Welcome to the Welton FC Under 9 Match Reports for 2007/08

Sunday 27th April: Welton 2 – 5 Metheringham
The Under 9s finished their season with a visit from championship hopefuls Metheringham who confirmed their promotion with a 5-2 victory.

Welton kicked off in fine, warm conditions as the heavy rain that the BBC website still insisted was due continued to hold off, and it was they who had the better of the opening exchanges. With just under five minutes played Owen Parry’s through ball almost released Callum Gray before Parry himself had an effort wide. A nice build-up involving Owen Parry, Callum Gray, Daniel Clark and Jack Bullivant ended with Bullivant’s shot going wide, but it was Metheringham who opened the scoring just after the mid-point of the half. Moments later Peter Yarnell’s excellent clearance found Owen Parry who played a good ball through to Callum Gray, but the keeper was alert to the danger and the break was taken with Metheringham 1-0 ahead.

Welton began the second half strongly with Owen Parry having an early effort over, but with four minutes played a matter of inches proved to be the difference between Welton drawing level and Metheringham putting the game further out of their reach. A Daniel Clark pass found Callum Gray who slammed a fine shot onto the post, only for Metheringham to pick up the rebound, run straight down the other end and double their lead. Callum Gray and Sam Cooke then combined to create a chance for Daniel Clark whose shot was well charged down, but Metheringham now began to stamp their authority on the game forcing a string of corners, the delivery of which was excellent and eventually led to a third goal. Two more corners, both given away rather cheaply, led to two more goals and at 5-0 up Metheringham were cruising towards promotion. Daniel Clark knocked in two good goals in the closing minutes, one from a Callum Gray pass, the second a rebound from a Callum Gray shot but it was too late to deny Metheringham who now have a title decider with Heighington next week.

Despite today’s defeat Welton can look back on this season with pride and the progress they have made has been excellent. The football that the boys play is as good as any other team in this league and has been a pleasure to watch, and it certainly isn’t unrealistic to hope that they can mount a serious challenge next season. Finally, congratulations to Metheringham and Heighington on their promotion and best of luck to both teams in the ‘A’ league next season.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, GRAY, BUNDOCK, COOKE

Goalscorers: CLARK (2)
 
Man of the Match: DANIEL CLARK

Sunday 20th April: Fishtoft ‘B’ 1 – 15 Welton
The Under 9s made a second successive trip across to Boston where they recorded their biggest ever victory with a 15-1 triumph over Fishtoft ‘B’

A friendly game yesterday against a Sheffield United academy side saw the boys soundly beaten and given a lesson in how to pass the ball around. The important thing, they were told, was not the result but the lesson and with a minute played Sam Cooke threaded a perfectly weighted through ball to Callum Gray who calmly opened the scoring. Minutes later Gray doubled the lead when he knocked in the rebound after a Jack Bullivant effort had been saved and Welton were already looking comfortable. Fishtoft then forced a string of corners while Owen Parry almost found the net from the halfway line, before Jack Bullivant set up Sam Cooke to make it 3-0. Fishtoft continued to push forward and forced several more corners but the woodwork and a brilliant save by Kyle Tomlinson prevented them from reducing the deficit. With a little under twenty minutes played Sam Cooke headed over and two minutes later his high ball into the box was palmed down to Jack Bullivant who made it 4-0. The rest of the half saw the visitors run riot as Jack Bullivant and Sam Champion supplied Sam Cooke for the fifth and sixth before Bullivant knocked in the seventh and Callum Gray the eighth. Some great defending by Peter Yarnell denied Fishtoft on the stroke of half-time and the break was taken with Welton 8-0 ahead.

The second half saw no let-up from the visitors and the first ten minutes saw Callum Gray (2) and an excellent strike by Daniel Clark extend their lead to 11-0, Gray’s second goal being his fiftieth for the club. Minutes later some lovely play between Daniel Clark, Callum Gray and Jack Bullivant finished with Bullivant scoring the twelfth to complete Welton’s third hat-trick of the day. With just under ten minutes remaining Sam Cooke lashed a blistering shot into the roof of the net to make it 13-0 before Fishtoft’s attacking endeavours were finally rewarded with a goal. Moments later Welton’s fans gave their biggest cheer of the day when Jack Bundock slotted home his first ever goal for the club, and as the seconds ticked away Callum Gray had time to score his sixth goal of the game, a new team record.

This was an excellent team performance by Welton and again all the boys were rewarded with a share of the Man of the Match award. The finishing was outstanding and clinical and was the type of goalscoring blitz that the boys have been threatening for a while now. The defence and keeper also had to play very well to restrict Fishtoft to just one goal despite them winning over twenty corners. The Fishtoft boys should also be given credit for their contribution to an exciting game and for not stopping battling until the final whistle blew.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, PARRY, BULLIVANT, GRAY, COOKE, CHAMPION, CLARK,

Goalscorers: GRAY (6), COOKE (4), BULLIVANT (3), CLARK, BUNDOCK

Men of the Match: THE WHOLE TEAM

Sunday 13th April: Wyberton 5 – 2 Welton
The Under 9s made the long trip across to Boston for the second meeting with fellow promotion seekers Wyberton in just over a month and, as they did in the first game, matched strong opponents in virtually every area of the pitch yet still finished heavily beaten.

The home side were quick out of the blocks and Callum Gray stopped one on the line in the opening minute before Welton hit back as Daniel Clark twice found Sam Cooke who was foiled by the keeper each time. Some good defending by Peter Yarnell and a couple of Kyle Tomlinson saves kept the hosts out while at the other end Callum Gray had a shot deflected wide before Sam Champion lashed a shot past the post from the resulting corner. With just over twenty minutes played Wyberton took the lead, ironically considering the tight passing game they play, when a forward latched onto a long ball out of defence and rounded Kyle Tomlinson to tap home. Welton almost hit straight back when some good football between Jack Bullivant and Sam Cooke finished with Bullivant volleying wide. Minutes later Wyberton hit the bar, but it was Welton who found the net with stoppage time being played when Sam Cooke chased down a defender to win the ball on the right before knocking it through to Callum Gray who teed up Jack Bullivant to fire home.

Welton took the lead early in the second half as a slick build-up ended with Sam Cooke prodding Owen Parry’s through ball into the path of Daniel Clark who finished emphatically. A Jack Bundock clearance stopped Wyberton as they went for a quick response, but it was the visitors who were knocking the ball around very nicely now and Daniel Clark almost extended their lead when he flicked a Jack Bullivant free-kick inches wide. However, midway through the half a Wyberton cross found its way into the net and the scores were level again. The rest of the game saw both teams play some excellent football that was a real joy to watch, but it was Wyberton who added three more goals, almost at exact five minute intervals, to secure a rather flattering 5-2 victory.

Once again Welton cannot be faulted for their effort and commitment, or the quality of their football, and although the defeat effectively ends their promotion hopes the boys should be very proud of the progress they have made this season.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, CHAMPION, CLARK, GRAY, COOKE, PARRY, BULLIVANT

Goalscorers: BULLIVANT, CLARK

Men of the Match: SAM CHAMPION, SAM COOKE & PETER YARNELL

Saturday 12th April: Welton 0 – 0 Heighington
Weather, Easter and illness had given the Under 9s four weekends without a game prior to today, but there were few signs of rustiness as the points were shared with the high quality visitors from Heighington.

Heighington kicked off as the customary breeze blew across the ground and it was they who had the better of the opening ten minutes, with a timely intervention by Owen Parry and a Kyle Tomlinson save keeping them out. Welton gradually began to shake off the cobwebs and Sam Cooke forced a good save out of the keeper at his near post before knocking a Sam Champion throw-in into the path of Jack Bullivant who rifled a shot over the bar. Bullivant and Daniel Clark then combined to create a chance for Callum Gray who brought a save out of the keeper, while an excellent block and tackle by Sam Champion ensured the teams were still deadlocked at the break.

