WELTON Rovers were beaten 3-2 at home by Bitton in their first match since early November in Division One of the Jewson League - a blistering opening half-hour by the visitors leaving them with a mountain to climb.

A hat-trick from the outstanding Mickey Parson put the visitors firmly in control, and although Welton mounted a spirited fightback, the deficit proved too great to overturn.

Bitton struck early, Parson cutting in from the right after just seven minutes to drive his shot through a crowded penalty area and into the net.

Welton responded positively, with Courtney Charles and Aaron Seviour combining well to force goalkeeper Teddy Maggs into a sharp intervention. Joe Ellis then saw his header clawed away, before Maggs produced another fine save to deny Charles.

Welton’s momentum was halted when Bitton doubled their lead from a corner, Parson rising unchallenged to head home. Moments later, the forward completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion, delivering a curling cross from the left that evaded defenders and nestled into the far corner.

Shell-shocked but undeterred, Welton reduced the arrears five minutes later when Seviour cleverly lifted the ball over Maggs from close range. Will Ford then spurned a chance, firing over, while defender Shomari Sengor went close with a brave diving header as half-time approached.

The second half saw Welton pressing relentlessly, but Bitton’s defence held firm. Matt Morris tested Maggs with a low drive, and later saw a free-kick skim inches over the bar.

With five minutes remaining, Welton were handed a lifeline when Caelen Simpson was brought down in the area. Charles stepped up and confidently converted the penalty to set up a tense finale.

Welton threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, and Simpson’s late strike looked destined for the net until Maggs produced a superb save to preserve Bitton’s victory.

Bob Allard