Welton’s task of surviving relegation from the Toolstation Western League Premier Division now seems somewhat insurmountable after falling to a 2–0 defeat away at possible champions, Barnstaple Town, last Saturday afternoon, while their basement rivals, Clevedon Town, earned a good point away at Gillingham Town.
It was a proud performance from Welton, who at no point were phased or overawed by their Devonshire opponents and can look to a moment of comedic refereeing as the game’s unfortunate turning point.
Ten minutes into the second half, with Welton comfortably holding their own, referee, Phillip Eddie, waved Barum player, Jed Harper-Penman, back onto the pitch having received treatment for an injury. Unfortunately, the referee did so before Harper-Penman or even the Barnstaple Town physio had left the pitch, confusing the Welton backline and leaving Scriven caught in possession as Harper-Penman robbed him of the ball. His pass slipped Turner free into the box to be brought down by Beaverstock for the penalty.
Heaney’s tame spot-kick was saved well by Westlake in the Welton goal and he nearly kept out the rebound, but Heaney’s follow-up header cruelly nestled just inside the post to give the hosts the lead. Shortly before, with the game at 0–0, Welton had come closest to breaking the deadlock with Charlie Maddison’s improvised looping volley dropping inches wide of Steve Oliver’s right-hand post.
The game was put beyond doubt thirteen minutes from time when Barnstaple broke the length of the pitch following a good period of Welton pressure, Liam Francis gliding inside from the left flank and confidently slotting his shot beyond Westlake.
The picture is far less rosy for Welton, who, following a 1–0 defeat to Clevedon Town in the last mid-week relegation six pointer, are now eight points adrift at the bottom of the table, meaning they will need to take maximum points from their remaining three fixtures against Odd Down, Gillingham Town and Hallen to stand a chance of survival.
Although Welton’s recent defensive form has been greatly improved, it’s unfortunately arrived at a time when the goals have entirely dried up and supporters have now seen 665 minutes of football without a goal to cheer.
Welton Rovers’ final two home games are this Saturday versus Odd Down (3 p.m. kick-off) followed by Gillingham Town on Tuesday, 3rd May (7.30 p.m. kick-off). The club’s end of season presentation will be held at West Clewes on Friday, 27th May at 7 p.m.