Welton Rovers 1 Portishead Town 0

Welton had to make a large number of changes to the team that beat Warminster Town 2-1 in the midweek game due to injuries, suspensions and non availability.

However, the team that turned up on Saturday did the Green Army proud, securing Welton’s twelfth unbeaten league game and maintaining an incredible clean sheet at West Clewes since the start of the season.

The game saw young keeper, Jakob Glover making his home debut for Welton who also welcomed back stalwart Will Hunter to the back four.

Welton started off taking the game to the visitors with Jake Bird leading the attack and his drilled ball into the mix caused panic for Portishead before it was cleared for a corner. This was followed by a top draw pass from fullback, Alex Wych that found Chris Pile on a charge, his control was spot on and he unleashed a shot that was saved by Portishead keeper, George Shanks-Boon. The visitors responded and in a breakaway charge, Lewis Wheatcroft was found at the far post but he headed wide. Welton continued to press and Bird found Joe Garland, who was playing up front, in space, and his sharp effort was eventually cleared under pressure by the visitors defence. Welton then suffered an early setback when midfielder, Jed Parfitt pulled up after suffering an earlier knock and was replaced by Kyle Box.

Glover was called into action when he produced an excellent save to deny Wheatcroft from close range. The game was going from end to end and the ball fell to Garland who saw the keeper off his line but his effort flew off target. Just before the halftime whistle a cheeky back heal from Sam Minton saw his effort go inches wide of the Welton far post.

Welton pressed early from the restart and Box’s 20 yard shot flew over the Portishead bar. The game saw Welton pressing for the all important opening goal and the visitors were on the back foot unable to break out and trouble the Welton defence. The Green Army were rewarded in the 60th minute when a cross from the right flew into the area, the ball was hacked away and fell to Hunter 25 yards out from goal and his terrific curving shot saw the ball fly goalwards.

Portishead keeper, Shanks-Boon managed to get his palms to the ball but was unable to stop it flying into the far corner of the net to give Welton a deserved lead. Welton didn’t rest on their laurels and a close range effort from

Welton were looking comfortable but as the game went into added time, a cross from the left for Portishead was met by Rob Latham in front of an open goal but his firm header flashed past the Welton post much to the relief of the Green Army.

This was an exceptional performance from Welton considering the enforced changes and credit goes to the players efforts which leaves Welton 9 points clear of the nearest rivals at the top of the table.

Bob Allard