Both teams began the second half positively and Daniel Clark had come within a whisker of releasing Jack Bullivant while Peter Yarnell had thwarted a Heighington attack before a minute had been played. However, despite the attacking intent it was the defences who were winning the day, with Kyle Tomlinson making a couple of good saves while Welton dealt with Heighington’s threatening corners as well as they have all season. At the other end Daniel Clark had a fine effort saved and good defending foiled some neat interplay between Clark, Sam Cooke and Callum Gray before any of them could get a shot away. As the game entered its final five minutes both sides continued to push for what would surely now be a decisive goal. Daniel Clark had an effort turned away before shooting wide from the resulting corner, and Callum Gray then released Sam Cooke whose touch took him clear of the defenders before he was fractionally beaten to the ball by the alert keeper dashing off his line. Heighington had their chances late on too; a brilliant tackle on the edge of the box by Jack Bundock denied a forward what would have been a golden opportunity to seal the points, and the game drew to a close with Kyle Tomlinson casually pushing an inswinging corner, that was destined for the top corner, over the bar.

This was an excellent game of football played in great spirit by two talented teams, both still pushing for promotion. For Welton all nine boys were given the Man of the Match award for the third time this season as every one of them contributed to a fine team performance.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, BUNDOCK

Men of the Match: THE WHOLE TEAM

Sunday 9th March: Welton 1 – 4 Wyberton Colts
On a bright, not as breezy as feared morning, Welton welcomed Wyberton Colts to Scampton for a clash between two of the form teams in the division; Welton having taken nine of the last ten points on offer, Wyberton all ten.

Welton kicked off and had the better of the opening exchanges as Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke were both thwarted by the visiting keeper, Callum Gray the creator of both chances. Wyberton then had an effort over before a great ball by Daniel Clark almost released Sam Cooke who was narrowly beaten to the ball by the keeper. Callum Gray continued to create problems for the visitors setting up two further chances for Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke, but the Wyberton number one was again up to the task of keeping them out. Daniel Clark had a shot wide midway through the half but by now Wyberton had got themselves into the game and were knocking the ball around very nicely, and it was they who went ahead after a scramble in the box on twenty minutes. The hosts looked to hit back with Callum Gray having a shot wide and Daniel Clark seeing a great shot brilliantly tipped onto the post, the ball rebounding inches away from the incoming Sam Cooke and into the keeper’s arms. As half-time approached Kyle Tomlinson pushed a good effort onto the bar before Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark combined to make a chance for Callum Gray who finished superbly to make it 1-1 at the break.

Welton began the second half brightly but still the Wyberton keeper denied them, saving from Jack Bullivant and Callum Gray. The visitors then began to apply some pressure and regained the lead ten minutes into the half. Good defending by Jack Bundock, Sam Champion and Peter Yarnell kept things at 2-1 for the next dozen minutes but then two goals in the space of a minute put the game out of Welton’s reach. With time running out Owen Parry limped off having run himself into the ground as usual, and the game finished with yet another good save denying Jack Bullivant a consolation goal for the hosts.

Although the result was disappointing the boys cannot be faulted for effort, commitment or the quality of their football, and 4-1 is not really a fair reflection of the play. The game was a pleasure to watch with two evenly matched teams passing the ball around beautifully. Ultimately, though, Wyberton were just that little bit stronger, and it was the excellence of their keeper in restricting Welton to one goal from ten shots on target that proved the difference.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, CLARK, GRAY, COOKE, BULLIVANT, BUNDOCK

Goalscorer: GRAY
 
Men of the Match: SAM CHAMPION & PETER YARNELL

Sunday 24th February: Young Dons 1 – 2 Welton
The Under 9s returned to the top of the league with a hard earned 2-1 victory at Young Dons. Welton kicked off looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games and created a couple of early chances, Daniel Clark firing wide while Callum Gray was foiled by the keeper. With six minutes on the clock the home side forced a good save out of Kyle Tomlinson, and moments later Callum Gray was again thwarted by the home keeper. Daniel Clark then had a shot blocked, having been played in by Owen Parry, but soon afterwards Young Dons took the lead. Welton briefly threatened to fight back with Jack Bullivant having efforts wide and saved but as the half wore on they looked increasingly lacklustre and Young Dons began to take control of the game. Some good defending by Peter Yarnell and Jack Bundock and a couple of saves by Kyle Tomlinson ensured that no further goals were conceded and the break was taken with the hosts one-up.

With ears stinging from a half-time roasting it was a more determined Welton who appeared for the second half and within a minute Sam Cooke had battled to win the ball in the Young Dons box before striking it against the outside of the post. Early in the half Sam Champion replaced Kyle Tomlinson between the sticks and was soon in the action making an excellent save low to his left to prevent the hosts going 2-0 up. Welton then began to apply some pressure with Daniel Clark having an effort saved and another one against the post, but Young Dons were backing up their outstanding keeper with some resolute defending. Midway through the half the Dons showed that they still posed a danger going forward when they too hit a post before Jack Bundock gratefully cleared the rebound. Welton then changed formation, going with two up front as they sought to get back on level terms, and it didn’t take long for the change to pay dividends. With a little under twenty minutes played Sam Cooke was quickest to react, poking the ball home after Daniel Clark’s looping shot had come back off the bar, and just thirty-four seconds later Welton took the lead. Callum Gray picked the ball up from the restart and found Daniel Clark who sent across an excellent ball into the home box where Sam Cooke was on hand to fire it home. A minute later Cooke was denied by a great tackle and although both teams forced a couple of corners no more real chances were created and it was Welton who finished the game as 2-1 winners.

The boys deserve great credit for the manner in which they responded in the second half, battling back to turn the game around. Credit should also go to Young Dons who contributed a great deal to this match and whose league position most definitely does not reflect the way they play their football.

Team: TOMLINSON, BUNDOCK, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, GRAY, COOKE, YARNELL

Goalscorers: COOKE (2)
 
Man of the Match: DANIEL CLARK

Sunday 17th February: Welton 8 – 2 Coningsby
Despite the loss of both Sam Cooke and Peter Yarnell through illness, Welton produced a clinical display to extend their unbeaten run to four games. After a fifteen minute delay to allow the pitch time to thaw out, the home team quickly got into their stride and took the lead inside a minute when Callum Gray and Jack Bullivant combined to create a chance which Daniel Clark neatly slotted home. Within seconds of the restart Welton had doubled their advantage when a Callum Gray shot was deflected into the visiting team’s net. A frenetic opening was completed when Coningsby pulled a goal back to make the score 2-1 with less than three minutes played.

The rest of the half saw no let up in the action as Welton continued to play some exhilarating attacking football. They extended their lead in the tenth minute when a pass by Daniel Clark released Callum Gray who calmly slotted the ball home and ten minutes later another flowing move culminated in Jack Bullivant sweeping the ball into the net. Although Welton continued to dominate, Coningsby did enjoy their best period of the game just before half-time and it took two outstanding saves from Kyle Tomlinson to maintain Welton’s three-goal advantage at the break.  

Welton again got off to a flyer in the second period, with Jack Bullivant extending the lead after only two minutes and the home team continued to control the game throughout the half. Strong defensive performances from Jack Bundock, Sam Champion and Owen Parry thwarted any Coningsby’s forays into the Welton half, while the home team’s attacking trio continued to create chances. A further three goals were added at regular intervals with Gray and Bullivant completing their hat-tricks and Clark grabbing his second. Coningsby did keep going right to the final whistle, though, and this endeavour earned them their second goal of the game in the dying minutes.     

Although the man of the match award was shared by the two hat-trick scorers, this was another fine team performance by Welton. Indeed, all seven boys played a full part in this comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining victory which keeps Welton’s title challenge firmly on track.

Team: TOMLINSON, BUNDOCK, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, GRAY

Goalscorers: CLARK (2), GRAY (3), BULLIVANT (3)

Men of the Match: CALLUM GRAY & JACK BULLIVANT

Sunday 3rd February: Ruskington Lions ‘B’ 2 – 2 Welton
On a cold, breezy morning the Under 9s made the trip to Ruskington for the second top-of-the-table clash of the season between these two teams.

