Welton crashed out of the County Cup at the first round stage to Jerusalem as they fell victim to the new rules of no extra time and games going straight to penalties if the scores are level after ninety minutes. Welton were leading 2-0 up to the 85th minute through goals from Billy Munro and Scott coupland. Despite being in total control Jonny Bell somehow managed to grab a brace to send the game to penalties and despite Craig Turners best efforts Welton were beaten 3-2 in the shootout.
Welton gave competitive debuts to Craig Turner, Joe Butler, Jack Mcgovern and Jason Tinkler as Welton lined up in a familiar 4-4-2 formation and looked comfortable in the first half without playing anywhere near their best.
Welton took the lead midway through the first half when a left wing free kick was curled in by Scott Coupland , Billy Munro did well to get across the front of his marker and flick a superb header into the top right hand corner of the net to send the Socialites in at half time with a slender one goal advantage.
Where as the first half was a fairly tight affair Welton dominated the second half and played some lovely football whilst looking comfortable at the back.
Weltons thoroughly deserved second came when a lovely passing move saw Billy Munro trick his way to the left touch line before pulling back cleverly for Scott Coupland to chip home over the fully stretched keeper.
Welton created chance after chance with another superb move seeing Billy Munro once again square for Clifford who drew a superb save from the Jerusalem keeper. Sam Allmond also saw a dipping right footed half volley crash off the cross bar.
The game appeared to be fizzling out with Jerusalem offering very little coming forward until a deep free kick was only partially cleared before Jonny Bell produced a spectacular over head kick to give Jerusalem a shock lifeline.
Minutes later it was Bell again who stunned Weltons travelling supporters steering home Kieran O Boyle’s left wing cross and the game was now unbelievably heading to a penalty shootout.
Luke Clifford and the excellent Jack Mcgovern were the only Welton players to find the back of the net in the shootout and despite Craig Turner brilliantly saving two Jerusalem spot kicks it was they who gained a measure of revenge for last seasons Kelly Read Cup final defeat.
Welton now ridiculously only have one fixture in the next five weeks to make ammends.
FINAL SCORE FVA JERUSALEM 2-2 WELTON S&SC (Jerusalem win 3-2 on Penalties)
Star Men
Mcgovern ***
Turner **
Butler *