WELTON Rovers recorded their first victory of the season and progressed to the next round of the FA Vase with a morale boosting 1-0 win over Hellenic League visitors Chipping Sodbury Town, writes Bob Allard.

Both sides initially struggled to adapt to the firm, uneven surface, resulting in a scrappy opening phase. The visitors created the first meaningful chance when their striker Kyle Head broke through only to see his effort blocked. The loose ball fell to Harvey Baker, but his shot was comfortably gathered by Sam Thomson.

Chipping Sodbury threatened again shortly afterwards, George Box lifting a close‑range effort over the advancing Thomson, but it dropped onto the roof of the net. That moment stirred Welton into action. A sharp turn and strike from Ben Wych went close, followed by two efforts from Dwayne Plummer—first a looping attempt wide, then a neat turn which saw his low shot flash narrowly wide.

Welton were now firmly on top, and only a goal‑line header from Sam Keet prevented a powerful drive from Wych finding the net. Will Ford then dispossessed his marker and drove towards goal, but a last‑ditch tackle halted him at the crucial moment.

Despite Welton’s growing dominance, the match remained goalless at the interval. The second half began with a Sodbury break down the right and a shot fired over the bar from Head but Welton responded decisively. A well‑constructed move released Billy Ransome on the right, whose precise pass found stalwart Chris Pile in space. He struck a superb effort beyond the visiting goalkeeper, sending the Green Army into full voice. Chipping Sodbury pushed for an equaliser, but Thomson remained largely untroubled, with a header over the bar their closest attempt. As the heat took its toll, both managers made changes, yet Welton continued to manage the game with composure and discipline.