Welton Stag(ger) League Leaders
In a game that could eventually decide the destination of the Sills and Betteridge Sunday League trophy, Welton moved to the summit of the table after beating previous league leaders, Stags FC at Sudbrooke Drive.
Welton had to do it the hard way though after falling two goals behind in the first half. The unnerving Stages started brightly, out-muscling a timid-looking Welton in every challenge. They took the lead after 20 minutes when their striker found space on the edge of the box and curled home a fantastic effort into the top right corner of the goal. Welton’s heads seemed to drop further and Stags headed in from the far post to double the home side’s advantage. Welton’s first chance of the game came soon after, forward Luke Clifford was sent through on goal but the Stag’s goalkeeper parried his shot and Scott Coupland failed to capitalise on the rebound. The goalkeeper was lucky to stay on the field, in fact, after he seemingly punched Welton winger Mark Curtis square in the face, an action missed by the referee.
HALF TIME: STAGS FC 2 – 0 WELTON SSCFC
The half-time team talks were to be vital in this match-up, and it seemed Big Al came out on top. The paper shop connoisseur switched Mark Curtis and Luke Clifford around with maximum impact, while Stags seemed to switch off for a short period. That was all Welton needed, as Sam Gordon’s cross was helped on by James Drabble and a revitalised Clifford bundled home from close range to open the game up. The wind was well in Welton’s sails now and they soon equalised through Sam Gordon. Captain Neil Stocks took the game by the scruff of the neck, beating several men down the left and pulling the ball back to find Gordon in space. The cunning playmaker took a touch and fired an unstoppable effort past a flailing Stag’s goalkeeper to equalise in the finest fashion possible.
Tempers began to fly in the Stag’s camp, with Wilkinson and Coupland becoming victims some nasty off-the-ball incidents. But Stag’s players and management were soon in disbelief as a rampant Welton went in front through Luke Clifford’s second of the game. Mark Curtis capitalised on a slip in the Stag’s defence and powered forward, skipping past his man and playing in Clifford. The powerful hit man made no mistake in curling the ball into the bottom corner of the net and sending the away support into raptures.
Big Al reacted immediately, replacing James Drabble with his younger brother Joe to replenish the pace into the Social Club’s tiring attack. Drabble was quickly in the action, nearly adding to the score line after Curtis had battled through several challenges on the right and pulled back for the tricky forward to be denied by excellent goalkeeping. Wilkinson then dealt Welton a blow, pulling up after attempting a sprint he soon retired with a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by the recently returned Simon Ward.
With 2 minutes to go, Stags pushed forward, sending their goalkeeper up for a long throw. Welton managed to clear and Luke Clifford got his hat trick and killed the game off, simply slotting into an empty net from 30 yards, although seemingly being offside.
Today will be the day most Welton supporters were hoping their players would stand up and be counted when it really matters – and they were not disappointed. Welton’s performance showed all the grit, determination and quality needed to go all the way this season and the league title must now be a realistic target for Big Al’s boys.
FINAL SCORE: STAGS FC 2 – 4 WELTON SSCFC
PLAYER RATINGS (first half):
Jones (6) 8 – Helpless for the goals. Showed bravery and confidence in the air.
Carter (6) 8 – Solid as a rock. Held the fort and cleared up well.
S. Clifford (6) 8 – Battled well, mopped up any loose balls.
Taylor (7) 9 – Did well in the air against difficult opposition. Concrete performance.
Gordon (5) 8 – Cracking goal, played some great passes and did well defensively.
Stocks (7) 9 – Showed pure grit in the centre of the park. Led by example.
Wilkinson (6) 8 – Got stuck in, showed pace and skill. Sadly injured.
Coupland (6) 8 – Stood up to big challenges. Showed moments of pure class.
Curtis (5) 8 – Nowhere in the 1st half. Terrorised the defence in the 2nd half.
Clifford (6) 9 – Hat-trick hero. Strong and quick. Excellent.
Drabble (6) 8 – Always causing problems, won aerial battles and showed character.
SUBS:
Ward 8 – Did a fine job whilst out-of-position.
Drabble 8 – His skill and quick feet were too much for an irritated Stags defence.
In a game that could eventually decide the destination of the Sills and Betteridge Sunday League trophy, Welton moved to the summit of the table after beating previous league leaders, Stags FC at Sudbrooke Drive.
