Welcome to the Welton FC Under 7 Match Reports for 2005/06

SATURDAY 6th MAY: 5-A-SIDE TOURNAMENT, ASHBY AVENUE

The Under 7s put in a pretty good performance on their first appearance at a 5-a-side tournament, and considering the opposition were from three of the best clubs they’ve faced this season they did well to come away with a win, a draw and three close defeats.

First up were Claytons B and despite taking a while to adjust to the new format, the boys went into the interval one up, courtesy of a Daniel Clark goal. However, Claytons scored twice in the second half to secure victory. Birchwood B were the next opponents and in a fairly even game Welton were unlucky to go a goal down in the first half. The second half saw a good fight back and a Sam Cooke goal levelled things up. Cooke then thought he’d grabbed a late winner, but unfortunately he (and most of the others) hadn’t heard the referee’s whistle. Greenbank were the third opponents and saw Welton put in their best performance of the day. The boys were totally dominant in this game with Sam Champion barely getting a touch in goal, and a Sam Cooke strike early in the second half was enough to clinch the victory. Another good performance followed against Birchwood A in a game that Welton were unlucky to lose. Daniel Clark opened the scoring but Birchwood grabbed an equaliser before half-time, somewhat against the run of play. A second Birchwood goal in the second half gave them a win that they didn’t really deserve. The last game saw Welton go down by a single goal to Claytons A, but again, the boys can be pleased with the fight they showed.

All in all this was an enjoyable day out, on a glorious, sunny day. St Helens FC should also be congratulated on a very well organised tournament.

SQUAD: BULLIVANT, CHAMPION, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, HARESIGN, YARNELL

GOALSCORERS: CLARK (2), COOKE (2)

Saturday 22nd April: Ruston Sports ‘A’ 2 - 2 Welton

Welton finished off their season with a superb performance, earning a 2-2 draw away at top-drawer side, Ruston Sports A. Some early Ruston pressure was soaked up before Jack Bullivant had Welton’s first effort, his shot going wide. Midway through the half Daniel Clark had a shot saved, but the next ten minutes saw a period of sustained Ruston pressure that brought a goal when a long shot found its way into the net. Minutes later, a good save by Sam Champion kept the score to 1-0 at half-time.

Welton started the second half brightly and three minutes in were back on level terms when Daniel Clark shot home. Ruston again pressed forward, but Ben Willshaw and Peter Yarnell defended resolutely while Sam Champion made several very good saves. As the game entered its final five minutes a last-ditch tackle from Peter Yarnell denied Ruston before Welton produced one of their best moves of the season. Jack Bullivant’s goal kick found Daniel Clark who linked up with Sam Cooke to supply Liam Haresign. Haresign then made a brilliant run into the Ruston box and finished emphatically to give Welton the lead. However, with time running out Ruston’s pressure finally told and they snatched an equaliser, and then almost followed immediately with a winner, but another great save from Sam Champion gave Welton the draw they deserved.

Team: Champion, Yarnell, Willshaw, Bullivant, Clark, Haresign, Cooke

Goalscorers: Clark, Haresign

Man of the Match: Champion

Sunday 2nd April: Welton 0 - 5 Ruston Sports ‘A’

Welton put in a decent performance before going down to a strong Ruston Sports A side who came with a reputation, having beaten both Claytons and Balderton this season. The home side started strongly with Daniel Clark having a good shot unfortunately blocked by a team-mate when it seemed to be goal bound. The thirteenth minute was unlucky for Welton, as a well struck penalty rattled the post before being scrambled out for a corner. This seemed to kick-start Ruston into action and they grabbed themselves two goals in the next five minutes. Some good work between Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke almost got Welton back into the game but Cooke put his shot into the side netting. With half-time approaching Ruston scored a third, leaving Welton with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Three minutes into the half that mountain became higher when Ruston struck a free kick from midway in the Welton half into the net, although a wall wouldn’t have gone amiss. The next fifteen minutes saw a sustained period of pressure from Ruston, but fine defending from Ryan Marshall, Ben Willshaw and Peter Yarnell, the latter winning his fifth Man of the Match award, ensured that they only added one more goal. As the game entered its final five minutes a probing cross from Jack Bullivant eluded everyone when a touch would have given Welton a consolation. However, the game drew to a close with more Ruston pressure, and a Sam Champion save seconds before the final whistle saw that the game finished with Ruston gaining a slightly flattering 5-0 victory.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, MARSHALL, CLARK, GRAY, HARESIGN, COOKE, BROOKS, BULLIVANT, WILLSHAW

