Welton Rovers 0
Bridgwater United 2
Welton Rovers played their first match under newly appointed manager Ben Carter on Saturday, March 9, which saw them entertain high-flying Bridgwater United at West Clewes. Despite the result, the young Welton team, who have an average age of 20, gave an impressive and determined account of themselves much to the delight of the Green Army and supporters alike. The first action of the game saw Welton keeper Alfie Hamblin block Jay Murray’s crisp shot and a 15-yard volley from Josh Phillips flashed past Weltons’ far post as the visited pressed early on.
Welton responded and good work from Logan Cassidy saw him pick up a loose ball in the visitors’ half, race down the right and deliver a great low cross that beat the keeper but Welton could not convert the golden opportunity to open the scoring. Further pressure from Welton saw a corner from the right from Max Dyer met by Cassidy and his looping header appeared to be dropping in the net until Bridgwater keeper Luke Purnell got a hand to it and pushed it out from under the bar.
At the other end, Hamblin produced a great diving save to deny Fin Koppa. The deadlock was broken just before halftime when the visitors were awarded a free kick in the centre, just outside the penalty area. Upstepped Ben Griffith who launched a worldly shot that flew over the wall and into the top corner of the net giving Hamblin no chance. The second half began with Welton going all out for the equaliser and a curling shot from Caleb Summerfield whizzed past the far post. Despite Weltons best efforts they just couldn’t find the net and they had Hamblin to thank to deny the visitors a second when he blocked a close-range effort with his trailing leg.
Bridgwater stepped up a gear as they realised one goal might not be enough and their second goal came in bizarre fashion. A weak effort from Jack Taylor towards goal seemed to be covered by Hamblin but just as he reached to grab the ball it hit a bobble in the pitch and went over his gloves and into the Welton net to secure the points for the visitors.