WELTON Rovers were unfortunate to lose 2-1 away to Odd Down in a local derby in the first division of the Jewson Western League in mid-week, writes Bob Allard.
The hosts, now managed by former Welton boss Tom Smith, began strongly, forcing a series of early corners and testing Welton keeper Jude Brown, who blocked well from Nick Fowler before producing an outstanding save to deny Ryan Gay.
Welton grew into the game, with Reuben Richards driving down the right and sending a cross‑shot narrowly wide as Will Pope scrambled. Moments later, Kieran Smith weaved through the Odd Down defence on a superb run, only for his goal‑bound effort to be kept out by Pope’s trailing foot.
Welton’s pressure was rewarded on 32 minutes. Debutant Nick Taylor struck brilliantly on the turn from 20 yards, his shot arrowing into the far corner to give the visitors a deserved half‑time lead.
Odd Down emerged revitalised after the break. A strong penalty appeal was waved away early on, but they levelled in the 50th minute when Jake Slocombe drilled a low free‑kick from the edge of the area. Brown appeared to block the initial effort, but the ball spilled loose and Gay reacted quickest to tap home.
Further pressure brought a second soon after. Brown saved well but couldn’t hold the ball, allowing Fowler to poke in from close range.
Welton then suffered a setback when influential defender Saracen Yates picked up a knock and was eventually forced off. Despite this, Welton showed admirable resilience. Williamson went inches wide with a curling effort, and excellent work from Oliver Tucker down the right produced a pinpoint cross that Williamson volleyed goalwards, only for Pope to tip over superbly.
Although the points stayed with Odd Down, Welton’s determination, spirit, and refusal to fold offered genuine encouragement for the matches ahead.