Welton stormed their way into the last 16 of the County Cup with a stunning 5-1 win over Spalding based giants Cowbit. Matt O Halloran and Scott Coupland had given Welton a 2-0 lead at half time before Cowbit pulled one back at the start of the second half but further goals for O Halloran and Coupland aswell as a fifth from Luke Clifford sealed an impressive victory for the Socialites.
Welton were able to make a couple of changes from the side that had beaten Swan with such ease the previous weekend with Phil McGann returning in goal and Jamie Chesman also returning at left back, Billy Munro’s absence meant Craig Cosgrove was recalled to the starting line up pushing Jason Tinkler up front to partner Scott Coupland.
Welton looked sharp from the outset and wasted little time creating chances against their unfamiliar opponents with Neil Stocks providing a solid platform for the rest of the midfield to go and attack.
Matt O Halloran was unfortunate not to give Welton the lead on 15 minutes after a superb passing move lead to O Halloran being played through by Scott Coupland only to be denied by a brilliant save by the Cowbit keeper.
The Cowbit stopper had to be at his best again minutes later to deny Luke Clifford who’s low shot from just inside the area stung his palms as he dived down low to keep out Cliffords fierce drive.
As the half wore on Cowbit began to get a foot hold in the game and created a couple of chances the best of which was a far post header from a corner that was cleared off the line by Will Carter.
As the half appeared to be drawing to a goalless conclusion Welton earned a free kick twenty five yards out to the right of the penalty area. Luke Clifford and Matt O Halloran stood over the ball and after some debate Luke Clifford still didn’t realise what was being asked of him and rolled the ball to O Halloran who curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner to give welton a deserved lead with 5 minutes to go before the interval.
One goal didn’t really to justice to Welton’s performance but the home support massed in the John Stanham stand’s half time Bovrils tasted all the more sweeter as Scott Coupland gave the Socialites a two goal cushion.
More good football down the right hand side lead to the ball being crossed over to the left. Jason Tinkler controlled well and coolly pulled the ball back to Coupland who rifled home with his left foot from a tight angle.
HALF TIME: Welton S&SC 2-0 Cowbit FC
As expected Cowbit came out all guns blazing forcing several early corners which the Welton defence handled well. The Socialites appeared to have weathered the early storm until a bizarre mistake by Joe Snookes gifted the ball to the tricky Cowbit number 8 who could bare down on McGann unchallenged and finish well to give his side hope.
Having worked hard to get their two goal lead Welton looked like they were on the verge of throwing it all away.
With Cowbit growing in confidence the next goal was certain to be pivotal to the outcome of the game.
Neat link up play down the right hand side between Scott Coupland and the impressive Craig Cosgrove lead to Coupland drilling a low ball into the area, With Jason Tinkler bearing down on him the Cowbit centre back at the front post got himself into a horrible mess and turned the ball in past his keeper to restore Welton’s two goal cushion.
Social never looked back from this point and re asserted their dominance on their opponents.
Matt O Halloran who had been a constant threat all morning almost grabbed his second when he got on the end of a surprisingly accurate cross from Will Carter but O Hallorans powerful header was saved well by the Cowbit keeper.
With twenty minutes to go O Halloran eventually did grab his second when he fired home a low drive that whistled past the keeper and flew in off the keepers right hand post.
Welton’s fifth Goal was far more direct than their previous four, Leigh Warman and Joe Snookes who had been solid throughout clattered into Cowbits gobby number 9 and sent the ball down the pitch and over the top of the Cowbit rear guard for Luke Clifford who raced through one on one with the keeper before finishing with his right foot.
That goal proved to be Cliffords last involvement of the game as he and Jamie Chesman were withdrawn to be replaced by fan favourite Sam Allmond and Steve Mason.
With the game won Welton coasted through the last twenty minutes and into this afternoon fourth round draw where some of the biggest sides in the County await.
FULL TIME: Welton S&SC 5-1 Cowbit FC
Carters crackers:
Stocks ***
O Halloran **
Cosgrove *