AT LONG last, Welton Rovers achieved their first win of the season in Division One of the Jewson Western League with a 2-1 home success over title-chasing Avonmouth, writes Bob Allard.
Welton took the game to the visitors straight from the kick off. A great run from Nick Taylor saw his cross met by Kieran Smith and his first time shot was deflected for a corner.
However, in the 7th minute, Welton took the lead when Avonmouth decided to play out from the back but keeper Kyreece Johnsons’s clearance went straight to Taylor who controlled the ball and guided it into an empty net.
Welton continued to press the visitors who were on the back foot; a curling shot from Taylor went wide of the top corner and another flowing Welton attack saw the ball fall to Smith and his effort was deflected out by some last ditch defending.
Avonmouth rarely threatened the Welton defence and just before half-time a 20 yard cracker from Taylor was well saved by Johnson.
Avonmouth came out for the second-half all guns blazing and a long shot from Charlie Aldom flew past the Welton upright.
Welton then suffered a setback when captain Reuben Hobbs picked up a knock and was replaced by Brian Molding.
Welton got the vital second goal in the 56th minute when the lively Smith was brought down in the area following a mazy run. Referee Fondie had no hesitation in awarding the penalty. Up stepped Taylor who fired his spot kick straight down the middle.
The visitors responded and a header from Cody Winkler flew over the Welton bar. In the 75th minute Avonmouth pulled one back when substitute Mihali Papantoniou fired in from 20 yards out.
Welton’s defence held firm and in added time Welton keeper Jude Brown produced an absolutely stunning save to deny the visitors an equaliser.