he was only halted by a last-ditch tackle. Ben Griffiths was the first ‘Phones player in the book on an afternoon which saw referee, Jones, end up booking nine players from both sides. Welton fullback, Aaron Cockerill then got into the action with a darting run into the box, only to see his final effort go wide. Chapman then headed over as he met a corner from the left.

On the half hour, there was a good shout for a Welton penalty, when Jammeh was tripped right on the corner of the box by ‘Phones’ keeper, Will Osborne. Referee Jones decided the offence was inches outside of the box and booked the keeper. However, ten minutes later, there was no such doubt when Joe Batterick was bundled over in the area and this time a penalty was awarded. Up stepped new boy, Chapman, who fired his spot kick firmly into the ‘Phones’ net to score on his debut.

Right from the restart, the ‘Phones attacked Welton, and a ‘Phones’ player went down amongst a melee of the players in the Welton box. The referee had no hesitation in awarding another penalty, and central defender, Mike Grist, made no mistake.

The second half saw the wind behind the ‘Phones, but it was Welton who pressured early on, with Jammeh going close. Welton were playing neat attacking football, but they couldn’t find that cutting-edge finish to secure the second goal. The visitors took the lead on the 65th minute, when they were awarded a free kick deep out on the left.

Lee Pitman’s free kick was carried with pace into the Welton area, where it was bravely met by Leon Brittain, and his diving header saw the ball fly into the Welton net.

This was a setback for Welton, and Manager, Clive Scott, rang the changes. Allen was brought on to make his debut and strengthen the attack, but the all-important goal wouldn’t come. With the visitors playing keep-ball, Welton and the Green Army were becoming more and more frustrated. In the end, the ‘Phones maintained their excellent start to the season and remain top of the league.

Bob Allard