WELTON ROVERS 1 ELBURTON 0

Welton reached the first proper round of the FA Vase with a single goal victory over their visitors from Plymouth.

Welton were clearly dominate throughout the game but they were brought down to their opponents level far to often in a match that was punctuated by many stoppages and petty fouls.

A strong blustery wind was blowing down the pitch that greeted both sets of players and a large crowd was in attendance at West Clewes to cheer on Welton.

Early pressure saw Welton win a free kick twenty five yards out, but Lewis Russell’s effort flew straight into the visitors wall. Then Elburton had to thank centre half, Jon Winters for an outstanding, brave diving headed clearance to deny Welton a free sight on goal.

It was all Welton and the visitors were certainly on the back foot, a corner from the right was met by Sam Stoppard but his first time volley flew over the Elburton bar.

Welton were rewarded for their pressure when they took the lead on the quarter of an hour.

A deep free kick from Alex Wych was chested down by Courtney Charles and he fed the ball to Russell who drilled his first time effort past the Elburton keeper and into the net, much to the delight of the Green Army.

Welton didn’t let up on the visitors and a corner from the left was met by Jacob Watson, who was making his home debut, but his header went inches wide of the target. Winters was then booked following a crude tackle on David Regula and minutes later, the visitor, Jordan Rundle was booked following another heavy tackle as the visitors appeared to be losing their cool.

The visitors first real effort of the half fell to Sam Stevens but he miss hit his shot totally which just about summed up the disappointing first half display from Elburton.

The second half started at a great pace from Welton with Charles and Leon Clayton Clarke tormenting the visitors defence. A shot on the turn from Chris Maskell was deflected for a corner, the first for the visitors.

Yet another free-kick for Welton saw Stoppards pin point delivery met by Watson, but his shot on target was cleared off the line to deny Welton the all important second goal and settle the nerves. Elburton’s keeper, Jack Dixon then did well as he saved Russell’s goal bound shot with his trailing legs. Good play down the left saw Regula beat off two challenges, race towards the goal line and onto goal only to shoot into the side netting.

Welton keeper, Matt Dunk saved well to deny Morgan as the visitors realised they were still in with a shout being only one goal down.

However, at the end of the day, Welton archived their aim of going through to the next round and to see who they get in Mondays draw.

It’s back to league action next Saturday, 17th October for Welton when they make the short trip over the Mendips to Cheddar, kick off 3 p.m. Bob Allard