WELTON Rovers were unable to follow up their impressive win at Calne the previous weekend, falling 3–2 at home to a resilient Avonmouth side in a tightly contested encounter in the first division of the Jewson Western League at West Clewes.

The hosts made a blistering start, taking the lead in the third minute through Will Ford’s low 25-yard strike that beat Kyreese Johnson in goal.

Avonmouth responded with sustained attacking pressure, narrowly missing through Alfie Taylor, Charlie Aldo, and Saul Lewis. Their persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Reece Purnell headed home an equaliser, looping the ball over Massimo Sardo.

Welton regained the lead nine minutes later. Lewis Russell’s pinpoint cross was met by Courtney Charles, who finished with a powerful first-time effort. Just before the break, Sardo produced a superb full-stretch save to keep Welton ahead.

The second half saw Welton continue positively, with Chris Pile and Charles probing the Avonmouth defence. However, their high defensive line left them vulnerable, and Sardo was again called upon to make a stunning one-handed save.

Avonmouth equalised on the hour mark through a scrappy goal, as Mark Williams poked home following a chaotic scramble in the box. The visitors pressed for a winner and found it ten minutes from time. A headed clearance fell to substitute Cody Winkler, who beat his marker and drilled a low shot past Sardo to seal the comeback victory.

Welton, who have still won only one game this season and remain one off the bottom, return to action on Saturday 25 October, hosting Sturminster Newton in what will be the first match under new manager Wayne Thorne. The club will be hoping for a strong response as they look to regain momentum in the league.

Bob Allard