5th April 2009
Welton Res's v AFC West End
Big game at Social Park saw the Res' arrive in a bouyant mood. As they prepared though there appeared to be one notable absentee, attacking stalwart Kevin Ryan, he arrived so late it he missed kick off.
The game began very brightly with Welton showing plenty of attacking vervour that looked very ominous for the travelling fans. However not long into the game and anchor man Phil Kelsey had to withdraw with a tight hamstring, which saw the introduction of the only recently arrived Kev Ryan. The first major chance of the match, a free kick in a dangerous position saw a lovely ball played over by Daley, and Carlile who had beaten the offside trap put his diving header wide of the post. Soon after though it was Carlile who made it 1-0, the ball popped out to him on the edge of the box, he lofted it back into the box for someone to attack but the bounce on the ball cleared the advancing keeper, hit the bar and dropped into the net.
West End started to come back into the game now with raids down both flanks but all crosses were easily gathered by Jones in the Welton sticks. Another through ball down the left by West End was easily intercepted by Evans, but was brutally hacked down by the left winger Liam Tonks from behind, but somehow escaped a booking. Moments later a sloppy ball from evergreen Mark Daley resulted in pay back, with an X-rated knee high lunge on Tonks which saw the Scowse/Safa see the red card brandished in his direction. Welton held out for the remainder of the half to leave the field 1-0 up.
Welton again started the second half very brightly and any forward pushes were stopped by a very capable Welton back 3 who cut out everything that was thrown at them. It was Welton that then went 2-0 up, a mazy run from Alex Munn saw him crudely taken down, and as the ref was about to point to the spot, Kev Ryan pounced on the ball and slotted home.
There were plenty more chances for Welton with Welton flyer Ottewell guilty of missing three or four chances failing to find the 'what's it called again' target. More Ryan practice needed for Ottewell. As a result on a rare West End break they managed to pull a goal back to make it 2-1. Hardwicke came on for Sawyer to bring in some fresh legs and Welton held on for a very good 2-1 victory.
Match Ratings
M. Jones – 8 – A couple of hairy moments, but pulled off some fine saves.
G. Evans – 9 – Terrific display, kept the danger man in his pocket all game.
J. Mulhall – 8 – Steady at the back, a danger at set plays.
D.Carlile – 9 – Kept the back three well organised. Scored.
L. Warman – 8 – Full of energy on the right hand side, helped protect Evans.
P. Kelsey – 4 – Lasted about 9 minutes before withdrawing with an injury.
M. Daley – 5 – Lasted about 20 minutes before and X-rated challenge.
S. Sawyer – 8 – Looked comfortable in midfield.
R. Ottewell – 8 – Ran his socks, out on his feet by the end.
M. Wilkinson – 7 – Worked hard but was relatively ineffective.
A. Munn – 7 – Signs of coming back to his best.
K. Ryan – 8 – Looked good for a good night sleep. Scored.
M. Hardwicke – 7 – Had little time to impact.
R. Brothwell – Sub not used. - 10 – Terrific linesman, kept up the banter.
Tommy's M.O.T.M. - D. Carlile