Welton edged past Ivy Tavern in a seven goal thriller on the Ermine on Sunday morning.Goals from Sam Allmond, Matt O Halloran and a brace for Scott Coupland were just about enough to give Welton a 4-3 win in what will surely be a candidate for game of the season already.
Welton lined up with the same back four of Jamie Chesman, Joe Snookes, Leigh Warman and Will Carter protecting Phil McGann in goal. Big Al Taylor shuffled his pack in midfield with Sam Allmond again starting from the right and Olly Furness starting on the left, Matt O Halloran and Neil Stocks once again started in centre midfield with Craig Cosgrove and talisman Scott Coupland up front meaning Welton had a strong bench of Steve Mason, Jason Tinkler and Billy Munro.
The Socialites started positively and their early pressure was rewarded with the opening goal of the game, Great work from Sam Allmond down the right lead to a Welton free kick which was delivered into the box superbly by Matt O Halloran, Craig Cosgrove was unable to convert the cross but the ball fell kindly to Allmond who blasted home from 8 yards out.
Despite taking the lead and having all the early pressure Welton were pegged back on twenty minutes when a deep cross from the left was headed against Phil McGanns left hand post, The rebound fell kindly to Ivy’s Captain Sean Cann who made no mistake side footing home the rebound.
Welton didn’t capitulate after this set back though and went straight up the other end and regained the lead. Scott Coupland picked the ball up on the right hand side, Coupland worked himself some space then sent over a cross/shot that deceived the Ivy keeper and flew straight over his despairing dive into the top corner to give Welton the lead once again.
If there was a touch of fortune about Couplands goal, there was no fluke about Weltons third. A neat exchange of passing between Coupland and O Halloran lead to O Halloran finding space 30 yards out. The midfield maestro looked up to see the keeper had strayed just off his line and floated an inch perfect lob perfectly over the keeper to give Welton a two goal cushion in spectacular style.
The Ivy threw caution to the wind after that and the Welton defence had to be on top to keep Ivy’s troublesome strike duo at bay but with half time approaching Ivy were awarded a soft penalty and all Weltons hard work looked like it was going to be undone. Up stepped an Ivy midfielder who fired the ball low his left but down went McGann diving low to his right to produce a brilliant save holding on to the ball in the process.
HALF TIME: Ivy Tavern 1-3 Welton S&SC
Welton were forced to make a change at half time with Jamie Chesman having to leave to attend a christening. Olly Furness dropped to left back and Jason Tinkler came on for Chesman down the left wing.
Ivy began on the front foot and put the Welton defence under real pressure from the outset as they were roared on by their huge following who were making the pitch like a cauldron for the Welton players.
Welton still looked like they could score at will going forward but the crucial fifth goal went the Ivy’s way. Despite appearing to be well offside the Ivy’s number 9 latched onto a long ball drilled home low past McGann from twenty yards out to reduce Welton’s lead.
Again Welton showed their character and got straight back at the Ivy with Jason Tinkler causing them all sorts of problems down the left hand side.
Welton were somehow denied a penalty after Matt O Halloran forced a good save from the Ivy keeper he looked all set to bundle home the loose ball from a couple of yards out until he was hauled down but to the astonishment of the travelling Welton faithful the referee waved play on.
The Socialites grievances were soon forgotten though as Jason Tinkler latched onto Leigh Warmans long ball over the top down the left wing. Tinkler raced towards the box before crossing low for Coupland who finished superbly to once again give Welton a two goal cushion.
Ivy were far from done though and they through everything at Welton but unfortunately for them Phil McGann was on top form catching everything that was lumped into his area.
In true Weltn style though a frantic last 5 minutes was ensured when a right wing cross was partially cleared to the edge of the area straight to Ivy’s number 9 who fired home a tremendous half volley past McGanns despairing dive.
An incredible finale ensued with Welton squandering a couple of chance to make the game safe and there was still time for a heart stopping moment where Phil McGann produced a World class save in injury time to preserve what on balance was a well deserved and very hard thought three points for Welton on a memorable morning on the Ermine.
Welton now have three Cup games in the Kelly Read, County Cup and Ron Eaglen Cups before they return to League action in a make or break game away to FSC Victory.
FULL TIME: Ivy Tavern 3-4 Welton S&SC