WELTON ROVERS 1 BISHOPS LYDEARD 0

Welton secured their first home win of the season with a much-improved performance over recent games, throughly deserving their three points. Welton’s newly-signed forward, Tosin Oyebola, made his debut for the club.

Welton started off lively, and a positive run by Chris Pile saw him find Rene Adigbu in the area and his first time effort to strike a defenders arm, but despite a massive shout for a penalty, referee Lewis was having none of it.

The visitors’ response was neat play by Ben Hepditch, whose quality cross was met by Sam Mockridge who headed over. Welton keeper, Tom Drewitt, was on-hand to deny Ryan Brereton. The visitors were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out, and Ben Everts’ stunning strike was brilliantly turned around for a corner by Drewitt.

Welton continued to probe the Bishops’ defence, and just before the half-time whistle were rewarded with the opening goal. Young Harry Barter beat the offside trap down the right and crossed, finding Adigbu in space in front of goal as he neatly turned and drilled his shot into the net. Welton nearly got a second straight after, when Oyebola’s stunning shot was well-saved by veteran keeper, Nathan Whatley, in the visitors’ goal.

The second half began with Welton using the flanks to probe the Bishops’ defence, and a free-kick from Barter smacked into the defensive wall. The combination of Barter and Adigbu was causing the visitors defence all sorts of problems, and a last-ditch clearance denied Adigbu a clear shot on goal. Drewitt then saved well at his near post to deny Hebditch.

The game was becoming very disjointed due to injuries, cramp and substitutions, but Welton were more than holding their own, with Captain, Tom Smith and Joe Garland, in commanding form.

As the final whistle approached, Welton nearly got their deserved second goal when a thunderbolt of a strike from Liam Evans saw Whatley pull off an absolute gem of a save low down to deny Welton. Even with twelve minutes of time added on by the referee at the end, Welton more than held their own to secure the three points.

This Saturday, 14th September, the First Team are without a game, but Welton Reserves entertain Glastonbury at West Clewes; kick-off 3 p.m.

Bob Allard