Welton progressed to the second round of the FA Vase with a quality victory over their Hellenic Premier League opponents in front of a large crowd at West Clewes.

After a hesitant start from both sides, it was the visitors who had the first chance when Sam Blackies' shot went wide of the Welton post. Welton got into the game and good play from Ryan Allen, who was making his home debut, saw him brought down on the edge of the area. Up stepped Luke Palmer and his free kick flew inches over the Brimscombe bar.

Welton took the lead on fifteen minutes when great work down the left flank by Allen saw him beat his marker and then deliver a pinpoint cross that was met by Mark Reynolds and his bullet header flew into the visitor's net. Ten minutes later, Brimscombe equalised following constant pressure on Welton that saw the ball fall to Olly Pitt. His cross was met at the far post by Turner and his glancing header slid into the Welton net.

The visitors continued to press and Armstrong, in the Welton goal, pulled off an outstanding save to deny Holloway. Just before the half-time whistle, Welton regained the lead when pressure down the left saw Brimscombe fail to clear the ball properly and it fell to Pawley, who sent a screamer into the visitors' net.

The second half saw Brimscombe and Thrupp going all out for the equaliser and the Welton back line were under constant pressure. A long-range shot from Holloway went inches wide and Armstrong saved well to deny the lively Pitt. Welton's defence, led by Carl Stone and Ricky Scott, were masterful and thwarted attack after attack. Welton weathered the storm and started taking the game to the visitors and were rewarded with ten minutes to go when Palmer was brought down on a charge. A free kick from Steve Bridges into the mix saw the ball cleared, but it fell to Pawley, who squared the ball to Allen, who made no mistake from close range to score on his home debut to cap a very good performance.

As the final whistle approached, Armstrong still had to be alert as he pulled off an outstanding save. As the game ended, it was obvious to players and The Green Army alike how important this

victory was to Welton as it kept the cup run going and the momentum surrounding the club flying high.