Man of the Match: YARNELL

Sunday 26th March: Welton 7 - 1 Fishtoft Tigers

Welton recorded their ninth victory of the season with a comfortable 7-1 win at home to Fishtoft Tigers. Callum Gray made it 1-0 after six minutes and a minute later had a shot well saved. Unfortunately the keeper couldn’t quite hang on and Sam Cooke was on hand to scramble home the loose ball. The Tigers didn’t lie down, though, and a good long shot was well saved by Sam Champion before a strong Jack Bullivant run ended with his shot going wide. With half-time looming Cooke seemed to have made it 3-0, but a brilliant last-ditch clearance kept his shot out and defence quickly turned to attack, allowing the Tigers to pull one back and leave the game finely poised.

Both teams applied some early pressure in the second half, but ten minutes in some excellent work from Ben Willshaw saw him free the midfield where Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark combined to set up Liam Haresign whose powerful strike made it 3-1. Two minutes later Haresign grabbed a fourth, having been played in by Lewis Brooks, and he soon completed a five minute hat-trick when he knocked in the rebound from a Daniel Clark shot. A minute later Sam Cooke lobbed the keeper to make it six and a fine finish from Daniel Clark completed the scoring. With five minutes left Ryan Marshall was sent forward and almost grabbed his first goal, but first a shot went wide and then he was denied by the keeper. In the dying seconds Lewis Brooks looked set to make it 8-1, but was foiled by a great piece of defending as he was about to pull the trigger.

Team: CHAMPION, MARSHALL, WILLSHAW, GRAY, CLARK, HARESIGN, COOKE, BROOKS, BULLIVANT

Goalscorers: GRAY, COOKE (2), HARESIGN (3), CLARK

Man of the Match: HARESIGN

Sunday 19th March: Welton 2 - 3 Fishtoft Lions

Once again Welton failed to secure consecutive victories, going down 3-2 to a rather physical Fishtoft Lions. The home side had the better of the first half but couldn’t make their possession count, with the ball not quite breaking in front of goal. Twenty minutes in, Fishtoft made them pay as they took a 1-0 lead, and only the woodwork ensured that Welton didn’t go into the break two down.

The second half began with Welton again enjoying the bulk of the possession, but still the goals wouldn’t come. After fifteen minutes of the half a powerful Daniel Clark free-kick hit the post, while Sam Cooke was temporarily sidelined having been on the receiving end of a nasty tackle from behind. Moments later Fishtoft made it 2-0 and, with little over ten minutes to go, all seemed lost. However, these Welton boys are a resilient bunch, and pulled a goal back when Liam Haresign made a storming run into the box before unleashing a superb strike that Petr Cech would have struggled to save. Welton continued to push forward and the excellent Jack Bullivant was unlucky to see a screamer of a shot blocked by the head of Sam Cooke. Cooke soon made amends, though, making it 2-2 after some good interplay with Liam Haresign. Unfortunately the comeback ended there, and with seconds remaining it was Fishtoft who grabbed the deciding goal to secure the victory.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, BROOKS, GRAY, HARESIGN

Goalscorers: HARESIGN, COOKE

Man of the Match: BULLIVANT

Sunday 12th March: Lowlands 1 – 5 Welton

After the disappointment of last weekend Welton showed their 'bouncebackability' with a win at Lowlands that wasn’t quite as comfortable as the scoreline might suggest. The opening exchanges were fairly even with both teams forcing corners and both keepers being tested, but it was Welton who took the early lead through Sam Cooke. The rest of the half continued in much the same vein and Welton were able to go into the break ahead thanks to a great save by Callum Gray down at his left hand post.

