Welton continued their assault on the Kelly Read Cup with a 15-1 mauling of Division 1 strugglers Waddington United a game in which Luke Clifford helped himself to 10 (ten) goals.
As the Welton players rose from their beds yesterday they must have been hoping that the Game was going to be called off as snow covered the whole of Lincolnshire but the Mere Road pitch survived the freeze and the fixture was able to commence.
Welton lined up with Mayhem in Goal in for the absent Ossai protected by a back three of Carter, Dhindsa and Taylor. Across the midfield were Clifford L on the left Gordon on the right and a changed middle trio of Warman in for the dropped Stocks accompanied by Craig and Tom Wilkinson. Up front were Coupland and the in form James Drabble.
Welton started out looking to start better than they did in their last outing against De Wint and it wasn’t long before the travelling Welton faithful were jumping for joy as the new look James Drabble gave Welton the lead. Sam Gordon sent Tom Wilkinson charging through on goal, Wilkinson unselfishly squared to Coupland who somehow was tackled by a Waddo defender but fortunately for Welton the fox in the box Drabble was on hand to tap home.
In truth it wasn’t a difficult morning for the socialites and Sam Gordon was really in his element pinging balls over the top for the lively Coupland and especially Clifford L who helped himself to 5 (five) first half strikes the best of which was a delightful right footed chip over the hapless Waddington keeper. Time and time again Clifford was sent racing through twice with neat interplay with Scott Coupland and he showed the Social fans what they missed in the first half against De Wint as he placed and blasted his way to the brink of a first half double hat trick.
Waddington did manage to get a consolation in the first half though as the Waddington number 11 managed to climb out of Ross Taylors pocket for the first time in the match and his cross/shot looped over Mayhem to deny the defence a deserved clean sheet. A great finish if he meant it though.
At half time the Social went in 7-1 up Scott Coupland grabbing the other goal coolly finishing off a 1 on 1 after being sent clear by Gordon.
Weltons message at half time was clear. Do not hold back in the second half and the social management team must have been delighted with what they saw.
Welton slammed home a further 8 goals without reply 5 of which were scored by Clifford one for Coupland and a goal a piece for substitutes Stocks and Rash. Cliffords first goal of the second half came when a long ball from the back was flicked on by Drabble to Clifford who got to the by line and smashed a shot across the goal that somehow managed to beat the keeper other highlights of Cliffords goals in the second half was an exquisite left footed chip over the keeper when sent through one on one. Cliffords 8th was aided by an unlikely source when flamboyant right back Will Carter whipped in a beautiful cross straight down the corridor of uncertainty perfectly into the path of Clifford who slammed the ball into the top corner. A cross that even Sam Gordon would have been proud of.
Despite everything going Weltons way the Socialites were becoming more and more frustrated with the referees refusal to award Welton a penalty on numerous occasions. The red mist descended on Craig Wilkinson who showed no regard for the respect the Ref campaign and earned himself a booking. The Social were almost thrown into further disciplinary trouble when the referee threatened to report Welton as he was being verbally abused by a scouse man on the sidelines. Fortunately for Welton the man in question was proven to not be known by anyone connected with the club. If said Gentleman is reading this you are banned from all fixtures with immediate effect! This was to be Wilkinsons last act as he was promptly hauled off to be replaced by substitute Stocks.
Stocks appeared to have a point to prove when he came on and his hard work payed off as Stocks powered home a header from a Sam Gordon coner. Gordon was also the provider for Rash when the former again delivered quality from the right that was met by a seated bicycle kick from the tricky Algerian.
The last action of the game fittingly came through Clifford who grabbed his tenth of the game after being sent clear over the top by Ross Taylor. The Social Park hero finished with aplomb to claim his tenth and cap off a virtuoso display.
Tougher tests lie ahead for Welton in the Kelly Read this year but you can only beat what is put in front of you and Welton did that with ease.
Full time Waddington United 1 Welton S&sc 15 (fifteen)
Match Ratings
Mayhem (7) couldn’t do anything about the goal, largely untroubled
Taylor (8) commanding in the air
Dhindsa (8) looked comfortable in his preferred position
Carter (8) solid display and a terrific cross to earn an assist
Warman (7) improved as the game war on
C Wilkinson (7) needless yellow card, good use of the ball
T Wilkinson (8) At the heart of everything
Gordon (8) marvellous range of passing.
Clifford L (10) 10 goals says it all
Drabble (8) linked play well
Coupland (8) always on the ball, missed a hatful of chances though.
Subs
Bagan (7) scored a good goal
Stocks (8) same old Stocks but with a goal
Mulhall (7) like a fine wine keeps getting better with age
Dream team top scorer
Clifford L
Goals 10.......50
assists 2......6
bonus...........3
minutes played 90...2
total 61
Paceys Bonus points
Clifford L ***
T Wilkinson **
Carter *
Can we have you?
Gio was the one shining light for Waddington. Lead the line well and pulled off some unbelievable flicks, unfortunate not to win a penalty and ran his socks off for his side. Never recieved good enough service and it is a crying shame to see the great man playing for such a mediocre side.
Youre not very good!
The right back who decided to stay out until half past 7 in the morning watching boxing knowing full well that he had to mark Luke Clifford! let himself and Gio down. Awful!