Ruskington kicked off with the wind behind them, but it was Welton who almost took the lead with only fourteen seconds on the clock when Sam Cooke crossed for Daniel Clark whose shot was turned away for a corner. Ruskington then forced a string of corners of their own, but a couple of good pieces of defending by Sam Champion helped ensure that the mid-point of the half was reached with the score still 0-0. A very good save by Kyle Tomlinson kept the hosts out before Daniel Clark and Callum Gray linked well to find Jack Bullivant whose well struck shot was brilliantly saved by the home keeper diving to his left. The hosts then showed just how dangerous they can be as they broke out at top speed, with a fluent move ending with them taking the lead. Ruskington then pressed for a second and some good defending by Peter Yarnell kept them out while Jack Bundock deflected a shot behind. A neat flick from the resulting corner almost found its way in but Daniel Clark was alert to the danger, heading clear at the back post. Clark then came close to grabbing an equaliser at the other end, but saw the keeper make an outstanding double save to keep Ruskington ahead at the break.

Welton began the second half strongly, winning an early free-kick which Jack Bundock thumped inches wide, and with just over five minutes played the equaliser went in. Daniel Clark’s throw-in found Callum Gray who laid the ball off for Jack Bullivant to smash an excellent strike into the net. Three minutes later the visitors almost scored an exact copy but this time Bullivant’s curling left foot shot came back off the bar. Ruskington then began to hit back with Owen Parry defending well to maintain parity, but with fourteen minutes played Welton conceded a second to find themselves behind again. Despite the cold there was no let-up in the pace or the quality of the play from both teams and with a little over seven minutes to play Welton produced one of their moments of the season. Callum Gray swung over a corner which was brilliantly met by Daniel Clark, thundering an unstoppable header home to bring the scores level again. Both teams then had chances to secure the points in the closing stages as Daniel Clark put a shot wide having been picked out by Callum Gray’s excellent cross, while Ruskington hit a post in injury time. Neither team found the net again, though, and 2-2 was a fair result of a thrilling game.

Once again the boys battled hard and all contributed to another fine team performance and for the second time this season the whole team were given the Man of the Match award. Special mention, though, should go to Daniel Clark whose performance can be summed up by two contrasting headers. The first, on his own goal line, stopped Ruskington from going 2-0 up before half-time, while the second, a bullet into the opposition net, earned Welton a share of the points

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, BUNDOCK, GRAY

Goalscorers: BULLIVANT, CLARK

Men of the Match: THE WHOLE TEAM

Sunday 27th January: Welton 4 – 1 Fishtoft ‘B’
On a bright, not too breezy afternoon at Scampton the Under 9s moved back to the top of the league table with another very good and disciplined performance against a battling Fishtoft ‘B’.

The hosts had the better of the opening exchanges with Sam Cooke and Callum Gray both testing the visiting keeper, while at the other end Jack Bundock, Peter Yarnell and Owen Parry snuffed out any attacks to deny Fishtoft any real opportunities. Midway through the half Daniel Clark found Sam Cooke who jinked his way into the box before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Five minutes later Welton went two-up with Daniel Clark again the provider, this time for Callum Gray whose powerful strike found the net via the unlucky keeper’s push onto the inside of the post. With half-time looming Fishtoft pulled a goal back with a speculative effort to leave things delicately poised at the break.

The second half began with Welton almost immediately losing Daniel Clark with a knee injury. Four minutes in, though, Sam Cooke latched onto Peter Yarnell’s clearance and rounded the keeper to put the hosts 3-1 ahead. Minutes later Jack Bullivant had a shot blocked before Owen Parry lashed the loose ball just over the bar as Welton looked to extend their lead further. With the mid-point of the half approaching a Callum Gray shot hit the post, but soon afterwards Owen Parry became the second Welton player to limp out of the action. Sam Champion slotted into the defensive midfielder role, intercepting a number of clearances and through balls to ensure that most of the action remained in the Fishtoft half. With a little over eleven minutes remaining Jack Bullivant sent over a terrific cross from the right for Sam Cooke who calmly brought the ball down and completed Welton’s first hat-trick of the season. The final ten minutes saw Fishtoft have an effort just wide and a volley over the bar, while Jack Bullivant, Sam Cooke and Callum Gray all forced saves out of the visiting keeper. No further goals were added, though, and the final whistle saw Welton secure a 4-1 victory.

This was another excellent team performance by Welton, with all the team contributing to the win. The defence dealt confidently with everything thrown at them giving Kyle Tomlinson a quiet day on his return from injury, while the attackers worked tirelessly to create the chances at the other end. However, the edge was taken off the victory a little by the two injuries, and the team’s best wishes are with Daniel Clark and Owen Parry for two speedy recoveries.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, PARRY, CLARK, GRAY, COOKE, BULLIVANT, CHAMPION

Goalscorers: COOKE (3), GRAY

Men of the Match: SAM CHAMPION & SAM COOKE

Sunday 20th January: Welton 3 – 0 Boston FDC
On a day when the weather took its toll on a number of games the Under 9s welcomed Boston FDC for their first visit to Scampton. An injury to Kyle Tomlinson forced the hosts to reshuffle with Callum Gray taking the number 1 jersey for the first half, and he was the first keeper called into action, saving a shot from distance after five minutes. With nine minutes on the clock Welton took the lead when Sam Cooke and Jack Bullivant combined to create a chance for Daniel Clark who made no mistake with the finish. The next fifteen minutes saw both teams play some neat passing football with neither side allowing the other to seize the initiative. Jack Bullivant, Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke all had chances for Welton, while at the other end Sam Champion and Peter Yarnell stood firm to deny Boston. Five minutes from half-time a fierce strike was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Callum Gray, cutting short the visiting fans who were celebrating the equaliser a split second too early. Moments later Gray made another excellent save low down to his right, and some good defending by Jack Bundock shortly afterwards allowed Welton to go into the break ahead.

The second half saw Sam Champion replace Callum Gray between the sticks and two minutes into the half Gray was having an impact outfield. His excellent through ball released Sam Cooke whose shot was well saved by the visiting keeper, but Gray had continued his run and was on hand to knock in the rebound and double Welton’s lead. Boston, as expected, continued to battle and were foiled by some good defending by Peter Yarnell and Owen Parry, while Callum Gray had a shot inches wide at the other end. Midway through the half a brilliant save by Sam Champion denied the visitors, before a good run by Sam Cooke ended with a save by Boston’s keeper. With a little over ten minutes to go Callum Gray scored Welton’s third when he swept home a Jack Bullivant corner, but still Boston continued to fight. A free-kick was scrambled away to a Boston player who hit a good shot from outside the box, bringing another fantastic save out of Sam Champion. Both teams continued to attack until the end with Jack Bullivant having a shot whistle over the bar and another one saved, while Peter Yarnell and Jack Bundock both defended well to deny the visitors what would have been a deserved goal.

This was an excellent, entertaining game of football with both teams knocking the ball about well, and a 3-0 final score doesn’t reflect Boston’s contribution to this match. Callum Gray’s saves and goals earned him a share of the Man of the Match award with Owen Parry, whose determination and fighting spirit spread to the whole team and summed up what is asked for from the boys. Special mention should also go to Sam Champion who produced another solid display at the back in the first half before pulling two excellent saves out of the bag in the second. Overall this was a very good team performance against a group of players, officials and supporters who are a pleasure to play against.

Team: GRAY, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, BUNDOCK

Goalscorers: CLARK, GRAY (2)

Men of the Match: CALLUM GRAY & OWEN PARRY

Sunday 13th January: Welton 1 – 4 Lowlands
The Under 9s resumed their league campaign after a five week lay-off with a 4-1 defeat at home to Lowlands.