The second half started with Sam Champion taking up his usual place in goal and Callum Gray returning to the outfield. The change paid immediate dividends as, within a minute of the restart, Gray made it 2-0. This prompted Welton’s best spell of the game and some free-flowing, attacking football soon brought them two more goals, both scored by Sam Cooke, completing his fourth hat-trick of the season. Midway through the half Welton scored a fifth when a Lewis Brooks pass split the defence to find Liam Haresign, who played the ball through for Cooke to slot home his fourth goal of the game. To their credit Lowlands refused to lie down and forced a good save from Sam Champion before a great run from Daniel Clark ended with his shot hitting the post as “goal of the season” beckoned. With the seconds ticking away Lowlands had time for one last push forward and grabbed themselves a deserved goal to make the final score 5-1 in Welton’s favour.

Team: GRAY, YARNELL, MARSHALL, COOKE, CLARK, HARESIGN, BROOKS, BULLIVANT, CHAMPION, WILLSHAW

Goalscorers: COOKE (4), GRAY

Man of the Match: COOKE

Sunday 5th March: Welton 1 – 7 Swifts

What looked on paper like it could be a close game ended up as a rout, with Welton surrendering, somewhat meekly, to a well-organised, tough, uncompromising Swifts side. The visitors immediately stamped their authority on the game and took the lead after only five minutes with worrying ease. A couple of fine saves by Callum Gray kept Welton in it until midway through the first half when Swifts doubled their lead. A third followed before the break and the half-time whistle came as something of a relief.

The second half started with Swifts determined to add to their tally and only more good work from Callum Gray ensured that they didn’t. Ten minutes into the half Welton had a rare chance when a brilliant run from Sam Cooke, moments after he’d been blatantly body-checked to the floor, ended with a ball to Jack Bullivant, whose shot went inches wide. Soon afterwards Swifts made it four before Daniel Clark pulled one back for the home side with a well taken goal. However, there was to be no Wyberton-like comeback, and more saves from Callum Gray, winning his second man of the match award in four games as keeper, couldn’t prevent Swifts adding three more goals to finish worthy 7-1 winners.

Team: GRAY, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, CLARK, BULLIVANT, HARESIGN, COOKE, BROOKS, MARSHALL

Goalscorer: CLARK

Man of the Match: GRAY

Sunday 26th February: Fishtoft Lions 0 – 6 Welton

Another grand day out in Boston saw a rampant Welton hit Fishtoft Lions for six in a game they dominated throughout. However, for all their endeavours goals proved hard to come by in the first half as Fishtoft defended resolutely. A third penalty save in four weeks kept the scores level after Lewis Brooks was brought down, and the deadlock was only broken on the stroke of half-time when Sam Cooke scored at the second attempt after being played through by Liam Haresign.

Welton doubled their lead soon after the break when Jack Bullivant’s huge goal kick was picked up by Cooke, whose shot broke for Haresign to slam home the loose ball. Soon afterwards Daniel Clark was chopped down on the edge of the box and Bullivant’s free kick was guided into the net by a deft flick from Cooke. By now there was no stopping Welton, and before long it was 4-0 when Haresign again found Cooke, who calmly completed his hat-trick. The Lions were starting to look despondent and any forays forward that got through the wall that is Ben Willshaw and Peter Yarnell were coolly dealt with by Callum Gray. As the game moved into its final five minutes Welton added two more goals and Lewis Brooks, having his best game of the season so far, had a hand in both of them. First his throw-in found Jack Bullivant who teed up man of the match Daniel Clark to lob the ball in from the edge of the box, and a minute later Brooks and Bullivant combined again, this time to set up Sam Cooke for his fourth goal of the game.

Team: GRAY, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, CLARK, BULLIVANT, HARESIGN, COOKE, BROOKS

Goalscorers: COOKE (4), HARESIGN, CLARK

Man of the Match: CLARK

Sunday 19th February 2006: Birchwood Colts 2 – 1 Welton

A last minute winner denied Welton a draw after a gutsy performance away to Birchwood Colts. The home side had the higher percentage of the pressure during the first half but several fine saves by Callum Gray and a little help from the woodwork ensured that they only found the net once. However, with Lewis Brooks, Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark linking well from midfield with Sam Cooke and Liam Haresign, Welton were still very much in the game.

