Welton Rovers 3 Bristol Telephones 0

Welton were looking comfortable for another three points at West Clewes when the game was abandoned just after half-time following an injury to a Telephones’ player.

There was a strong wind blowing down the pitch at West Clewes favouring the visitors at the start of the game. A long range effort from Ed Searle flew high over the Welton bar as the visitors pressed early on. Welton keeper, Jakob Glover, was on top form when he produced a diving fingertip save to deny Brian Skidmore.

Welton weathered the bright start from the Phones and started moving forward. A corner from Chris Pile fell to Will Hunter and his firm header had goal written all over it until an outstretched Phones foot cleared the ball off the goal line to deny Welton the lead.

However, Welton were not to be denied with the opening goal coming in the 25th minute. A corner from the right landed in the area and the ball ping ponged around as the visitors desperately tried to clear, but the ball fell to Hunter on the left and he made no mistake as he drilled the ball into the net. The Phones responded with a long-range dipping shot from Liam Atwell that grazed the top of the Welton bar. Cameron Allen and Toby Cole then combined well to set up Lewis Hunt but his effort flew over the Phones bar.

Welton made it two in the 40th minute, a deep free-kick from out on the left flank was met by Hunter, who rose above the defence to head home from close range to score his second and Welton’s second goal of the game. As half time approached, Welton got number three when a cross from the right swept across the box and was met by Hunt, who was on hand to fire in. Welton nearly got a fourth when a dipping shot from distance from Allen was only inches away from the target.

The second half was only a couple of minutes old when Phones player, Jack Jones, suffered an ankle injury in front of the dug outs. He received treatment and an ambulance was called. After spending 45 minutes on the pitch he was carried off and referee Hooper was left with no alternative but to abandon the game.

This Saturday, 19th February Welton entertain second placed Warminster Town at West Clewes, kick off 3pm, should be a cracker of a game. Bob Allard