Kelly Read Cup holders Welton S&SC began their pursuit of a fourth consecutive Cup triumph by seeing off Division 1 side Metheringham 5-2 at Social Park. Goals from Matt O Halloran, Jason Tinkler, Billy Munro and a brace for Scott Coupland saw the Socialites successfully negotiate a tricky first round tie.
Welton lined up in a new look 3-5-2 formation with Carl Stubbs in goal covering for Phil McGann protected by Leigh Warman, Joe Snookes and Sam Allmond.
The Socialites struggled to adapt to their new look formation in the opening exchanges with Metheringham starting brightly but they were made to pay for not taking advantage of their early pressure when Welton punished them with their first real moment of quality in the game as Matt O Halloran finished off a flowing move with the help of a slight deflection.
Welton doubled their advantage ten minutes later when a Metheringham goal kick was won well in the air by Leigh Warman with Matt O Halloran hooking on the loose ball over the top for Coupland to brilliantly chip over the advancing goalkeeper with his left foot.
This didn’t trigger the start of an avalanche of goals for Welton in their new look attacking formation and they were pegged back when a Metheringham midfielder lashed a thunderous strike against Stubbs’ cross bar from 30 yards only for the ball to rebound out to the big ginger centre forward who headed in from the edge of the area to half the deficit.
Metheringhams lifeline was soon taken away from them though when Jason Tinkler and Matt O Halloran worked a short corner allowing the latter to whip across a superb ball for Sam Allmond whos header crashed against the bar but Billy Munro reacted fastest to the loose ball smashing in from a tight angle.
Welton could have had more goals before half time with Coupland almost getting his second after rounding the keeper and Jack McGovern forced a brilliant save from the Meg keeper with a trademark free kick.
HALF TIME: Welton S&SC 3-1 Metheringham
The Socialites started the second half fairly sluggishly again and it was Metheringham who put the early pressure on and much like the first half they were made to pay for not taking advantage of their bright start.
Jason Tinkler and Craig Cosgrove switched wings to good effect as Tinkler began to become more of a threat from the right and it was Tinkler who had a huge hand in Weltons last two goals and much more of Weltons best play throughout the second half.
The tricky winger danced his way to the touchline before pulling back to Coupland who buried the chance to grab his second of the morning.
More good work from Tinkler lead to the fifth when his low cross was turned into his own net by one of the Metheringham defenders.
Joe Smith grabbed a sloppy consolation goal for the visitors to complete the scoring meaning Welton advance to the next round without ever really hitting top gear.
Full Time Welton S&SC 5-2 Metheringham