The second half started with Welton in determined mood and Liam Haresign saw his shot saved after a good run into the opposition penalty area. Moments later a Birchwood defender poked the ball inches past his own post before the Colts hit back, forcing a good save from Callum Gray and a goal-line clearance from Peter Yarnell. Midway through the half Welton drew level with one of their best moves of the season. Daniel Clark’s inch-perfect pass found Liam Haresign, who powered into the box and blasted the ball home for his fifth goal in consecutive matches – the best run by a Welton player this season. A few minutes later a Haresign shot from the edge of the box was saved, but from then on it was almost all Birchwood. The woodwork again came to Welton’s rescue and a powerful free-kick was bravely blocked by Ben Willshaw. With a couple of minutes remaining a great save by Callum Gray looked to have sealed the draw but, with the seconds ticking away and Welton tiring, Birchwood grabbed their late winner.

Team: Gray, Yarnell, Willshaw, Clark, Bullivant, Haresign, Cooke, Brooks

Goalscorer: Haresign

Man of the Match: Gray

Sunday 12th February: Wyberton Colts 2 – 3 Welton FC

On a miserable morning seven boys made the long trip to Wyberton and each one played his part as Welton completed the double over their talented opponents. The wet conditions didn’t encourage free-flowing football and chances were few and far between during an even first half, with Wyberton claiming the only goal to take a 1-0 lead into the interval.

At the start of the second half Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark won enough midfield battles to keep Welton pushing forward, but it was Wyberton who doubled their lead eight minutes in. However, the next five minutes saw an incredible turnaround as Welton hit a purple patch to match their shirts. First, Jack Bullivant’s strong, measured goal-kick found Sam Cooke, who forced his way into the box before firing home. Two minutes later Cooke levelled the score with a left foot shot, having been played through by Liam Haresign. Before anyone could catch their breath Welton were ahead. Cooke’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved, but Haresign’s striker’s instinct saw him in the right place to poke in the rebound and the Istanbul-like comeback was complete. A second penalty save in a week denied Welton the chance to wrap the game up and made for a nervy last few minutes. Although excellent defensive work from Ben Willshaw and Peter Yarnell had meant that Callum Gray’s goalkeeping debut was fairly quiet, he too came to the party with two stunning saves at the death to ensure that it was a happy trip home for Welton.

Team: GRAY, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, CLARK, BULLIVANT, HARESIGN, COOKE

Goalscorers: COOKE (2), HARESIGN

Man of the Match: HARESIGN

Sunday 5th February: Welton FC 1 – 2 Cherry Colts

Once again Welton were decimated by illness and injury and, after a spirited performance, went down 2–1 to a determined, but at times over-physical, Cherry Colts. A cagey opening fifteen minutes saw only one real chance, which was dealt with confidently by Sam Champion. As the half wore on Welton started to take control and some good interplay between Liam Haresign, Sam Cooke and Ryan Marshall ended with Marshall’s shot going inches wide. As half time approached Welton were awarded a penalty, which was well saved by the Cherry keeper, but moments later Sam Cooke played the ball through to Liam Haresign who slotted the ball home for his tenth goal of the season, giving the home side the advantage at the interval.

Cherry started the second half stronger and forced a string of corners before winning a penalty of their own, which was put away emphatically. By now Welton had lost Callum Gray and Harry Bell and midway through the half a cruel deflection took the ball past Champion, who appeared to have it covered. With ten minutes left Daniel Clark was forced to retire, leaving Welton to finish the match with six players. To their credit they continued to push forward with Sam Cooke making some strong runs into the Cherry half, where the defenders seemed to have decided that scything him down was the only way to stop him. In the end it wasn’t to be for Welton, and when Cooke’s shot on the turn went agonisingly wide the last chance to level the score had gone.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, GRAY, MARSHALL, CLARK, COOKE, HARESIGN, BELL

Goalscorer: HARESIGN

Man of the Match: COOKE

Sunday 29th January: Fishtoft Tigers 5 – 3 Welton FC

A depleted Welton outfit saw their hopes of snatching a draw dashed by two late Fishtoft goals. With a sickness epidemic robbing Welton of their entire defensive unit, it was always going to be a difficult game and a partisan referee didn’t make it any easier by awarding the home team a highly dubious penalty within the first few minutes which, thankfully, was brilliantly saved by Sam Champion. Welton then seized the initiative when Sam Cooke scored after a strong run into the heart of the opposition’s penalty area. However, Welton began to tire as half-time loomed and, after a couple of fine saves from Sam Champion, conceded two soft goals to trail at the interval.