Welton kicked off with a strong wind against them and fell behind with only a minute played. The next twenty minutes were played almost entirely in Welton’s half with Lowlands having a number of efforts wide, but struggling to hit the target. Peter Yarnell in particular was producing some excellent defending to stave off the visitors, and gradually Welton began to claw themselves back into the game, although they too didn’t really involve the keeper. With the referee poised to blow for half-time Lowlands put a shot wide and the break was taken with the hosts a goal down.

The second half began with Welton having the wind advantage, but again it was Lowlands who grabbed an early goal, doubling their lead after two minutes. Welton hit back, forcing their first corners of the game, and from the second of these Callum Gray slotted home to make it 1-2. Any thoughts of a comeback were quickly dashed though, as Lowlands went straight down the other end and added a third. Sadly, despite being 3-1 down, Welton failed to show too much urgency and the visitors began to take control, with a fourth goal beginning to look inevitable. With ten minutes remaining a shot was spooned over the bar from two yards out but moments later Lowlands did find the net again. A free-kick from midway in Welton’s half was saved by Kyle Tomlinson, but a Lowlands player was quickest to the loose ball and tapped in to complete the scoring.

After five weeks without a game Welton can be excused for being a little rusty, and Lowlands are certainly a very good side. However, the general lack of intensity from the boys in purple was disappointing, and they will have to play with more determination if they want to put in a realistic challenge in this division over the next three months.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, PARRY, BULLIVANT, COOKE, GRAY, CHAMPION, CLARK

Goalscorer: GRAY

Man of the Match: PETER YARNELL

Sunday 9th December: Nettleham 1 – 3 Welton
After two successive defeats the Under 9s showed tremendous character to bounce back and record a 3-1 win at Mulsanne Park against a strong and talented Nettleham side who had only lost one league game prior to today.

Sam Cooke forced a corner in the opening thirty seconds to signal Welton’s intent, while Nettleham responded with a couple of efforts wide to show that they were up for the fight. Some lovely interplay between Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke midway through the half ended with Cooke’s effort being saved, but the twenty minute mark passed with the teams still level. Nettleham had attacks foiled by Peter Yarnell and Owen Parry, but Kyle Tomlinson wasn’t really being troubled and with five minutes to go before half-time Welton took a deserved lead. Daniel Clark, back to his influential best after a bug, found Callum Gray who stormed into the Nettleham box and fired home to give the visitors the advantage at the break.

Callum Gray almost doubled Welton’s lead within twenty seconds of the restart, but the keeper got enough on the ball to deflect it agonisingly wide. Seven minutes into the half Welton did add a second with one of their best goals of the season so far. Some neat play in midfield released Callum Gray on the right from where he sent across an excellent centre which Daniel Clark swept in emphatically. Nettleham are not a team to throw in the towel, though, and within the space of five minutes Jack Bundock, Peter Yarnell and Sam Champion had all defended well to keep them out. An excellent ball out of defence by Jack Bundock found Jack Bullivant whose shot was saved and moments later Bullivant and Daniel Clark both had attempts wide as Welton went in search of a third, decisive goal. The hosts were also pushing forward, looking to get back into the game, but Welton held firm at the back and with injury time being played moved into a 3-0 lead. Sam Cooke burst through the Nettleham defence but was chopped down on the edge of the box with only the keeper ahead of him, and up stepped Jack Bullivant to cap a fine performance by thumping the free-kick into the net. With three minutes of stoppage time played Nettleham won a free-kick of their own which was converted with similar aplomb to make the final score 3-1 in Welton’s favour.

This was certainly one of Welton’s best performances of the season so far, particularly considering recent results. All the boys played with passion and commitment and were deservedly all given a share of the Man of the Match award. Seven wins by Christmas marks the best first half of a season that this team has ever had and the boys will now take a well earned rest for the festive season. Best wishes go out to all the players and their families for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, BUNDOCK, GRAY

Goalscorers: GRAY, CLARK, BULLIVANT

Men of the Match: THE WHOLE TEAM

Sunday 2nd December: Cherry Colts 3 – 1 Welton
The Under 9s slipped to a second successive defeat as they went down 3-1 on a damp, miserable morning at Cherry Colts. After last week’s heavy defeat the call was for more effort and commitment and for the first half Welton certainly provided that against a Cherry side who were much improved from the meeting earlier in the season. However, the second half was extremely disappointing from a Welton perspective as the hosts dished out what can only be described as a battering.

The first half began with Welton looking to rattle the home side early and they almost did when Jack Bullivant’s second minute cross took a deflection onto the crossbar. Two minutes later, though, Welton fell behind when a corner was neatly headed into the net. However, the visitors hit back straight from the restart when Jack Bullivant played a lovely through ball to Callum Gray who tucked it past the keeper. The rest of the half was fairly even with both teams creating chances. Kyle Tomlinson made two excellent saves while Jack Bullivant and Sam Cooke both got the Cherry keeper involved. As half-time approached Welton had a chance to take the lead with a well struck free kick by Callum Gray, but Cherry’s wall stood its ground and the break was taken at 1-1.

The next thirty minutes were played almost entirely in Welton’s half. Cherry played some neat football at times as Welton struggled to compete and went ahead after seven minutes. By now Cherry were cutting a swathe through Welton’s defences and a good save by Kyle Tomlinson and a little help from the woodwork only delayed the inevitable third goal, which came with fifteen minutes still to play. Peter Yarnell then made a brilliant tackle to prevent a fourth and moments later Sam Cooke’s strong run into the Cherry box gave Welton brief respite, although a brave save at his feet prevented him getting a proper shot away. More good defending by Peter Yarnell foiled the home side again while Jack Bullivant produced Welton’s second attacking action of the half as he made a good run down the right before cutting in and firing a shot wide. The game drew to a close with a flurry of Cherry corners and another shot against the post, but there was no further addition to the score and the hosts finished worthy 3-1 winners.

Once again Welton failed to play to their potential and reach the standards that had them looking like genuine contenders in this division. Owen Parry’s tough tackling and determination won him the Man of the Match award but ultimately Welton didn’t create enough chances and gave Cherry too much time and space allowing them to dictate the game.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, PARRY, BULLIVANT, COOKE, GRAY, CHAMPION, CLARK

Goalscorer: GRAY

Man of the Match: OWEN PARRY

Sunday 25th November: Metheringham 8 – 2 Welton
Welton’s six match unbeaten run came to an abrupt and disappointing end as they slumped to their heaviest defeat for nearly two years, going down 8-2 at Metheringham.

The hosts were immediately into their stride, forcing a save out of Kyle Tomlinson in the opening minute before taking the lead in the eighth, but Welton were soon back on level terms when Daniel Clark threaded the ball through to Sam Cooke who slotted home his tenth goal of the season. The rest of the half, though, saw Metheringham take control of the game. Their commitment and determination gave them the edge in the little battles all over the field and four more goals before the break gave them a healthy 5-1 lead.

Two early second half strikes extended Metheringham’s lead further as Welton continued to struggle to get into the game and but for some fine defending by Sam Champion there may well have been more goals. Meanwhile at the other end Jack Bullivant was working tirelessly, desperately trying to create something for the visitors and eventually got his reward when he hammered home after being played in by Daniel Clark. Minutes later Welton looked sure to score again but Daniel Clark, Callum Gray and Jack Bullivant all saw efforts either blocked or saved - the succession of Metheringham players throwing themselves in front of the ball summing up the difference between the two sides on the day. With seconds remaining the hosts added an eighth and it was something of a relief when the referee called a halt to proceedings.

Welton must now put this game behind them and look to bounce back next weekend at Cherry Colts. Credit must be given to Metheringham who played some lovely football at times, particularly going forward, and as well as winning comfortably they also won graciously, which is always good to see.

Team: TOMLINSON, CHAMPION, YARNELL, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, BUNDOCK, GRAY

Goalscorers: COOKE, BULLIVANT

Man of the Match: JACK BULLIVANT

Sunday 11th November: Welton 3 – 0 Young Dons
The Under 9s side-stepped a potential banana skin as they completed a 3-0 victory at home to Young Dons and returned to the top of division 9B.

