Welton Rovers 1 Brislington 2: In a thoroughly entertaining midweek game at West Clewes, Welton’s interest in this seasons Premier Cup ended when they were narrowly beaten by the visitors who converted a penalty in each half to progress to the next round.

The game couldn’t have got off to a better start for Welton when after only four minutes they took the lead. Youngster Ben Gundle was found on a charge through the visitors defence, he controlled the ball and as Brislington keeper George Dorrington raced out to close him down the youngster calmly lobbed the keeper and watched the ball thump into the visitors net much to the delight of the large numbers of Welton fans in the ground. Weltons lead lasted only five minutes, striker Dean Griffiths raced into the Welton penalty area, out came Welton keeper Frankie Phillips who made the slightest contact with the experienced Griffiths who went down and referee Knowles pointed straight to the penalty spot. Upstepped Jordan Ricketts who fired home from the spot to equalise for Brislington.

Welton responded and a long range effort from Gundle went wide of the target. Welton were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, Welton captain Lewis Russell curled his effort round the wall and Dorrington pulled off a good save to turn the ball away for a corner. From the subsequent corner the ball fell to Harry Houghton who fired in a cracking effort from 20 yards out that thumped against the visitors bar. Welton then saw fullback Danny Carpenter pick up a knock and had to be replaced by Warren Forrester.

The game was going from end to end and the visitors captain Asa White was found in space at the far post but he skewed his shot past the Welton post. Just before halftime Forrester broke free and fired his his shot only to see the ball deflected away by the trailing leg of the keeper to keep the score all square at the break.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first with both sides going all out for the all important second goal. A long range effort from Russell flew over the Brislington bar and a terrific volley from Forrester was inches off target as Welton pressed and a shot on target from fullback Celeb Summerfield was well saved low down by Dorrington.

In the 70th minute Ricketts was found in the Welton box on the right and as he turned he was brought down and referee Knowles awarded the second penalty of the game for Brislington. The experienced Rickett’s took the spot kick himself and made no mistake to score his and his teams second goal of the game.

Welton didn’t give up and still went all out for the equaliser and a drive and shot from Gundle saw his effort crash into the side netting.

In the end Welton couldn’t find the equaliser but the Green Army were well impressed with the effort and work rate of the young Welton team.

Welton entertain St Blazey from Cornwall at West Clewes on Saturday, 14th October kick off 3pm.

Bob Allard