Welton S&SC put their Sincil Bank demons to rest as they retained the Kelly Read Cup for a record 4th consecutive season with an eventful 3-2 victory over local rivals Scothern United. The Sincil Bank Crowd couldn’t have asked for more from a Cup final that included some great goals, Touch line bust ups, red cards and Scott Couplands hair cut finally giving the Welton media something to report on after 3 dire 1-0 games in a row.
Welton took the lead in the 20th minute through Jason Tinkler but were pegged back after the break by Andy Addlingtons strike, Welton responded well and regained the lead through Luke Clifford, Matt O Halloran appeared to have made the game safe making it 3-1 with 15 minutes to go but Scothern responded to make it 3-2 setting up a tense finale, unfortunately the tensions boiled over as a 22 man brawl ensued and players from both sides were given their marching orders.
As promised the Welton management shuffled their hand to give everyone a start in the 3 finals, Phil McGann graciously made way for Carl Stubbs to go in goal he would be protected by Carter, Snookes, Warman and Olly Furness. Across the middle were Tinkler, Allmond, O Halloran and McGovern with Scott Coupland and Luke Clifford up front, Neil Stocks, Craig Cosgrove and Billy Munro made up a strong bench for the Socialites.
Welton started a lot better than they had done in recent weeks and appeared to be enjoying playing the ball around on the excellent surface.
Welton were creating a few half chances forcing a string of early corners and saves from Wayne Sawyer in the Scothern goal and it was only a matter of time before Weltons endeavour paid off when Jason Tinkler scored a stunning opener.
Tinkler cut in from the left hand side before rolling the ball into Scott Coupland who flicked the ball brilliantly back to Tinkler to fire home from a tight angle to bolster Welton’s confidence further and give them a deserved lead.
Welton dominated the remainder of the half but very nearly shot themselves in the foot when Carl Stubbs and Joe Snookes made a mess of a short free kick allowing Andy Addlington to steal the ball but fortunately the Scothern playmaker couldn’t turn the ball into the empty net from a tight angle.
HALF TIME: Welton S&SC 1-0 Scothern United
Boosted by Billy Munro’s bizarre William Wallace I pod collection the Socialites returned fired up for the second half and true to form duly conceded the equaliser to the first attack of the half.
Andy Adlington drove at the Welton defence before curling the ball perfectly into the bottom corner giving Carl Stubbs no chance.
Welton responded brilliantly to this setback though and were back infront within 5 minutes of conceding the equaliser.
A sustained period of Welton pressure lead to a left wing cross finding its way to the right hand side of the penalty area to Jack McGovern who drilled the ball back across the six yard box where Luke Clifford was on hand to bundle the ball home and restore Welton’s lead.
Scothern didn’t throw in the towel though and the second half rolled on with both sides taking it in turn to trade attacks.
Carl Stubbs proved to be Weltons hero producing a stunning double save to maintain Welton’s lead before he was forced into a world class save from the nippy Scothern left winger who found space on the edge of the area to curl a beautiful right footed shot towards the corner of the net only to be denied by the fingertips of Stubbs.
Spurred on by Stubbs heroics Welton began to settle back into their neat passing game and with Scothern tiring Welton began to create chances at will but these opportunities were spurned Jack McGovern firing wide the best of the chances.
Finally with time running out Matt O Halloran appeared to have made the game safe when he fired home a left footed strike past Sawyer from twenty yards out to give Welton a two goal cushion with little over ten minutes to go.
With one hand back on the Cup Welton rang the changes bringing on all 3 substitutes to replace, McGovern, O Halloran and Clifford as Welton looked to see out the last ten minutes.
However all didn’t go to plan for Welton as with 5 minutes to go Scothern substitute John Richards was able to pull one back to set up an enthralling final 5 minutes.
Scothern through everything including their goalkeeper at Welton but Welton defended well and appeared to have seen off the stubborn resistance of their neighbours keeping hold of the ball well as the Clock at the South Park end ticked into injury time.
Welton’s possession was to much for Scothern Captain James Green though as he lunged into a dangerous two footed tackle, Fortunatley his first horror tackle missed his target by a mile and advantage was played but within seconds another disgraceful lunge brought the game to a halt and started off an all out brawl.
A few calm heads and the officials eventually managed to calm the situation down and Green received his marching orders for the challenge and straight reds also followed for Billy Munro and a Scothern substitute, An eventful end to an eventful game.
The Socialites withstood one final punt into their area and the final whistle was greeted with joy and relief from the Welton players and supporters alike as they ensured that the Kelly Read will once again be sat on the shelf at Social Park for a record breaking fourth season in a row.
Will Carter lead the Victorious Socialites up to collect their winners medals with Scott Meireles Coupland coming up last to lift the trophy.
With silverware once again in the bag can Welton now go on to complete a sensational Cup double against Seven Seas under the lights on Tuesday night?
FINAL SCORE: Welton S&SC 3-2 Scothern United