Welton S&SC stormed into the Semi Finals of the County Cup with a magnificent 3-0 win over Spalding Champions and previous winners of the County Cup Magnet Tavern,
Two Scott Coupland Penalties either side of half time gave Welton a two goal lead before the Socilaites had to withstand a second half onslaught by a powerful Magnet side before Olly Furness brilliantly sealed the Socialites passage into the Semi finals where they will face either holders for the last two Years Seven seas, Tap and spile or Fox and Hounds Hykeham.
Welton lined up with Phil McGann in goal protected by his usual back four of Carter, Snookes, Warman and Chesman across the middle were Clifford, Stocks, O Halloran and Allmond with a strike force of Scott Coupland and Craig Cosgrove. Welton also had the luxury of naming a strong bench of Jack McGovern, Billy Munro, Olly Furness and Ross Taylor.
The Socialites kicked off attacking the Beck end and it was clear that they were up against tough opposition as the Magnet Tavern men in orange and black just about shaded possession and territory for the opening twenty minutes without ever really creating too many chances.
Challenges were flying in from both sides and Matt O Halloran seemed to be on the receiving end of most of the Magnet aggression with one foul on him going in on him that went unpunished as in the ref’s own words “It was so late I didn’t see it.” but Welton more than held their own.
The Socialites stuck to their task well and matched their powerful opponents and defended as if their lives depended on it and this allowed the Socialites to get a foothold in the game.
With chances at a premium for both sides the first goal would be crucial with both sides realising that they would be vulnerable to the counter attack should they have to chase an equaliser.
The crucial breakthrough was made in the 23rd minute when Magnet skipper Jack Smith tried to see the ball out for a goal kick, the defender should have been aware though that there is never a lost cause when Sam Allmond is on the pitch and the Welton winger nipped in to steal the ball away from Smith who hauled Allmond to the ground leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.
Up stepped talisman Scott Coupland who in the pre game warm up had said that he was dreading having a penalty after seeing the state of the crater like penalty spots. Undeterred though Coupland stepped up and stroked the ball to the keepers right in off the post to give the Socialites the lead and more importantly the belief that they could beat one of the bookies favourites to win the County Cup.
Magnet came back at Welton strongly and looked dangerous from set pieces as they piled their big defenders forward but they only really forced McGann into one save at his near post from open play.
HALF TIME: Welton S&SC 1-0 Magnet Tavern
Welton were praised for their efforts at half time but re-emerged knowing that they could ill afford one of their usual slow starts to the second half and they did not want to give Magnet any encouragement what so ever.
The Socialites got off to a dream start to the second half as they kicked off attacking the old wall end they were awarded another penalty with virtually their first attack of the half.
Luke Clifford’s long throw from the left caused confusion in the Magnet area and the loose ball appeared to be dropping kindly for Neil Stocks to hit on the half volley but a desperate challenge from a Magnet defender caught Stocks from behind and down went Stocks and once again the referee pointed to the spot.
Up stepped Coupland once again who out witted the Magnet keeper sending him the wrong way driving the ball the same way as his first penalty low in to the corner to give the Socialites a two goal cushion.
It really was backs to the wall stuff for Welton now as the Spalding based giants showed why they are such feared opponents by throwing absolutely everything at the Socialites.
The Socialites rear guard formed a blue and white wall in front of McGanns goal though and restricted the Magnet forwards to half chances that were easily dealt with by Phil McGann who was also having a faultless game.
The Welton Management rang the changes with 25 minutes left replacing Luke Clifford and Craig Cosgrove who had both run their brand new socks off with Billy Munro and Olly Furness.
This proved to be a masterstroke from Al Taylor as Munro picked up a clearance in his own half before turning his man and advancing into the Magnet half, Munro in his first appearance for nearly two months due to injury tricked and turned his way to the edge of the area before unleashing a rasping left footed strike that dipped and swerved over the Magnet keeper and rattled the underside of the cross bar, Welton kept the ball alive and it eventually fell to Olly Furness on the left hand side of the area, Furness calmly cut on to his right foot and curled a sumptuous strike across the keeper beating him all ends up before nestling in the far corner sending the John Stanham stand regulars wild.
Furness’s beautiful finish effectively sealed the tie for the Socialites and Neil Stocks was withdrawn to be replaced my Jack McGovern. There was still time for Magnet forward Lovelace to force a smart save from McGann and for the red mist to descend on Jack Smith who having already been booked for a blatant elbow on Luke Clifford was eventually sent off for foul and abusive language.
That proved to be the last action of the game and the Socialites are in the Semi Finals once again awaiting Monday mornings Semi Final draw in which they are joined by fellow Lincoln side Fox and Hounds Hykeham, Grimsby based Tap and Spile and winners for the last two Years and probably the team to avoid Seven Seas but not too many sides can say they have beaten Magnet Tavern 3-0 in the last couple of Years.
FULL TIME: Welton S&SC 3-0 Magnet Tavern