Things got worse early in the second period when a Fishtoft corner somehow found the back of the net. The next ten minutes, though, saw a spirited Welton fight-back with Sam Cooke leading the forward line brilliantly. Indeed, it was his powerful run and pin-point cross that led to Liam Haresign pulling one goal back. Another penetrating run from Sam Cooke saw him cap a fine individual display by grabbing his second goal of the game, and at this point Welton looked capable of winning the match. However, with no substitutes and three players dosed up with Calpol, the heavy conditions began to take their toll. Indeed, only a string of fine saves from Sam Champion, including one full-length dive, kept the scores level. Eventually, Fishtoft’s pressure told and two late strikes sealed victory.

Team: CHAMPION, BROOKS, BULLIVANT, CLARK, GRAY, HARESIGN, COOKE

Goalscorers: COOKE (2), HARESIGN

Man of the Match: CHAMPION

Sunday 22nd January: Cherry Colts FC 1 – 2 Welton FC

A fine team performance saw Welton claim a well-deserved victory at Cherry Colts. Indeed, although the home team did take an early lead, Welton always looked the better side and grabbed an equaliser just before the interval – a Jack Bullivant free-kick found Daniel Clark on the edge of the penalty area and his powerful shot was guided into the net by a neat touch from Sam Cooke at the far post.

The second half continued in similar fashion with the away team enjoying most of the possession. Although Cherry Colts did create some chances on the break, these were efficiently dealt with by Peter Yarnell and Ben Willshaw, along with Ryan Marshall who put in a solid performance on his goalkeeping debut. Eventually, Welton’s pressure was rewarded with a second decisive goal, when Liam Haresign flicked a Jack Bullivant cross in at the near post.

Team: MARSHALL, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, BULLIVANT, BROOKS, GRAY, HARESIGN, CLARK, COOKE

Goalscorer: COOKE, HARESIGN

Man of the Match: YARNELL

Sunday 15th January: Welton FC 1 – 8 Clayton Wanderers

Welton put in one of their best performances of the season before finally succumbing to unbeaten Claytons. Indeed, the home team stunned their illustrious visitors by grabbing an early lead – the first time that Claytons have fallen behind in any game this season – when a pin-point pass from Ryan Marshall released Sam Cooke who coolly slotted the ball past the keeper.

Although Welton continued to play well, Claytons’ efficient passing game began to create chances and the visitors grabbed three goals to take a slightly flattering lead into the break. The second half, however, did become more one-sided as Claytons tightened their grip of the game and Welton’s first half exertions began to take their toll. Although the final scoreline was disappointing, Welton’s players can take much heart from a brave performance.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, MARSHALL, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, BROOKS, GRAY, HARESIGN

Goalscorer: COOKE

Man of the Match: MARSHALL

Sunday 18th December: Greenbank 6 – 0 Welton FC

On a bitterly cold morning, Welton suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of a talented Greenbank outfit. Indeed, the home team almost took the lead within the first minute only to be denied by a fine save from Sam Champion. Although Welton did show some promising touches in the early stages, and could have scored from a couple of excellent Jack Bullivant corners, Greenbank increasingly dominated as the half progressed and went into the break with a 3-0 advantage.

The second half started in a similar fashion with the home team grabbing two goals within five minutes of the restart. Indeed, only some fine defensive work from Peter Yarnell, strong tackling from Ryan Marshall and a string of saves from Sam Champion kept the home team at bay. With time running out Welton committed more players forward in search of a consolation goal, but were then caught on the break as Geenbank bagged their sixth goal of the match.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, MARSHALL, BULLIVANT, CLARK, GRAY, COOKE, BELL, BROOKS, HARESIGN

Man of the Match: CHAMPION

Sunday 11th December: Welton FC 7 – 0 Lowlands

Welton Under 7s put in their most commanding performance of the season to secure a convincing victory over Lowlands. Indeed, the home team completely dominated the game from start to finish with some fluent passing football which at times bordered on the sublime.

