Queen Bess may have gone a long way to losing the quarter final before a ball had even been kicked as many of their players decided to rest up for the big game by writing threatening messages on popular website http://www.wsscfc.blogspot.com/ some of which went as far as to call the Welton players farming bum boys.
Unimpressed by these comments Welton were more determined than ever to progress to the Semi final and Big Al sent out his charges in a 4-4-2 formation with Ossai in goal a back four of Taylor, Snookes, Chesman and
It was clear from the out set that Welton were in for a tough time as the impressive Bess side bombarded Weltons defence with balls up to the big number 11 and looked very dangerous through the trickery of their number 10 on the right wing. The first goal was going to be crucial and it very nearly arrived for Queen Bess had it not been for a world class save from Ossai. The ball somehow fell at the feet of number 11 who smashed a shot goalwards from about 8 yards out only to be denied by an incredible instinctive save from Ossai.
Welton suffered an injury set back when Tom Wilkinson pulled up with another hamstring injury. This injury looks set to keep the Welton midfielder on the sidelines for at least a month. Off went Wilkinson to be replaced by his name sake Craig Wilkinson.
The crucial first goal game in spectacular style and to the relief of the dozens crammed inside
Welton had worked hard to take the lead but were soon sent crashing back down to earth when from virtually the next attack Bess went straight up the other end and equalised. Keeper Rick Ossai thought he was fouled as a left wing cross was only partially cleared to the feet of the tricky right winger who composed himself well and clinically drilled the ball in through the crowded penalty area to send the teams in at the break 1-1 which was probably a fair reflection on how the game had gone.
Half Time 1-1
A very cagey second half ensued with neither side creating many clear cut chances, At 1-1 Welton were again indebted to Ossai who brilliantly denied the Bess number 11 when the forward was sent through one on one.
With both defenses firmly on top chance were few and far between with both sides forced to try their luck from distance. With ten minutes to go, extra time seemed inevitable much to the dismay of the nervous Welton fans who were facing up to the prospect of an extra half hour without a beer. But then from nowhere James Drabble took centre stage.
The Welton forward had been having an intriguing battle all game with Bess centre back Dippy. With the the Welton target man not getting a lot of change out of the menacing centre half but it was Drabble who had the last laugh against his foe as Drabble found space in the box and fired a screamer straight into Dippy junior. With his nemesis down checking the Dippy family jewels were all still in tact Drabble collected the rebound turned like a steam engine and lashed home a right footed effort into the top corner of the net, confusion ensued as the referee was franticly blowing his whistle. Welton players and fans alike thought they had been robbed of a goal but the whistle was to get help for the stricken Dippy and
That was to be Drabbles last action of the game as he was replaced by Tom Bowey. The Welton hitman milked the plaudits as
Welton were five minutes away from the semis and they saw out the remaining moments with a wonderful spell of possession which clearly angered the Bess boys as they launched themselves into tackles resulting in a couple of yellow cards, one challenge in particular was worthy of a straight red. Weltons quality on the ball eventually lead to a third goal which was no less than they deserved. Tremendous play down the left wing saw Coupland with the freedom of Welton and the goal at his mercy, Coupland unselfishly layed the ball across for Simon Clifford to tap home with his left foot and send Welton into the unknown territory of the County Cup semi finals, Where they have been drawn away to another Scunthorpe side The Auld South Yorkshire. Fans and players celebrated in style in the afternoon almost drinking the Social Club dry. The Socialites road to Sincil Bank is well and truly in the latter stages of the journey but after this fine victory the Bank is only 90 minutes away.
Match Ratings
Ossai (9) World class saves to keep Social in the game
Chesman (9) played through the pain barrier.
Snookes (9) Never gave the forwards a sniff
Carter (8) looks at home at right back
Clifford L (9) a constant threat. Spectacular strike
Stocks (8) dominated the midfield
T Wilkinson (5) looks like a nasty injury
S Clifford (8) took his goal well, a genuine threat
Drabble (8) incredible goal
Coupland (9) unselfish performance always looking for the ball
Subs
C Wilkinson (8) much better performance, will be missed next week.
Bowey (7) little time to make impact, flashes of magic.
Lurchy Loved
Chesman***
Snookes**
Stocks *
Can we have you?
A lot of good players. Number 11 upfront was a real handful and the two centre backs both had good games but the pick of the bunch has to be number 10, scored the goal and was a constant threat throughout.
You’re not very good!
Difficult to pick anyone but number twos challenge at the end was horrific.