Luke Clifford made a goal scoring return for Welton S&SC as the Socialites got back to winning ways against Jerusalem. Billy Munro had given Welton a spectacular lead early on before Clifford struck on the half hour mark to double Weltons lead. A scrappy Jonny Bell goal just before half time concluded the scoring with no further goals scored in a dramatic and tense second half.
Welton reverted to a tried and tested 4-4-2 formation with Jamie Chesman and Joe Snookes returning to join Leigh Warman and Will Carter in the back four. Luke Clifford came straight in on the left hand side of a midfield which saw Sam Allmond back in his favoured central role.
The Socialites started the game brightly and were soon rewarded when Billy Munro controlled a low cross from Luke Clifford brilliantly on the edge of the box with his back to goal before spinning round and lashing a beautiful dipping volley over the Jerusalem keepers head to get Welton off to a stunning start against basement boys Jerusalem.
Welton were looking the more likely to grab a second but Jeru remained a threat with the pacey Josh Schofield looking to get in behind at every opportunity.
Weltons second goal came about when a Jerusalem corner was swung dangerously into the box for centre forward Ash McKinstry who drew a brilliant save from Phil McGann the loose ball was hacked away and suddenly Welton were in. Billy Munros flicked header was latched on to by Luke Clifford who’s touch took him away from the last defender before finishing neatly across the keeper into the bottom corner to cap a perfect come back for Clifford and double Weltons lead.
Welton had all the momentum now but they were stopped in their tracks when another right wing corner was whipped in by Craig Smith, Phil McGann appeared to be fouled as he came to try and deal with the ball but no foul was given and the ball consequently bounced off Jonny Bell and into the net past the fallen McGann.
Half Time: FVA Jerusalem 1-2 Welton S&SC
Both sides returned unchanged for the second half and Welton were unlucky not to restore their two goal cushion when Jason Tinkler tricked his way into the Jeru area before pulling the ball back to Munro who’s first time strike was destined for the top corner had it not been for a remarkable one handed save by the Jeru keeper.
The Game had a horribly familiar feel to it for Welton as chances continued to come and go for the Socialites without them converting a chance to put the game to bed and as Jeru threw more and more Men forward the solid Welton rear guard came under increasing pressure.
Jonny Bell was unlucky as he smashed a twenty five yard free kick against McGanns cross bar.
The Socialites used their strong bench well bringing on Barry McGann, Craig Cosgrove and Olly Furness to help ride out the Jerusalem pressure and the game appeared to be all over until a heart stopping last minute of injury time for the Welton faithful.
A contentious corner was awarded to Jerusalem which allowed all 11 men including the goalkeeper to flood in and around the welton area. The corner was half cleared and crossed back in from the right hand side to McKinstry who leapt highest only to see his header rattle the cross bar the loose ball was headed agonisingly back across the face of the Welton goal and somehow Welton managed to throw enough bodies in the way to keep the ball out and again the ball was scrambled out to the Jerusalem winger who crossed in again this time for Schofield who volleyed the ball in past McGann.
Jeruusalem’s celebrations were cut short though as the whistle had long since gone for offside against any one of five players including Schofield who were in offside positions after the Welton defence had followed the ball out.
The resulting free kick was clattered down field and the final whistle had blown with Welton collecting a hard earned three points to make up for the disappointing late goal they conceded against Hykeham seven days previously.
FULL TIME: FVA Jerusalem 1-2 Welton S&SC