They took the lead in the first few minutes when Daniel Clark and Callum Gray combined to release Liam Haresign who slid the ball past the advancing keeper. Another flowing move involving Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark, culminated in Callum Gray finding the back of the net, and he quickly grabbed his second after being played through by Sam Cooke. Then, on the stroke of half-time a fierce Sam Cooke shot from just inside the penalty area made it 4–0.

The second half continued in a similar vein with more attacking football from Welton. Although Lowlands did hold out until midway through the second period, two mazy runs from Callum Gray were finished by excellent crosses which allowed Liam Haresign to grab his second and third goals of the game. Callum Gray then capped a fine performance with another pin-point cross for Daniel Clark to make the final score 7–0.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, MARSHALL, BULLIVANT, CLARK, GRAY, HARESIGN, BELL, BROOKS, COOKE

Goalscorers: HARESIGN (3), GRAY (2), COOKE, CLARK

Man of the Match: GRAY

Saturday 10th December: Coningsby FC 2 – 1 Welton FC

An entertaining game saw Coningsby edge to victory despite a plucky performance from Welton. Indeed, the visitors dominated the early exchanges with Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark both making encouraging forays down either flank. However, Welton couldn’t make their early pressure tell and then found themselves a goal down when the home team grabbed the lead very much against the run of play.

This led to Coningsby’s best spell of the match and they doubled their lead five minutes before the interval. On the stroke of half-time Welton looked to have given themselves a lifeline when Sam Cooke found the back of the net following a Jack Bullivant corner, but the goal was ruled out because a Coningsby player was having his shoelace tied by the referee at the same time!

In the second half Welton continued to look dangerous, with Sam Cooke, Liam Haresign, Daniel Clark and Jack Bullivant linking up well in attack. Indeed, they did manage to pull one goal back ten minutes from time when a Jack Bullivant pass found Liam Haresign in front of goal. However, although Welton did create a couple more chances they couldn’t quite find the finishing touch and grab a deserved equaliser.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, BULLIVANT, CLARK, HARESIGN, COOKE, BATEY, CLARKE, MARSHALL

Goalscorer: HARESIGN

Man of the Match: HARESIGN

Sunday 4th December: Ruston Sports ‘B’ 1 – 1 Welton FC

A much improved Welton performance saw them end a three-game barren run with a draw against Ruston Sports B. Indeed, Welton were much the better team, dominating long periods of the game and victory for the away side would have been a much fairer reflection of the balance of play.

Welton dominated the early exchanges with Jack Bullivant and Daniel Clark making good use of the open spaces down either flank. This pressure eventually told when a strong run from Sam Cooke ended with his shot from a tight angle being deflected past the keeper. After the goal Ruston began to get more into the game, although Welton’s defensive unit of Peter Yarnell, Ryan Marshall, Ben Willshaw and goalkeeper Sam Champion, snuffed out any attacking moves with some timely tackles and clearances.

The second period started in pretty much the same vein, with Welton commanding the lion’s share of possession although, despite some creative work from Callum Gray, Liam Haresign and Lewis Brooks, they couldn’t convert their pressure into a second, decisive goal. Then, as the game entered its final quarter, Ruston grabbed an equaliser against the run of play. With time running out Welton attacked the home team’s goal but, despite a couple of near misses, they couldn’t quite find what would have been a deserved winning goal.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, MARSHALL, BULLIVANT, CLARK, HARESIGN, COOKE, BROOKS, GRAY, WILLSHAW

Goalscorer: COOKE

Man of the Match: CLARK

Sunday 27th November: Welton FC 0 – 4 Greenbank

Another disappointing performance saw Welton slump to a third consecutive defeat. The home team started slowly and found themselves two goals down after just ten minutes. Although the remainder of the fist period was more even, Greenbank always looked the more likely to score and did eventually extend their lead on the stroke of half-time.