Welton had to do it the hard way though after falling two goals behind in the first half. The unnerving Stages started brightly, out-muscling a timid-looking Welton in every challenge. They took the lead after 20 minutes when their striker found space on the edge of the box and curled home a fantastic effort into the top right corner of the goal. Welton’s heads seemed to drop further and Stags headed in from the far post to double the home side’s advantage. Welton’s first chance of the game came soon after, forward Luke Clifford was sent through on goal but the Stag’s goalkeeper parried his shot and Scott Coupland failed to capitalise on the rebound. The goalkeeper was lucky to stay on the field, in fact, after he seemingly punched Welton winger Mark Curtis square in the face, an action missed by the referee.
HALF TIME: STAGS FC 2 – 0 WELTON SSCFC
The half-time team talks were to be vital in this match-up, and it seemed Big Al came out on top. The paper shop connoisseur switched Mark Curtis and Luke Clifford around with maximum impact, while Stags seemed to switch off for a short period. That was all Welton needed, as Sam Gordon’s cross was helped on by James Drabble and a revitalised Clifford bundled home from close range to open the game up. The wind was well in Welton’s sails now and they soon equalised through Sam Gordon. Captain Neil Stocks took the game by the scruff of the neck, beating several men down the left and pulling the ball back to find Gordon in space. The cunning playmaker took a touch and fired an unstoppable effort past a flailing Stag’s goalkeeper to equalise in the finest fashion possible.
Tempers began to fly in the Stag’s camp, with Wilkinson and Coupland becoming victims some nasty off-the-ball incidents. But Stag’s players and management were soon in disbelief as a rampant Welton went in front through Luke Clifford’s second of the game. Mark Curtis capitalised on a slip in the Stag’s defence and powered forward, skipping past his man and playing in Clifford. The powerful hit man made no mistake in curling the ball into the bottom corner of the net and sending the away support into raptures.
Big Al reacted immediately, replacing James Drabble with his younger brother Joe to replenish the pace into the Social Club’s tiring attack. Drabble was quickly in the action, nearly adding to the score line after Curtis had battled through several challenges on the right and pulled back for the tricky forward to be denied by excellent goalkeeping. Wilkinson then dealt Welton a blow, pulling up after attempting a sprint he soon retired with a suspected hamstring injury and was replaced by the recently returned Simon Ward.
With 2 minutes to go, Stags pushed forward, sending their goalkeeper up for a long throw. Welton managed to clear and Luke Clifford got his hat trick and killed the game off, simply slotting into an empty net from 30 yards, although seemingly being offside.
Today will be the day most Welton supporters were hoping their players would stand up and be counted when it really matters – and they were not disappointed. Welton’s performance showed all the grit, determination and quality needed to go all the way this season and the league title must now be a realistic target for Big Al’s boys.
FINAL SCORE: STAGS FC 2 – 4 WELTON SSCFC
PLAYER RATINGS (first half):
Jones (6) 8 – Helpless for the goals. Showed bravery and confidence in the air.
Carter (6) 8 – Solid as a rock. Held the fort and cleared up well.
S. Clifford (6) 8 – Battled well, mopped up any loose balls.
Taylor (7) 9 – Did well in the air against difficult opposition. Concrete performance.
Gordon (5) 8 – Cracking goal, played some great passes and did well defensively.
Stocks (7) 9 – Showed pure grit in the centre of the park. Led by example.
Wilkinson (6) 8 – Got stuck in, showed pace and skill. Sadly injured.
Coupland (6) 8 – Stood up to big challenges. Showed moments of pure class.
Curtis (5) 8 – Nowhere in the 1st half. Terrorised the defence in the 2nd half.
Clifford (6) 9 – Hat-trick hero. Strong and quick. Excellent.
Drabble (6) 8 – Always causing problems, won aerial battles and showed character.
SUBS:
Ward 8 – Did a fine job whilst out-of-position.
Drabble 8 – His skill and quick feet were too much for an irritated Stags defence.
NEXT FIXTURE: WARREN LODGE [COUNTY CUP] (H), WELTON SOCIAL CLUB, 04/10/07.
Match Photos
Pacey Celebrates Famous Victory / Welton Warm-Up Professionally... / And Again..... / CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR LARGE IMAGE