Welton secured their passage in to the next round of the Ron Eaglen Cup despite a dreadful second half performance against a very average CW Golden Eagle. Luckily for Welton the game was wrapped up at half time at 3-0 with Coupland (2) and Stocksy on the score sheet, Tom Wilkinson added a fourth in the second half to send Welton comfortably though to the next round where FSC Victory await.
With Christmas 5 days away and a team in the lower half of Division 1 our last game before the Winter break, you would expect a changing room full of Christmas cheer. The Goals were up and the apple pencils were going down a treat and everybody was excited about the afternoons drinking session that would follow. Big Al soon brought everyone back down to earth. Nothing but football for the next 90 minutes were the famous words. This turned out to be the case as it was 10 o’clock and we stopped playing at half time.
It is hard to find the words to describe what happened next. After the announcement of the team with the exclusion of Carter and Ronnie from the starting 11, the changing room was deathly silent. Everybody bemused. The tension in the changing room was immense. Not only were Ronnie and Carter shocked but as were most the team. Both feeling aggrieved to be dropped having been named in the starting line up the week before when the game was called off. Ronnie made way for the return of Luke Clifford pushing Cosgrove in to an unfamiliar striker role. There was also a immediate return to the starting line up for Simon Clifford having spent the last few weeks in his house on a Sunday morning as I am lead to believe it was too cold outside for him to play. Many people will look at this decision by the management and wonder why turn up to training and matches every week to then be dropped when not been playing badly for the manager’s favourites.
Welton lined up with Mayhem replacing the absent Rick - Deeeeeeeeeeeecent. An unfamiliar yet solid looking back three of Dhinny, S. Clifford and Ross. A midfield of Gord, Storky, Tom and Craig Wilko and Luke wide on the left. Up front saw the target man Cosgrove side by side with all round player Scotty.
Welton started the game brightly. Straight from the CW kick off the ball fell to the feet of the shaky left back who was closed down by the ever-reliable Gordon. He dispossessed the full back, skipped past a further challenge before wasting the cross that glanced of Coupland’s head for a goal kick. The Welton fans would be pleased to see a better start to the game after recent week’s performances. Frustration soon began to creep in though. Luke was looking like a division 5 player yet his pure pace is always a threat. He can create a goal out of nothing but today was not his day. I for one question why he is not playing at a higher level on a Saturday but today’s game answered that for me. His brother Simon knows about his brothers ability better than anyone but despite trying to pick him out from 60 yards 10 times in a row he still didn’t realise it wasn’t working.
Eagle were playing a very high line and it was only a matter of time before the breakthrough. The breakthrough came through a player in goal scoring form. Gordon whipped a routine corner to Tom Wilkinson who flicked it on to Storky arriving late to get his 3rd goal in 2 games, all of which headers from a Gordon corner. It was not long until the second followed. An over hit through ball by Gordon after he rounded two players was well chased down by Coupland, The keeper hit his clearance in to Scott’s face giving him a empty net to tap in to. Welton were now beginning to get in control and Eagle never looked like threatening, The only threat was for Simon Clifford’s leg. Before the game all the team chipped in a fiver and gave it to their striker and told him to put Simon out for the season. He tried his best with a late stamp on the gobby centre back. Despite the referee being one of the best in the league he failed to give the Eagle front man a booking. Retribution was had as promised by Gord. He told Simon he would get the player back having felt slightly guilty for organising the get Simon injured kitty. The striker was floored by a late challenge in front of the reserve team supporting the firsts all dressed as Santa. Gord escaped a booking despite the ref claiming to know what he was doing.
A third goal was inevitable and it came through the three players Welton have relied upon in the last few weeks to create and score the goals. Gordon found himself with enough time to ping the ball on to Tom Wilko’s diving header which was unlucky to bounce back of the upright to poacher Coupland to put in his second tap in of the game.
HALF TIME
Eagle came out in the second half with a point to prove. Apart from the left back. He said he couldn’t face being megged again and so he pulled up with a hamstring injury. Everybody at
With 60 minutes on the clock the reserves chirped up with a cry of we want Carter, and to their delight the leading goal scorer in training came on accompanied by the prolific Ronnie. Both clearly out to make a good impression. Carter was constantly involved getting the ball down and giving it simple and quick, however it was Ronnie who had the chance to prove the management they were wrong to drop him.A cross from Tom Wilkinson landed straight on Ronnies head, only for him to put the chance over. The fourth and final goal soon followed. It was that dynamic trio again. Close interplay between Coupland, Gordon and T. Wilkinson saw the latter played through by Gordon to show more composure this time, and wrap up the game. 4 – 0 not convincing but a win is a win and we are in the hat for the next round.
Player Ratings
Mayhem 8 (8) throwing occasionally risky
Dhindsa 9 (7) gave it simple and won every challenge. Shouldn’t have been defender subbed.
S. Clifford 8 (8) tries too many passes to his brother when he hasn’t got it in his locker.
Gordon 9 (5) creates chances for fun.
Stocks 8 (8) disciplined as ever and great goal.
C. Wilkinson 7 (6) sometimes needs to release the ball sooner
T. Wilkinson 9 (9) battles for everything. Never stops running. A constant Threat
L. Clifford 4 (2) should have been dragged at half time
S. Coupland 9 (9) would be the first to admit he should have taken more chances.
C. Cosgrove 7 (6) never been a striker. Good Touch and passing though
Subs
Snookes 7 - Brings strength to the defence that nobody else can offer
Carter 7 - Unfortunate to be dropped.
Ronnie 6 - Missed his big chance to prove his doubters wrong