The second half saw some improvement in Welton’s performance and Liam Haresign almost pulled a goal back after being found by a defence splitting pass from Callum Gray. Shortly afterwards a period of sustained Welton pressure culminated in Jack Bullivant firing in two shots that forced saves from the Greenbank keeper. However, the home team could not make their possession count and conceded a fourth goal in the dying minutes of the game.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, BELL, BULLIVANT, GRAY, HARESIGN, BROOKS, CLARK, COOKE

Man of the Match: BULLIVANT

Sunday 20th November: Clayton Wanderers 8 – 0 Welton FC

A disappointing Welton performance ended in heavy defeat to a well-organised and disciplined Clayton Wanderers. Although the first quarter of the game was relatively even, with Welton showing some promising touches, the home team took control of the game as the half progressed and went into the interval 5–0 ahead.

The second half followed a similar pattern and only a heroic performance in defence from Peter Yarnell and a string of outstanding saves from Sam Champion kept the home team from scoring more.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, MARSHALL, CLARK, BROOKS, HARESIGN, COOKE, BELL, BULLIVANT, GRAY

Man of the Match: YARNELL

Sunday 6th November: Welton FC 0 – 4 Birchwood Colts

Welton turned in their worst performance of the season losing to a team that they should have been able to compete with. A lacklustre first half display in which the home team never got into their stride ended with them trailing 0-2.

The second half started more promisingly, with Jack Bullivant making several mazy runs into the opposition’s half and Ben Willshaw becoming more influential in the middle of the park. But this simply wasn’t to be Welton’s day and two late Birchwood strikes left the final scoreline at 0–4.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, CLARK, GRAY, COOKE, HARESIGN, BELL, BROOKS, BULLIVANT, MARSHALL

Man of the Match: WILLSHAW

Saturday 29th October: Welton FC 4 – 1 Coningsby FC

Welton gave debuts to three players – Dominic Batey, Dean Chapman and Jake Harvey – in a well-earned ‘friendly’ victory over Coningsby. After some early pressure from the away team, Welton took the lead when Sam Cooke latched on to a Jake Harvey pass to open the scoring. Although Coningsby grabbed an equaliser midway through the first half, Welton regained their advantage just before the break when a Callum Gray pass sent Daniel Clark off on a run from the halfway line which he coolly finished by sliding the ball past the advancing ‘keeper.

A sustained spell of Welton pressure early in the second half saw the home team extend their lead when Sam Cooke put the ball in the net after the goalkeeper had fumbled his initial shot. Coningsby refused to lie down though and got themselves back into the game midway through the second period and could have drawn level if they had converted a penalty awarded ten minutes from time. But with five minutes to go Welton put the result beyond doubt when a crunching Harry Bell tackle saw the ball fall to Daniel Clark who passed for Sam Cooke to complete an excellent hat-trick, his second of the season.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, BULLIVANT, HARVEY, BROOKS, BATEY, COOKE, BELL, CHAPMAN, CLARK, GRAY, MARSHALL

Goalscorers: COOKE (3), CLARK

Man of the Match: CLARK

Sunday 16th October: Balderton Athletic FC 4 – 1 Welton FC

Welton’s three match unbeaten run came to an abrupt end despite a gallant performance against an excellent Balderton outfit. The home team took an early lead and doubled their advantage midway through the first half. Although the majority of the first period was played in Welton’s half, the away team did create a number of half-chances on the break and Sam Cooke almost scored after being found in the penalty area by a pin-point pass from Daniel Clark.

Within a minute of the restart Balderton had extended their lead, but the Welton players stuck to their task and were rewarded when Liam Haresign slammed the ball into the back of the net after being played through by Sam Cooke. However, with Welton pushing forward in an effort to narrow the scoreline further, Balderton caught them on the break to claim a fourth goal in the dying seconds.

Welton’s defensive unit of Peter Yarnell, Ryan Marshall and Ben Willshaw once again performed admirably, with some brave and at times ferocious tackling. Although Balderton were undoubtedly the better team, Welton can take much heart from their performance which was greatly improved from their opening day defeat to the same opposition.

Team: CHAMPION, MARSHALL, YARNELL, BELL, CLARK, GRAY, COOKE, BROOKS, BULLIVANT, HARESIGN, WILLSHAW

Goalscorer: HARESIGN

Man of the Match: YARNELL

Sunday 9th October: Swifts 2 – 3 Welton FC

For the first time, Welton Under 7s had their full squad on show and each of the players contributed in a hard-fought, but thoroughly deserved victory against Swifts. Welton dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded when Liam Haresign gave them the lead, although they were soon pegged back after Swifts were awarded a highly dubious penalty. The away team restored their advantage midway through the first half when Sam Cooke scored, but once again found themselves on level terms when Swifts grabbed a second goal just before half time.

