12th Apri 2009
Welton S&SC FC Res' v GE Millers Arms Res'
After a an excellent result the previous week, and results going their way mid-week the Res's arrived at Social Park in confident mood ahead of their game against Eagle Reserves. As the teams lined-up there were some questionable members of the Eagle squad that would later be revealed.
It was the opposition who began the game the brighter of the two teams, winning the midfield battle despite being a man light in that department. The first notable incident in the half though went the way of Welton. A through ball by Brothwell sent the pacy Ottewell on his way and as the covering defender came round, he was crudely body checked but the defender escaped with only a warning. Eagle continued to pose problem for the home side, but without really threatening the goal, Jones being very commanding in the air, claiming everything.
Welton came close on two occasions with Mark Daley free kicks, both expertly turned away by the young goalkeeper much to the veterans dismay. Mulhall then came close from the resulting corner but could only shin the ball wide from 3 yards out. Next it was Eagle to threaten, a ball over the top caught the back three flat footed, the forward ran through and lofted the ball over the advancing Jones, but turned to see Mottram waving his yellow flag and the offside was awarded. It was Mottram again who was in the next big incident where the referee accused the Welton linesman of being unsure of the rules and questioned his suitability. Brothwell also came close in the first half capitalising on a bouncing ball but his left footed drive was lamb shanked high wide and handsome. The first half ended with the score 0-0.
Welton were the stronger side in the second half, but were still failing to make too many clear cut chances, either delaying the final strike too long or trying one too many turns in the penalty area. Defensively the Welton defence was holding firm with what Eagle threw at them either along the ground or in the air. The real turning point in the game was about to occur however, GE Millers 1st team goalkeeper Rick Duffin jogged onto the field to have a run out despite playing 20+ games for the 1sts and playing under the surname of 'Lawson'. Take your pick from the errors there. It became more ironic when Millers took the lead from a flick on from the man in question, Jones remained rooted to his line rather than coming for the ball and the classy forward advanced all the way up to him and rifled it into the back of the net.
The remainder of the game was mainly in the oppositions half due to some excellent football and Warmen unleashing shot after shot high and wide making sure the Millers keeper had plenty of practice at goal kicks. One good move down the left saw a header off Munn go agonisingly past the post and as Welton pushed on, substitute Mottram forced a terrific save from the keeper as the header looked destined for the bottom corner. Welton could not force the equaliser, and it made the final score irrelevant at 1-0, as a 3-0 walkover to Welton will surely appear due to a number of tecnicaliies from the opposition, two 16 year olds, and 1st teamer Rick Duffin.
Match Ratings
M. Jones – 8 – Played very well again, but possibly at fault for the goal.
G. Evans – 7 – Another good performer, starting to become more consistent, big lump on his ankle for his efforts.
J. Mulhall – 8 – Better from the Mole.
D. Carlile -7 – Very competitive in the air.
L. Warman – 7 – Defensively sound, great in the air. Struggled going forward.
A. Munn – 7 – Flashes of the old Munn, still struggling with shoulder and ankle niggles.
M. Daley – 8 – After last week's horror put in a good performance.
S. Sawyer -7 – Not as composed aas the previous week, a bit too rushed.
R. Brothwell – 8 – Back in the starting line up, and full of desire. Some great through balls.
R. Ottewell – 8 – Despite a lack of goals tried hard up top.
K. Ryan – 8 – Arrived early, helped set up, and a constant thorn in the oppositions defence.
J. Mottram – 6 – Unfamiliar left side role. “There's no point in me being here Daley”.
M. Hardwicke – sub not used.
R. West – sub not used