Welton's 24 game unbeaten run in the Western League First Division came to a shuddering end when they were beaten by a single goal by their near neighbours, Radstock Town, in front of a tremendous crowd of 382 at West Clewes for the Coalfield Classico on Good Friday. The Miners' fine battling display avenged the Boxing Day result and will hot things up in the promotion race.
The game started on a heavy pitch after the overnight rain and Welton were the first to show, when good work from Ryan Allen saw him set up Dan Cottle on the edge of the area and his strike was blocked by the Radstock defence. Welton continued to press and Anthony Conradi ran down the right to find Ricky Scott in space and his goal-bound shot was saved by the trailing leg of Radstock keeper, Ashley Maw. Conradi then saw a header go wide of the target as Welton continued to dominate early on.
Radstock responded and a deep free kick was safely gathered by Andy King in the Welton goal. As he went to clear the ball, he was impeded by Lloyd Edgell, who was booked by the referee. As the half progressed, Welton continued to probe the Radstock back line and a header from Joe Garland went wide of the post. Maw was on hand again to deny Cottle with a good save and as Welton continued to press for the all-important opening goal, Conradi went close with a header. At the other end, Carl Stone was robbed by the lively Sam Gregory and he charged towards the Welton goal and launched a cracking shot only to be denied by a good save from King. Both sides continued to test each other, but in the end, the first half ended all square.
The second half began with a long-range effort from Gregory, easily gathered by King. Welton responded and efforts from Conradi, Ricky Scott and Cottle couldn't make the all-important breakthrough. Radstock then had to thank their keeper, Maw, for producing an outstanding double save to deny Conradi and then Tom Pawley as Welton continued to press. However, the game was suddenly going from end to end and a 30-yard free kick from former Welton player, Jack Metcalf, saw his effort saved by King diving to his right.Gregory was then found in space and he broke through the Welton back four and charged at the goal, only to be denied by King's foot which deflected the shot away from the net. The visitors stepped up a gear and a good effort from Metcalf hit the side stanchion of the goal. Welton responded in kind and a great attack found Conradi and his first time effort beat the keeper, only for Radstock Captain, Tom Stocks, to be on hand to clear the ball off the goal line. With five minutes remaining, the deadlock was broken as space was found on the right for Radstock and a quality cross was met by Sam Gregory, who rose above the Welton defence to head home, sending the travelling support into raptures.
Radstock's Man of the Match was given to Ashley Maw for his commanding performance and crucial saves. The Independent Man of the Match award, presented by Ian Nockolds, from the Somer Valley FM Sports Show, on behalf of Sainsbury's, was awarded to Lloyd Edgell. Radstock's Assistant Manager, Shane Smith, commented after the game: "The lads played really well against our local rivals, Welton, and in a massive derby, especially ending their 24 games unbeaten. The lads also wanted to put the Boxing Day defeat right, as we felt the result was a little harsh on us. Our form going into the game has improved massively in recent weeks and sets us up nicely for the final two games, along with next season."
Welton have since bounced back with a 2–0 win over Wells City, with rivals, Cribbs, losing at home to Wellington. This pushes Welton to second in the table in the promotion race. Their next match is against Cheddar this Saturday, 11th April. Radstock Town were home to Oldland Abbotonians on Easter Monday, losing 4–1. They face Keynsham Town on Saturday.