WELTON DENIED VICTORY

Welton Sports & Social Club had to settle for a draw against league rivals FC Victory in last Sundays clash at the Cowpaddle. Welton fought back from 2 goals down to earn a deserved point thanks to a last minute equaliser from the impressive Coupland.

Players and fans had to endure near freezing temperature for Sundays game. Welton lined up with Ossai returning in goal. He was protected by a back three of Carter, Dhindsa and Taylor. With Luke Clifford unfortunately ruled out due to injury Sutton replaced him on the left of midfield, Gordon occupied the right flank, with Craig and Tom Wilkinson joining captain Stocks in midfield. Coupland and Drabble continued up front.

Victory have always provided tough opposition in the past and the sides met three times last season. One was a draw, one a Victory win and one ended up with Welton winning on penalties. Welton soon knew they were in for another tough battle as the game began and it wasn’t long before they were one nil down. A defensive error led to the ball falling to Victorys big target man Robinson who needed no second invitation before firing his side into a one nil lead.

If that wasn’t a wake up call for the sloppy Welton then they soon got one 10 minutes later as Robinson capitalised on another defensive error to once more slide the ball pass the exposed Ossai.

This time Welton did react and dominated possession for the rest of the first half. Whilst they did not create many clear cut chances it never looked far away as Victory were looking more and more vulnerable at the back.

Half Time

Welton began the second half in positive style with Wilkinson and Coupland combining well only to see their efforts blocked by the Victory defence. Welton were battering down the Victory door and Coupland was becoming more and more influential in trying to create something for his side. The breakthrough eventually came when a good move saw the ball fall to Gordon who composed himself to calmy slot home past two defenders on the line.

This spurred Welton on, and they continued to fight for the equaliser they deserved. Sutton was replaced by Warman on the right side of midfield, and Drabble was forced off through injury with 5 minutes to go to be replaced by Begag.

It looked as though it was going to be one of those mornings for the Socialites but their driving force throughout the game never gave up and Coupland finally got the goal he deserved. With the clock well into injury time Coupland picked the ball up 25 yards out and fired a shot at goal, it deflected off a defender and flew into the far corner giving the keeper no chance.

While there was an element of fortune about Weltons goal it was no more than they deserved as since there goals Victory never threatened to increase their goal tally. Welton could have stolen three points at the death as a long throw was nearly met by the head of the on rushing Dhindsa but it went over his heads by inches. The full time whistle went straight after and Welton had to settle for a point but this meant there prawn sandwiches would taste that little bit nicer. At 2 – 0 down early on Welton may have taken a point but this will have to go down as 2 points dropped as G E Millers extended their lead at the top to 5 points with a resounding 8 – 0 win against Tower Athletic.

Match Ratings

Ossai (7) left exposed for the goals made a crucial early save
Taylor (6) as with all of the defence shocking first half improved in the second.
Dhindsa (6) at fault for the first goal but recovered well.
Carter (6) all at sea in the first half.
Stocks (6) failed to dominate the centre of the park, very vocal though
C Wilkinson (7) responsible performance, never missed a tackle
T Wilkinson (7) threatening in the first half, perhaps should have scored in the 2nd
Gordon (7) adapted well down the left took his goal well
Sutton (6) wasn’t at 100%, taken off when he was beginning to make an impact
Drabble (6) made little impact, forced off with injury
Coupland (8) had to hunt for the ball, Scored a deserved goal late on.

Subs
Warman (7) looked threatening when he came on
Bagad (6) made little impact

Paceys Bonus Points
C Wilkinson ***
T Wilkinson **
Gordon *

Dream team top scorer…………….
8 Sam Gordon
Mins played 90…2Goal (1) ………..5Bonus…………...1Total…………….8

Can we have you?
No real stand out players considering there lofty league position. Attackers were gifted the goals and didn’t create much other than the goals and the defence were lucky to only concede 2. So we’ll have to say the post match sandwiches.

You’re not very good!
Stokes good defender but lucky to have not been sent off again!