Welton made the trip to North Somerset to take on mid table Portishead Town.

There was not much between either side in the early stages, but it was Welton who made the breakthrough just after the half hour mark. An inswinging corner from the right by Cam Allen was met by Joe Garland, who rose above the hosts’ defence at the far post to thump his header back across the goal and although Portishead keeper, Shanks-Boon, got a touch, he was unable to keep it out of the net.

The second half saw Welton trying to increase their lead but the vital second goal wouldn’t come and as often happens in football, they were undone in the 78th minute when the referee awarded a soft penalty after a Portishead player went down in the area. Up stepped Calum Townsend, who made no mistake with his spot kick to equalise for the hosts.

That’s how it finished, two points dropped on the road for Welton. With rivals, Wincanton Town, thumping Bristol Telephones 8–0 and now a point ahead of Welton in second place, it makes Welton’s next fixture all important.

That next fixture is of course The Coalfield Classico against old rivals and near neighbours, Radstock Town, who are currently fifth in the table. The game is at West Clewes on Good Friday, 15th April and kick-off is at 1pm.

A large crowd is expected, so come earlier and enjoy the facilities at Welton. This is one of the most important local Derbys for a long while – it’s more than bragging rights at stake. Bob Allard