Young Dons kicked off after an immaculately observed minute’s silence as they looked to record their first victory of the season – a surprising statistic given the ability in their team. Both teams came close to an early goal as Callum Gray fired a twenty-yard volley just over the bar, while at the other end Peter Yarnell made a brilliant block on the line where Jack Bundock was then on hand to clear the loose ball to safety. Midway through the half Callum Gray drilled in a low shot to give Welton the lead and a period of sustained pressure from the hosts followed. Daniel Clark forced a good save out of the keeper and minutes later hit a post, Sam Cooke putting the rebound over the bar. A neat bit of play between Callum Gray, Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke resulted in another save and then Gray had an effort wide and another saved. Great balls by Sam Cooke and Daniel Clark both deserved to lead to goals but Callum Gray was twice foiled, first by good defending and then by good goalkeeping, and Welton had to settle for being 1-0 up at the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern although Peter Yarnell made a number of timely interceptions and clearances to help give Kyle Tomlinson a quiet game between the posts. The visiting keeper, on the other hand, was kept very busy and made a number of excellent saves, reinforcing the view that he is one of the better keepers in the league. Jack Bullivant was thwarted three times in five minutes midway through the half and Callum Gray also had a couple of shots saved as Welton tried desperately to get the cushion of a second goal. With just over four minutes to play Welton finally doubled their lead when Daniel Clark found Sam Cooke who fired home a left foot shot. Young Dons almost pulled a goal straight back but some excellent defending by Jack Bundock kept them out. A goalmouth scramble followed a minute later when Sam Champion, Jack Bundock and Peter Yarnell took turns to charge down shots before Kyle Tomlinson plucked another one out of the air. With injury time being played Sam Champion halted the visitors with a great tackle before finding Callum Gray whose cross found Sam Cooke on the edge of the box. Cooke then beat two defenders before planting the ball into the net and wrapping up the victory.

This was another pleasing display which again saw the whole team contribute to the victory and battle to the end, with the two late goals giving the scoreline the respectability that the performance deserved.

Team: TOMLINSON, BUNDOCK, YARNELL, CHAMPION, BULLIVANT, GRAY, COOKE, CLARK

Goalscorers: GRAY, COOKE (2)

Man of the Match: PETER YARNELL

Sunday 4th November: Heighington 2 – 2 Welton
The Under 9s fought hard to salvage a point at Heighington, coming back from 2-0 down to go home with a 2-2 draw. The opening twenty minutes were fairly even with both teams looking to attack, although neither keeper was seriously tested. Some good defending by Sam Champion thwarted an early attack before Jack Bullivant put a free-kick wide and Daniel Clark had a cross charged down after a good run. Sam Champion and Peter Yarnell then combined well to halt another attack, while at the other end the keeper made a good save after Callum Gray had bundled his way through the home defence. With just over ten minutes gone Callum Gray saw a neat shot from a corner go inches wide and moments later Owen Parry defended well to keep things goalless at the mid-point of the half. Despite some excellent defending, in particular by Sam Champion, the hosts broke the deadlock on twenty-three minutes with a nicely taken goal after a good run down the left. A brilliant save by Kyle Tomlinson prevented Heighington from immediately doubling their lead, but the respite was brief as a minute later the second goal did go in. Welton tried to hit back before the break but Daniel Clark hit a shot over and Sam Cooke had a volley wide to leave the half-time score at 2-0.

The second period began with Welton under pressure again, but good defending by Peter Yarnell and a couple of good saves by Kyle Tomlinson ensured that the first ten minutes of the half didn’t see any addition to the score. Jack Bundock then made an excellent goal-line clearance and a few minutes later Sam Cooke gave the visitors a life-line when he drilled in a great strike from the edge of the box. Heighington almost hit straight back with an effort over the bar and then good defending by Sam Champion and Owen Parry kept Welton in the game. With a little over seven minutes remaining the hosts looked sure to wrap up the points but the shot from in front of goal was spooned over. Five minutes later they were made to pay when Daniel Clark found Callum Gray and with hearts in mouths all round the touchline Gray was the calmest person in Heighington as he tucked the ball past the keeper to give Welton a share of the spoils.

This was another thrilling exhibition of junior football, served up by two very good teams. Heighington will feel that they should have bagged both points, but Welton’s never-say-die attitude from all nine players is becoming a feature of their 2007/08 campaign.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, CLARK, BULLIVANT, GRAY, COOKE, BUNDOCK

Goalscorers: COOKE, GRAY

Man of the Match: SAM CHAMPION

Sunday 28th October: Welton 3 – 2 Ruskington Lions ‘B’
The Under 9s leap-frogged Ruskington Lions ‘B’ to go top of the league following a battling 3-2 victory as second met first at a blustery Scampton.

With the strong wind against them the first half was always likely to be a busy one for Welton’s defence and Kyle Tomlinson and Jack Bundock were both in action in the first few minutes to deny the visitors an early breakthrough. Welton’s first foray forward almost led to a goal on the five minute mark when Daniel Clark had a shot turned onto the post, but the next fifteen minutes saw a sustained period of pressure from the visitors. Welton defended well though, restricting them to a single goal – Peter Yarnell’s excellent clearance from a corner and an outstanding save by Kyle Tomlinson stretching like Mr. Fantastic to keep out a ball that looked to be over him being two of the high points. Ten minutes before the interval Daniel Clark levelled the score when he managed to force the ball over the line following Welton’s first corner of the game, but Ruskington were soon pushing forward again trying to wrest back the initiative. Chances came and went as first the woodwork rescued the hosts and then Kyle Tomlinson made another great save from a well struck free-kick that he must have seen late as it came through a sea of bodies. With half-time seconds away Sam Champion made a great tackle to curtail another attack and the break was taken with the teams locked at 1-1.

Welton began the second half with the wind behind them and immediately created a chance, Daniel Clark shooting over having been played in by Sam Cooke. Ten minutes into the half the home team took the lead for the first time when Daniel Clark found Callum Gray in the box who turned superbly to lose his marker and fire the ball home. Ruskington hit back again and good defending by Owen Parry thwarted an attack before a neat header at the near post following a corner brought the scores level again. Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke then combined well to create a chance for Jack Bullivant whose shot went wide, while at the other end the visitors looked certain to regain the lead with a one-on-one chance against Kyle Tomlinson, but once again Welton’s number one was up to the task making another excellent save. As the game entered its final ten minutes it was Welton who stepped up and took the lead when Jack Bullivant’s pin-point cross found Daniel Clark who rifled home his second goal of the game. Good defending by Jack Bundock (twice) and Peter Yarnell foiled Ruskington as they pressed for another equaliser, before the keeper denied Callum Gray the chance to make the game safe after he had got behind the advancing defence, keeping tensions high on the touchline. The visitors had time for one last push, but Peter Yarnell made sure it came to nothing and seconds later the final whistle gave Welton the points.

This was another extremely good win for Welton against a very strong side and both teams deserve credit for serving up a game worthy of its top-of-the-table billing. Kyle Tomlinson’s saves bagged him the Man of the Match award, but special mention should be made of Daniel Clark who worked tirelessly in midfield, scoring two and creating one, and also Owen Parry who had an outstanding game in front of the back two.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, PARRY, CLARK, BULLIVANT, COOKE, GRAY, CHAMPION

Goalscorers: CLARK (2), GRAY

Man of the Match: KYLE TOMLINSON

Sunday 14th October: Welton 4 – 2 Cherry Colts
The Under 9s moved to second place in the table as they scored their first home points of the season with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Cherry Colts.

