A large contingent of the Green Army had made the short trip up the A37 and were roaring Welton on from the kick-off. However, it was the young Hengrove side who took the game to Welton early doors. Good play from Jack Cousins saw him find Danny Dodimead in space and his shot was saved by Alfie Kelsey in the Welton goal. Then another flowing Hengrove attacked saw Kelsey save well to deny Giorgio Mancini low down. Lewis Russell then countered for Welton and his effort was hastily cleared by the Hengrove defence.

The hosts were probing and testing Welton’s resolve, a long range shot from Sam Jackson went wide and as the game was going from end to end, Cameron Allen got into the action with an optimistic twenty-five yard shot that flew over the Hengrove bar. Hengrove responded and their lively attack were troubling the Welton defence, a curling shot from Cousins went inches wide of the Welton far post as the hosts continued to press for the opening goal.

Welton, although not at their best, survived the half and the Green Army were looking for a much better performance in the second half.

Kelsey was straightaway called into action with a one-handed save at the near post to deny Dodimead. Jake Slocombe was found in space by a great ball from Russell but his well struck shot was saved by Hengrove keeper, Ben Britton. Welton were stepping up a gear and Allen’s shot from the left flashed across the Hengrove six yard box. Welton Manager, Tom Smith, then brought on all three substitutes, Ben Wych, Courtney Charles and Toby Cole to keep the momentum going. Charles was soon in the action with a first time effort that was saved by Britton.

Welton were pressing and taking the game to their hosts who were dropping back. However, in the seventieth minute, Welton suffered a set back when Slocombe went over on his knee and despite lengthy treatment, was unable to continue. As Welton had used all their substitutes, they had to see out the remaining twenty minutes with ten men. The vital breakthrough came with five minutes remaining thanks to two of the substitutes. Great controlled play on the right from Charles saw him deliver a quality ball over to the left where Cole was on a charge and he volleyed home a terrific shot that kept low and flew into the net to give Welton the lead. The drama wasn’t over yet and as the game was about to go into added time, referee Bugg awarded Hengrove a penalty after Lewis Hunt was adjudged to have handled in the area. Up stepped Mancini, who cracked in a well struck spot kick down to the left, but Kelsey was up to the challenge and produced an absolute stunning save low down to turn the ball around the post to secure all three points for Welton and send the Green Army into orbit.

This was a vital win for Welton and with rivals Warminster losing at Bishop Sutton, the gap increased to four points between Welton in second and Warminster in third. This Saturday, 9th April, Welton are on their travels again when they visit Portishead Town, kick-off 3pm. Bob Allard