The second half was a much tighter affair with Welton’s defensive unit of Ryan Marshall, Ben Willshaw and Peter Yarnell denying Swifts many scoring opportunities. The few chances that did arise were confidently dealt with by goalkeeper Sam Champion, who capped an excellent display by scooping the Man of the Match award. Welton always looked the more dangerous and deservedly grabbed the winner midway through the second period when Daniel Clark latched on to a Ryan Marshall pass to secure victory for the visitors.

Team: CHAMPION, MARSHALL, WILLSHAW, BROOKS, BELL, BULLIVANT HARESIGN, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, YARNELL

Goalscorers: HARESIGN, COOKE, CLARK

Man of the Match: CHAMPION

Sunday 2nd October: Welton FC 2 – 2 Ruston Sports ‘B’

Welton Under 7s earned a hard-fought draw in an entertaining clash with a high-quality Ruston outfit. The first half was relatively even with both defensive units largely coming out on top. Ryan Marshall and Ben Willshaw put in particularly commanding performances at the heart of the Welton defence, with both players making a number of timely tackles to deny their opponents scoring opportunities.

Within minutes of the restart Ruston broke the deadlock, although Welton were soon back on level terms when Callum Gray hammered the ball into the net after the Ruston keeper had parried a Liam Haresign shot. Minutes later a Sam Cooke strike put the home team in the lead for the first time and looked to have secured victory for Welton. However, with just a couple of minutes remaining Ruston grabbed a deserved equaliser to leave the game all-square.

Team: CHAMPION, MARSHALL, WILLSHAW, BROOKS, HARESIGN, GRAY, COOKE, BELL, BULLIVANT

Goalscorers: GRAY, COOKE

Man of the Match: MARSHALL

Sunday 18th September: Welton FC 6 – 5 Wyberton Colts

Welton Under 7s clinched their first victory of the season after overcoming a strong Wyberton team in an action-packed eleven-goal thriller that thoroughly entertained a large and vocal crowd.

The home team grabbed an early lead when Sam Cooke latched on to a fine pass from Ryan Marshall, but then fell behind after conceding two quick goals midway through the first period. A second goal from Cooke saw Welton briefly draw level but minutes later they once again fell behind. However, on the stroke of half-time Cooke completed a fine first half hat-trick to leave the match finely poised at the break.

Wyberton regained the advantage a minute into the second half, before goals from Jack Bullivant and Liam Haresign saw Welton regain the ascendancy midway through the second period. Despite some outstanding defensive work from Peter Yarnell, tireless midfield performances from Harry Bell, Lewis Brooks and Callum Gray and a couple of fine saves from Sam Champion, Wyberton grabbed an equaliser with just a couple of minutes to go. However, the home side secured a deserved victory in the dying seconds when Cooke latched on to a defence-splitting pass from Ben Willshaw to notch his fourth goal of the game.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, MARSHALL, BULLIVANT, HARESIGN, BELL, COOKE, BROOKS, GRAY, WILLSHAW

Goalscorers: COOKE (4), BULLIVANT, HARESIGN

Man of the Match: COOKE

Sunday 11th September: Welton FC 1 – 7 Balderton Athletic FC

Welton Under 7s put in a creditable performance in what was their first ever competitive match. Indeed, they took the lead midway through the first half when Sam Cooke slammed the ball into an empty net after a Liam Haresign shot had rebounded off the post. However, despite Welton’s stubborn defensive resistance a period of sustained Balderton pressure saw the away team take a 3-1 advantage into the break.

The second half started evenly and Welton almost got back into the game when Sam Cooke hit the post. However, despite outstanding defensive performances from Peter Yarnell and Ryan Marshall, and a couple of fine saves from Sam Champion, Welton tired in the closing stages and conceded four late goals.

Team: CHAMPION, YARNELL, MARSHALL, BULLIVANT, HARESIGN, GRAY, COOKE, BELL

Goalscorer: COOKE

Man of the Match: YARNELL