The hosts were out of the blocks at top speed, taking the lead with only twenty-three seconds on the clock when Daniel Clark knocked in the loose ball after Callum Gray had had an effort well saved and Sam Cooke had struck the post with the follow-up. Cherry were quick to respond though, and three minutes later a very good goal put them back on level terms. Kyle Tomlinson then made a couple of saves while Jack Bundock and Sam Champion continued the form they’d shown last week as Cherry tried in vain to find a second. With eleven minutes gone Peter Yarnell turned defence into attack in the blink of an eye with an excellent clearance to Callum Gray who set off on one of his trademark runs into the heart of the opposition defence before unleashing an unstoppable strike to make it 2-1. A minute later it was 3-1 with Gray again in the thick of the action with a great ball to Sam Cooke who beat the keeper at the second attempt. Jack Bullivant then had a shot saved while Peter Yarnell and Owen Parry defended well at the other end before Cherry looked to have pulled one back with a ferocious drive that seemed destined to bulge the net. However, the cries of “great goal” from the Cherry contingent proved to be premature as Kyle Tomlinson threw himself to his right to make a phenomenal save. With half-time looming Callum Gray slipped the ball past the advancing keeper but a fine goal-line clearance made sure the score remained 3-1 at the interval.

The second half began with Kyle Tomlinson making another very good save while Callum Gray had a couple of efforts wide. More good defending by Peter Yarnell and Sam Champion foiled the visitors before Welton went 4-1 just past the mid-point of the half when Daniel Clark’s brilliant through ball found Sam Cooke who waltzed round the keeper and slotted the ball home. Cherry still refused to roll over though, and Jack Bundock cleared a teasing corner while two more attacks were stopped by some great defending by Sam Champion. As the game entered its final five minutes Sam Cooke had a shot wide and more excellent defending, this time by Owen Parry and Daniel Clark, foiled the visitors before they grabbed a consolation second goal with seconds remaining. This proved to be the last of the action and moments later Welton had secured their third successive victory.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, CHAMPION, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, BULLIVANT, PARRY

Goalscorers: CLARK, GRAY, COOKE (2)

Men of the Match: DANIEL CLARK and KYLE TOMLINSON

Sunday 7th October: Lowlands 0 – 1 Welton
The Under 9s gave their best performance of the season so far as they scored the only goal of an entertaining game to earn the points at previously unbeaten Lowlands.

Welton’s defence was the first to be called into the fray with Peter Yarnell making a couple of timely clearances and Sam Champion bravely standing his ground to block a well struck free-kick. More good defending, particularly by Sam Champion, thwarted the home side on a number of occasions, while at the other end Welton put across some teasing corners, but neither keeper was being seriously tested. With half-time on the horizon Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke had efforts wide and another corner just evaded that vital touch, but Welton were unable to find the net. Some good defending by Jack Bundock, including one storming run deep into opposition territory, ensured that Lowlands didn’t either and the teams took a well earned drink with the score at 0-0.

Welton began the second half strongly and another cross went tantalisingly across goal before Callum Gray forced a good save from the keeper after a strong run into the box. A good tackle and a great block by Sam Champion kept Lowlands out while Sam Cooke made a good run without being able to apply the finish, but the game was still deadlocked with only ten minutes remaining. The feeling now was that one goal could settle this match and that it would take a moment of magic or a mistake to win or lose it. With seven minutes left Jack Bullivant sent across an excellent ball to pick out Sam Cooke who provided that moment of magic when he jinked round two defenders before firing the ball past the keeper and into the back of the net. Owen Parry then had a shot charged down as Welton pushed for a second, but Kyle Tomlinson had to be alert as a long shot brought him into the action. With time almost up Sam Cooke was foiled by the keeper after another good run and Jack Bundock halted the final Lowlands attack before the referee brought a halt to proceedings.

This was an excellent win for Welton against an extremely talented side and it was very pleasing to see all nine boys contributing to an outstanding display. Indeed, both teams should be given great credit for what was a superb game of football.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, BUNDOCK, GRAY

Goalscorer: COOKE

Men of the Match: SAM CHAMPION and SAM COOKE

Sunday 30th September: Coningsby 1 – 3 Welton
The Under 9s made a welcome return to winning ways as they resumed their league campaign with a 3-1 victory at Coningsby.

It was the hosts who had the better of the opening ten minutes, but good defending by Jack Bundock, Owen Parry and Peter Yarnell restricted them to one attempt on goal, which went well wide. Welton then began to get themselves into the game with a couple of teasing balls across goal while Owen Parry had a shot blocked and Callum Gray one wide. However, it was Coningsby who opened the scoring when a free-kick into the box was turned past Kyle Tomlinson. Welton then set about the task of getting back on level terms with Owen Parry, Daniel Clark and Callum Gray all going close and with half-time seconds away Gray played a neat ball to Daniel Clark who supplied an excellent cross for Jack Bullivant to sweep in the equaliser and set things up for an intriguing second half.

Welton started strongly after the break and Callum Gray had already had a shot wide when four minutes into the half he made a strong run into the heart of the home defence before applying an emphatic finish to put the visitors 2-1 ahead. Daniel Clark then had an effort wide and Callum Gray forced a good save out of the keeper as Welton looked to dominate. Coningsby are not a team to lie down though, and it took some good defending by Sam Champion and a couple of fine saves by Kyle Tomlinson to maintain Welton’s lead. As the game progressed Welton did begin to take control, but with the home keeper making good saves to thwart Callum Gray and Daniel Clark, and Owen Parry seeing a blistering volley from the edge of the box go inches over, a third goal remained elusive. Midway through the half Sam Cooke put a header wide from a Jack Bullivant corner and Bullivant then had a shot saved before the home defence somehow scrambled away the rebound. As the game entered its final ten minutes Coningsby started to push forward more as they looked to salvage something from the game, but a great last-ditch block by Jack Bundock and a vital interception by Peter Yarnell helped keep Welton’s noses in front. With time almost up, Kyle Tomlinson brilliantly plucked a cross out of the air before sending the ball forward to Callum Gray who put in an inch-perfect cross for Sam Cooke to chest the ball down and roll it past the keeper. Coningsby still had time to try their luck straight from the restart and then saw a free-kick clip the top of the bar, but moments later an action-packed match was brought to a close and Welton came away with a deserved 3-1 win.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, PARRY, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, CHAMPION, BULLIVANT

Goalscorers: BULLIVANT, GRAY, COOKE

Man of the Match: PETER YARNELL

Sunday 23rd September: Ruston Sports ‘A’ 4 – 0 Welton
The Under 9s had their first taste of Cup action and gave a very good account of themselves before ultimately going down 4-0 to one of the better ‘A’ league sides, Ruston Sports ‘A’.

From the start it was clear that the hosts were a high quality outfit as they played some neat passing football and forced a couple of early saves out of Kyle Tomlinson. Welton, though, showed that they too can play a bit and that they certainly weren’t there just to make up the numbers and a couple of corners and a Callum Gray shot got the home defence and keeper into the game. Both teams continued to push forward with Kyle Tomlinson making another save and Jack Bundock a timely clearance, while at the other end some very good defending meant that despite their efforts Welton were not really creating too many clear chances. A great tackle by Peter Yarnell and some good work by Sam Champion halted Rustons again before Daniel Clark had an effort wide, having been played in by Jack Bullivant, and although the referee somehow managed to find nearly five minutes of stoppage time, things remained goalless until the break.

The second half began with Welton under some pressure and good defending by Owen Parry and Sam Champion snuffed out an attack before a Kyle Tomlinson save and a Peter Yarnell block on the line kept the ball out of the net. However, five minutes into the half Welton found themselves behind when a cross from the right eluded everyone on its way into the goal. The next five minutes saw most of the action in Welton’s half, but a brilliant push over the bar by Kyle Tomlinson and some tough tackling by Owen Parry kept Rustons out for a while, until a home forward was quickest to react after Kyle Tomlinson had pushed out a long range shot. Welton didn’t lie down, though, and Jack Bullivant had an effort deflected wide and Sam Cooke made a good run into the box before hitting a cluster of defenders, but as the clock reached zero Welton had failed to find the net for the first time since 2nd April 2006 when the same opposition won an Under 7s fixture 5-0. Sadly for the visitors the score then took on a heavier look than was really deserved when Rustons added two injury time goals as the referee again saw fit to extend the half. The boys can be proud of their efforts today, though, and take heart from a performance that made a very good side fight every step of the way for victory.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, BUNDOCK, PARRY, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, CHAMPION, BULLIVANT

Man of the Match: OWEN PARRY

Sunday 16th September: Welton 1 – 5 Nettleham
Welton’s first home game of the season saw them meet Nettleham for the first time at this age group and it was the visitors who won the day as the hosts crumbled in the last quarter of the match, slumping to a 5-1 defeat.

