For the second game in a row, Welton lost by a single goal and can count themselves very unlucky not to return to West Clewes with at least a point after dominating the game for long periods with positive, attacking play.
There was a lively start from Welton with Lewis Dunn and Dan Cottle causing problems for Cadbury Heath’s defence. However, with five minutes on the clock, a Cadbury Heath corner on the left found George Boon, who chipped the ball into the six-yard area where Matt Henley was on hand to head home from close range.
Welton suffered another setback on 22 minutes, when defender, Jamie Gregory injured his knee in a collision and had to be replaced by Charlie Cook. Welton continued to probe the Cadbury defence and good play by Steve Bridges and Cottle saw chances being created, but no-one was on hand to finish off. Bridges then broke through, one-on-one with the Heath’s keeper, Tom Dewitt. Bridges slid the ball to the side of the keeper, goal bound, but at the last moment, it went an inch wide of the post. Just before half-time, Jamie Morgan saw his snapshot fly past the Welton upright.
The second half began with Chris Pile replacing the ill Cottle and straight from the off it was all Welton as they piled the pressure on the home side. A glancing header from Dunn went just wide of the target and Ben Horan and Charlie Maddison all went close with efforts, but Welton could not create that one chance needed to score.
Welton had 80% of play in the second half as attack after attack was launched at the home side, but the all-important equaliser would not come. With time running out, the Heath were reduced to playing keep ball by the corner post.
Despite the totally committed team performance from Welton, they find themselves still deep in the relegation mire with games running out to escape the drop.
Bob Allard