Welton Rovers' late comeback wasn't enough to deny Odd Down a win at West Clewes in the First Round of this season's Somerset Premier Cup, played on Tuesday, October 2nd. Odd Down maintained control of a game that threatened to get away from Welton Rovers at times, yet the home side dug deep to provide their opponents from the division above with a real test.

Welton started brightly, fielding an experimental line-up, including Jack Nix at right back and Michal Caputa in the midfield. The Odd Down line-up read like a who's who of Somer Valley football, featuring former Radstock duo, Aaron Cornwall and Twaine Plummer in the starting eleven, with former Welton favourite, Andy Keen, on the bench.

Odd Down took the lead midway through the first half, with an impressive strike from Kye Simpson, cutting in off the left wing and striking the ball cleanly into the top right-hand corner of the goal. The classy Kye Simpson was a constant threat, along with Odd Down's other wide player, Troy Simpson.

After going 1–0 up, Odd Down's organisation, possession and pace in attack threatened to overwhelm their hosts, yet they could not find a way past an inspired Dan Tamblyn in the Welton goal. Tamblyn saved at the feet of Kye Simpson when he was put clean through on goal, following this up with a double save just before the break, ensuring that Welton went in at half-time still in touch at only 1–0 down.

Both teams started the second half energetically, Welton pressing an Odd Down team enjoying the majority of possession. Chances came at both ends, with the impressive Tamblyn saving from Kye Simpson, who hit a well-struck shot from the edge of the box, whilst Welton forward, Luke Palmer, saw his shot from distance narrowly go over the crossbar.

Odd Down had an opportunity to double their lead when referee, Ron Ganfield, awarded a penalty following a clumsy challenge by Chris Brimble. Odd Down penalty taker, Aaron Cornwall, was at his enigmatic best, re-spotting the ball before nonchalantly strolling up to the spot kick, only to see his shot fail to hit the target. Welton, buoyed by the let-off, forced four corners in succession, but all to no avail.

Midway through the second half, Odd Down managed to reassert their control on the game when a square pass from substitute, Tom Smith, just outside the Odd Down penalty box, was intercepted by Kye Simpson who broke quickly, running the length of the pitch before crossing to Richard Dawley in the six-yard box. Dawley's powerful strike finished a flowing end-to-end move that left Tamblyn with no chance.

Welton's dogged determination was rewarded five minutes from time, when the quick thinking of Tamblyn released Paul Banks, who drove forward into the opposition's half, putting Luke Palmer through on goal. The plucky Welton striker gave the Odd Down goalkeeper, Lewis Pierre, no chance, finishing with aplomb. As the seconds ticked down, Odd Down started to look vulnerable, for the first time in the match. Dan Scrivens, the Welton left back, combined well with Barry Sandquest, only to be denied an equaliser by the width of the upright.

By the time the final whistle had sounded, Welton had thrown everything at their Premier Division opponents. Visibly exhausted, the Welton team were given a standing ovation by the Green Army as they left the pitch. Welton Rovers won't be progressing to the Second Round of the Somerset Premier Cup, but Stuart Minall can take solace from the commitment his side showed, right up until the final whistle. Final score from West Clewes, Welton Rovers 1, Odd Down 2.

Highlights from Welton's match against Odd Down were played out on the October 9th edition of the Somer Valley Sports Show, available to Listen Again at: http://www.somervalleyfm.co.uk">www.somervalleyfm.co.uk

Ian Nockolds