The early exchanges were fairly cagey with Daniel Clark testing the visiting keeper in the opening minutes and Jack Bullivant having an effort wide, while at the other end Peter Yarnell and Owen Parry both snuffed out attacks, but the fifteen minute mark came and went without too much incident. Kyle Tomlinson then made a very good save dashing off his line, before Daniel Clark opened the scoring, knocking in the rebound after Sam Cooke’s initial shot had been well saved, Clark equalling the team record of scoring in nine successive games in the process. Nettleham hit back strongly and Sam Champion and Owen Parry combined well in defence to thwart an attack before a snapshot from distance went inches over the bar. A punt from the halfway line almost found its way into the net as half-time approached but Kyle Tomlinson was alert to the danger and Welton went into the break with the advantage.

Welton put the visitors under pressure at the beginning of the second half with Callum Gray twice shooting wide and Daniel Clark forcing a save, but it was Nettleham who drew level following a corner. Midway through the half Callum Gray turned a Sam Cooke cross onto the post, but moments later Welton again failed to adequately clear a corner and a blistering strike gave Nettleham the lead. From this point the visitors seemed to step up a gear while Welton simply caved in, and what had been a fairly even encounter became virtually one-way traffic, as the last seven minutes saw three more goals go in and a disappointing day ended in heavy defeat.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, PARRY, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY

Goalscorer: CLARK

Man of the Match: PETER YARNELL

Sunday 9th September: Boston FDC 3 – 6 Welton
The Under 9s kicked off the new campaign with a trip across the county to league newcomers Boston FDC. With three defeats in three trips last season Boston hasn’t always been Welton’s happiest hunting ground, but today they managed to buck the trend with a hard earned 6-3 victory.

The day got off to a rather inauspicious start as the manager and coach took turns to lead the convoy the wrong way, but fortunately the boys on the pitch were a lot better organised. Both teams began with purpose and a Peter Yarnell block thwarted an early Boston attack before Callum Gray’s cross bounced up in the box where Sam Cooke was on hand to volley it home. The visitors extended their lead on seven minutes when Sam Cooke and Daniel Clark combined to create a chance for Jack Bullivant who made no mistake with the finish. Boston hit back immediately, though, pulling a goal back straight from the restart and a Kyle Tomlinson save prevented them drawing level two minutes later. With twenty minutes gone Callum Gray saw an effort deflected onto the post, but moments later the hosts levelled the score. Welton regained the lead a couple of minutes before half-time when Jack Bullivant fired in a free-kick from the edge of the box to make it 3-2, and Daniel Clark cleared one off the line to ensure it stayed that way at the break.

Boston began the second half strongly and it took a good save by Kyle Tomlinson, a great tackle on the edge of the box by Peter Yarnell and some timely intervention by the woodwork to keep them out. Callum Gray then made a very good run into the heart of the home defence where his shot was pushed out for a corner, and minutes afterwards Gray and Daniel Clark linked well to find Sam Cooke whose shot back across the goal found its way into the net to restore Welton’s two goal cushion. The visitors then applied some pressure forcing half a dozen corners in quick succession and it was from the last of these that Daniel Clark poked home the rebound after Sam Cooke had turned the ball onto the bar. Welton continued to push forward with Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark forcing a very good double save out of the home keeper while Owen Parry tried his luck from the halfway line with a very good strike that didn’t miss by much. Despite some resolute defending by Jack Bundock, Sam Champion and Peter Yarnell Boston made it 5-3 with five minutes remaining to keep the nerves jangling on the touchline. However, it was the away team who found the net again when Jack Bullivant set up Owen Parry who put the seal on a tremendous league debut with an excellent strike to make the final score 6-3 in Welton’s favour.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, PARRY, BUNDOCK

Goalscorers: COOKE (2), BULLIVANT (2), CLARK, PARRY

Man of the Match: OWEN PARRY

Sunday 12th August: Friendly v Greenbank
The Under 9s recorded their second successive victory over an ‘A’ League side with an impressive 5-0 home success against Greenbank. The hosts got off to the best possible start when Daniel Clark opened the scoring in the first minute, tapping in the rebound after a Callum Gray shot had been saved. Minutes later things got even better for Welton when Owen Parry played a good ball out of defence to Callum Gray whose cross was turned in by Jack Bullivant’s left foot shot, making a difficult finish look easy. The next ten minutes saw both teams play some attractive, passing football with Callum Gray having two efforts saved and Kyle Tomlinson keeping out a Greenbank free-kick. It was Welton, though, who extended their lead on fifteen minutes when Daniel Clark met Jack Bullivant’s cross with a lovely glided header into the path of Callum Gray who made no mistake with the finish. A good Peter Yarnell challenge and a Kyle Tomlinson save prevented the visitors from pulling one back before Sam Cooke set up Daniel Clark for Welton’s fourth. As half-time approached Kyle Tomlinson made another good save to keep Greenbank out while Jack Bundock capped a fine first-half performance with a goal-line clearance from the follow-up effort.

Welton almost got the second half off to as emphatic a start as the first when the keeper pushed Sam Cooke’s shot onto the post before scrambling the ball clear, and without a Russian linesman to pass judgement was given the benefit of the doubt. Midway through the half Kyle Tomlinson, Peter Yarnell and Sam Champion combined well to force the ball away for a corner as Greenbank threatened, and Kyle Tomlinson then made a couple of good saves to preserve his clean sheet. The visitors continued to press for a goal but a last ditch interception by Sam Champion and a good block by Jack Bullivant snuffed out any danger. With time running out Callum Gray hooked a ball into the penalty area where Sam Cooke was on hand to slam the bouncing ball into the net to complete the scoring and give Welton an excellent 5-0 victory against strong opposition.

Team: TOMLINSON, BUNDOCK, PARRY, YARNELL, BULLIVANT, CLARK, GRAY, CHAMPION, COOKE

Goalscorers: CLARK (2), BULLIVANT, GRAY, COOKE

Sunday 5th August: Friendly v Ruston Sports 'B'
Having selected the squad for 2007/08, Welton’s busy pre-season schedule gave an early opportunity to see them in action as division ‘A’ side Ruston Sports ‘B’ provided tough opposition at Scampton. With temperatures nudging 30°C the boys would have been forgiven had they served up a cagey, attritional game, but as it was the crowd were treated to a fast-paced, entertaining hour of football. The opening exchanges were fairly even as both teams created chances without really testing the keepers, but it was Rustons who came closest to opening the scoring when a goal bound effort was brilliantly headed off the line by Daniel Clark – the second time in successive matches that he’s done so. Callum Gray then had a free-kick go inches wide while Daniel Clark and new signing Owen Parry both made good blocks at the other end to keep things goalless. The twenty minute mark came and went before the deadlock was finally broken when Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke combined to create the chance for Callum Gray. A minute later Gray and Cooke played a neat one-two to leave Gray clear to slot home his and Welton’s second goal of the game. Rustons hit back strongly, though, and Kyle Tomlinson had to be at his very best to knock a blistering shot over the bar and then push a deflected free-kick onto the post. However, despite Jack Bullivant having a good effort wide it was Rustons who pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time to leave things intriguingly poised at the break.

