WINCANTON TOWN 4 WELTON ROVERS 1

Welton’s recent run of victories, which took them to the top of the table, came to a stuttering end when they were well-beaten by a lively and determined Wincanton side.

The game got underway on a glorious, sunny afternoon at the Holbrook Stadium in temperatures more akin to the height of summer.

The hosts looked lively straight from kick-off, and Joe Garland did well to stop Luke Woodland on a charge. As has happened in so many recent games, Welton fell behind early on. In fact, this was in the sixth minute, when a ball from the left from Toby Cole saw a Welton player swing his leg to clear, but missed the ball altogether, which in turn distracted Welton keeper, Tom Drewitt, and the ball gently floated into the far corner of the net to give Wincanton an unexpected lead.

This time, Welton didn’t react as they have in previous matches, and they conceded another goal on eighteen minutes. A free-kick on the right flew across the Welton area and found Cole unmarked, who saw his header fly into the Welton goal off the far post. This setback at last seemed to trigger a Welton response – a good attacking run down the right by Alex Wych saw him reach the dead ball line and cross it into the mix, where Dave Cooper’s effort was cleared off the line.

Welton continued to press, and a corner from the right from Aaron Cockerill was met by Cooper, and again, his shot was cleared by the Wincanton defenders. Chris Pile then got in the action with an attacking run, only to fire his shot straight into the grateful arms of Wincanton keeper, Liam Norris.

Welton were made to make an enforced change at halftime, after Alec Wych had picked up a knock – he was replaced by his brother, Ben, who was making his debut for Welton. Welton took the game to the hosts and good work from Joe Battrick on the left found Pile free, but he could only manage to scoop his shot high over the Wincanton bar.

Welton were rewarded for their early second half pressure when Ben Wych was found in space to the right of the Wincanton goal, and he thumped his shot into the ground and watched it fly into the net to score on his Welton debut.

Welton were pressing for an equaliser as the hosts sat back, and Scott Newton saw his shot saved by the keeper, and another effort from Wych was blocked by the keeper’s legs. However, Wincanton weathered the Welton storm and decided to up their game. Welton had fullback, Ash Scott, to thank for a superb tackle to deny the lively Cole.

With five minutes to go, Wincanton got the vital third goal with an outstanding free–kick on the edge of the area from Dan Wist that flew into the top corner of the Welton net. The hosts got a fourth with virtually the last play of the game, when Cole was put through and calmly lobbed the ball over the advancing Drewitt to secure his hat-trick and round off a very good performance.

Despite the defeat, Welton remain top of the League and Manager, Clive Scott, must rally the troops in time for next week’s match. On Saturday, 27th October, Welton entertain Portishead Town at West Clewes; kick-off 3 p.m.

Bob Allard