Boss Al Taylor described Weltons first pre season run-out against Lincoln United reserves as a useful exercise despite the 3-2 defeat at social Park.
A much changed Social side from the team that lifted the Kelly Read Cup in May raced in to a two goal lead when Nigel Wallace chipped home Scott Couplands through ball before an excellent passing move saw Billy Munro turn brilliantly on the edge of the area before drilling low past Craig Turner.
Sean Booth pulled a Goal back for the reserves before half time but Social went in at the break with the lead and having passed their opponents off the park at times.
Fitness would eventually tell though as the United Reserves chopped and changed their team on numerous occasions whilst the depleted Social ranks struggled on in a second half 3-5-2 formation that saw Jamie Chesman make his return from injury.
Social were solid enough and kept possession reasonably well at the back but struggled to get into the right areas of the pitch with new boys Oli Furness and Nigel Wallace both forced back due to the switch in formation.
Welton held firm until the 75th Minute when the previously impressive Drabble in Goal had a moment to forget fumbling a tame effort from a United midfielder through his legs and into his net.
Social looked tired at this point and United punished them late on with a far post header from one of their numerous Substitutes to give them the win.
“There’s a lot we can take out of that game.” Said Taylor
“We matched them and were probably better than them in the first half and maybe our change in system didn’t help us in the second half, but that’s what friendly matches are for.”
“Ches (Jamie chesman) got 45 minutes under his belt and the two new Lads looked sharp in the first half.”
“It was a great run out for the lads and the ninety minutes they played can only help.”
“We’ve still got a lot of Players to come in which will only improve us further.”