The second half began with Kyle Tomlinson keeping Welton’s lead intact with another good save while Callum Gray had a shot just wide after good work by Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark had created the chance. As the sun continued to beat down both teams persisted with their attacking brand of football and another goal-line clearance by Daniel Clark kept the visitors out before Callum Gray forced a good save out of the visiting keeper. An excellent last ditch tackle by Welton’s second new signing Jack Bundock foiled another Rustons attack and midway through the half Sam Cooke’s opportunism gave the hosts a two-goal cushion when he robbed a defender on the edge of the box and then calmly rounded the keeper to tap the ball home. Still there was no let up in pace, though, and minutes later Rustons pulled it back to 3-2 and it took a good block by Peter Yarnell to stop them drawing level. Jack Bundock then made a very good tackle in the middle of his half, following up with a fine through ball to Sam Cooke whose shot went wide before two more very good blocks by Peter Yarnell and a good save by Kyle Tomlinson maintained Welton’s advantage. As the game entered its final five minutes Callum Gray completed his hat-trick with a fine individual goal and two minutes later he added Welton’s fifth with another very good solo run and emphatic finish. Both teams found time to have efforts wide before the final whistle blew, leaving Welton 5-2 winners of a game that was exhausting just to watch.

Team: TOMLINSON, BUNDOCK, YARNELL, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, PARRY

Goalscorers: GRAY (4), COOKE

Sunday 22nd July: Friendly v Lowlands
The Under 9s continued their preparations for the new season with a friendly against old adversaries Lowlands. Once again the format of the day was four separate twenty minute matches, with both teams taking the opportunity to play some of their new boys.

The first game saw Lowlands take an early lead before Peter Yarnell had an effort saved. The visitors then applied some pressure and in the space of two minutes forced two very good saves out of Kyle Tomlinson as well as hitting the bar. Welton hit back with a period of pressure of their own but good saves foiled Callum Gray and Cameron Wylde and enabled Lowlands to hang on for a 1-0 victory.

The second game was another tight affair with the two keepers again taking the plaudits. Callum Gray had two good efforts saved before Kyle Tomlinson kept Lowlands out. Sam Cooke then become the latest Welton player to be thwarted by the Lowlands keeper and as the seconds ticked away the woodwork came to Welton’s rescue ensuring that this game remained goalless.

The third game was dominated by Lowlands who had virtually all the play in the first ten minutes, taking a 2-0 lead. A brilliant run by Jack Bullivant then led to him setting up Daniel Clark but the increasingly impressive Lowlands keeper again kept the ball out of their net. Moments later Clark was in the thick of the action at the other end with a superb header off the line following a Lowlands corner. Peter Yarnell then set up Dominic Batey whose fine left foot strike was well saved, leaving the final score at 2-0.

The final game saw a strong performance by Welton with Jack Bullivant and Peter Yarnell both testing the keeper early on. Sam Cooke then had two efforts well saved and it was somewhat against the run of play when Lowlands took the lead. Minutes later the ball finally made it into the Lowlands net when Cameron Wylde knocked home Sam Cooke’s through ball. However, with time running out the visitors added a second to win this game 2-1 and wrap up a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Overall this was a good run out against strong opposition with a number of the new boys impressing, and Welton’s tally of fourteen out of sixteen efforts on target would surely have reaped more reward against most other keepers.

Saturday 14th July: 6-a-side Tournament, Welton
With the weather relenting long enough for Welton’s 6-a-side tournament to go ahead at the second attempt our last appearance as Under 8s ended with semi-final golden goal heartbreak.

RAF Coningsby were our first opponents and both teams were a little rusty, playing out a 0-0 draw. Welton certainly found their scoring boots for the second game, though, as Hykeham Tigers were blitzed 7-0, Callum Gray (4) and Sam Cooke (3) scoring the goals. A last gasp goal consigned us to a 2-1 defeat against Coningsby, Callum Gray again on target, and progression through the group stages was beginning to look a little uncertain. Saxilby were the next opponents and two more Callum Gray strikes eased our nerves and also ensured that we weren’t faced with a must win game against division ‘A’ high fliers, Greenbank. As it turned out Welton put in two outstanding performances against this opposition. Having won their first four group games Greenbank were rather taken aback when Callum Gray gave Welton the lead with his eighth goal of the day, although they did grab an equaliser to ensure top spot in the group.

The semi-finals saw Greenbank and Welton paired together again, while the two Coningsby teams would meet in the other one. Greenbank and Welton were up first and the ten minutes of normal time saw some fine football from both teams, with neither side being able to find the net. Ten minutes of golden goal extra time followed and the Greenbank keeper almost won it with a hefty goal kick but Kyle Tomlinson, who had been in great form all day, was alert to the danger. Sadly for Welton, though, Greenbank snatched a winner with fifteen seconds remaining on the clock and a penalty shoot-out beckoning, to secure their place in the final. Coningsby provided their opposition in an entertaining match, with Greenbank running out 3-1 winners to finish as deserving champions.

Overall this was an enjoyable day, played in a good spirit – the highlight for me being the Welton and Coningsby boys having an impromptu kickabout together in between playing their matches. Big thanks must go to all involved in the organisation, particularly Garry and Jo Crowther.

Squad: BULLIVANT, CHAMPION, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, TOMLINSON, YARNELL

Goalscorers: GRAY (8), COOKE (3)

Sunday 8th July: Friendly v Hykeham Tigers
Junior football, it seems, doesn’t stop for summer and so while Roger Federer was preparing to emulate a legend and England’s cricketers were reflecting on yet another one-day series defeat Welton were entertaining Hykeham Tigers at Scampton. The format of the day was four separate twenty minute games rather than the usual thirty minutes each way, and with the Tigers preparing for their first league season and Welton having a number of new boys at summer training the whole thing was a new experience for a lot of the players. However, it was a couple of the “old hands” who made the first impact with Daniel Clark finding the net within a minute of the kick-off and Jack Bullivant almost immediately adding a second. Shortly afterwards Sam Cooke’s teasing cross was turned into the net by an unlucky Hykeham defender, while at the back assured performances by debutants Owen Parry and Jack Bundock meant that Kyle Tomlinson had a quiet first twenty minutes between the posts. With less than five minutes remaining Sam Cooke tapped in from close range after a Peter Yarnell effort had been saved, giving Welton a 4-0 victory in the opening game.

The second game again saw Welton dominate from the start and it was Sam Cooke who opened the scoring after six minutes, having been played in by Will Frecklington. Two minutes later Cooke added a second before Hykeham applied some pressure of their own forcing a corner and having a shot go inches over. It was Welton, though, who completed the scoring for this game when Jack Bundock’s hefty clearance freed Will Frecklington who calmly ran through to slot the ball home.

The third game proved to be the closest of the day with Hykeham creating the early chances. Welton hit back, though, when a Jack Bullivant strike gave them the lead midway through and two minutes later Daniel Clark provided the pass for Sam Baxter to make it 2-0. With the seconds ticking away Jack Bullivant and Kyle Tomlinson, having a spell in the outfield, combined to create a chance for Daniel Clark who was foiled by the woodwork, before excellent tackles by Peter Yarnell and Thomas Caunt ensured that Welton kept their third clean sheet of the day.

Welton took an early lead in the fourth game when Alessandro Schiaffonati and Jack Bullivant combined to set up Sam Cooke and three minutes later Cooke made it 2-0, Bullivant again the provider. Hykeham pulled one back a few minutes later with a deflected corner, when it was nice to see Owen Parry giving the unfortunate defender a consoling pat on the back. Welton almost hit straight back when a good run by Alessandro Schiaffonati ended with his shot going just wide, but they did soon extend their lead when a fine ball out of defence by Dominic Batey found Sam Cooke who knocked in his third goal of this game. James Randles then set up Kyle Tomlinson who managed to force the ball home before treating the crowd to an “interesting” celebration. With time almost up Daniel Clark found Sam Baxter who finished emphatically to make it 5-1 to Welton and a couple of good saves by the Hykeham keeper made sure that it stayed that way.