WELTON Rovers suffered another narrow defeat, this time 2-1 at home to Mendip Broadwalk in the first division of the Jewson Western Football League - but their performance was full of promise and determination.

On a bright afternoon at West Clewes, the visitors struck inside 40 seconds—Mason Daggar’s pass found Jacob O’Donnell, who finished clinically past Matt Dunk.

Welton regrouped and equalised in the 18th minute. Sam Hodges delivered a corner from the left, Courtney Charles headed goalwards, and Caelen Simpson nodded home from close range.

Welton pressed for a second, with Toby Cole’s fierce drive denied by the trailing leg of Mendip keeper Ben Britton. Charles then went close with a chipped effort, and Dunk saved well from a Leonard free kick before the break

.The second half saw Welton dominate, with Charles firing wide and Cole striking the post amid two goal-line clearances. Despite the pressure, Mendip regained the lead in the 55th minute. A corner was only partially cleared, and captain Jordan Hughes’ scuffed shot found its way through a crowded box, leaving Dunk unsighted.

Welton responded with urgency. Chris Pile’s shot went close, and substitute Liam Evans nearly made an instant impact with a dipping effort that skimmed over the bar.

Mendip remained dangerous on the counter, and Dunk produced a fine save to deny Taylor Doyle. In the closing moments, Leonard rattled the Welton post with a thunderous strike.

Despite the result, Welton can take pride in a performance full of attacking intent and resilience. With continued commitment and a touch more fortune, the results their play deserves will surely follow.

Elsewhere, Devizes Town maintained their unbeaten record at the top of the division with a 2-0 away win over Hengrove Athletic who are bottom and have yet to win a game.

Bob Allard