Welcome to the Welton FC Under 8 Match Reports for 2006/07

Sunday 29th April: Welton 3 - 5 Ruskington Lions ‘B’
Welton finished their season with a 5-3 defeat at home to Ruskington Lions in a fast-paced game that gave the crowd some great entertainment. The Lions, led from the front by the whippet-like Oliver King, were straight out of the blocks and had a 2-0 lead after only ten minutes. Kyle Tomlinson then made a fine double save as the visitors threatened to run riot, but they were unable to find the net again before the interval.

Welton almost pulled one back straight from the restart when Daniel Clark had an effort wide and three minutes later Clark did hit the target after Jack Bullivant and Sam Cooke had combined well to create the chance. Welton then put Ruskington under a fair amount of pressure with Sam Cooke forcing a save, Jack Bullivant having a free-kick headed clear and then a teasing Bullivant cross going across the face of the goal when a touch was all that was needed to knock it in. Ten minutes into the half the pressure told when Man of the Match Peter Yarnell hit a post before poking the rebound home himself to make it 2-2. Ruskington then pulled clear again with two goals in two minutes before a Sam Cooke cross was swept in by Daniel Clark to pull it back to 4-3. Ruskington quickly made it 5-3 with the fifth goal in the space of ten minutes and with another ten minutes still to play you felt that there were still some twists and turns to come. However, Daniel Clark and Jack Bullivant were both foiled by the keeper while the crossbar denied Callum Gray and it was Ruskington who were able to secure the victory with the impressive Oliver King having scored all five of their goals.

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

Goalscorers: CLARK (2), YARNELL

Man of the Match: YARNELL

Sunday 22nd April: Lowlands 2 - 4 Welton
With only seven boys available a trip to play a Lowlands side who had won their previous seven games was certainly a daunting prospect. However, not for the first time this season, the Under 8s responded magnificently to the challenge and came away with an outstanding 4-2 victory. Both sides were quickly into their stride and Daniel Clark had an effort go wide before Lowlands took the lead in the sixth minute. Clark then levelled things up soon afterwards when he met Jack Bullivant’s corner with the sweetest of volleys for another goal of the season candidate. The rest of the half saw some entertaining end-to-end football with both keepers making good saves before Lowlands regained the lead five minutes from the break. The visitors still had time to draw level again, though, when Sam Cooke poked home Callum Gray’s through ball to leave things tantalisingly poised.

Lowlands applied some early pressure at the start of the second half but six minutes in Jack Bullivant found Callum Gray who put Welton ahead for the first time in the match. A period of Welton pressure followed and midway through the half Callum Gray’s cross/shot was deflected into the net to give the away team a 4-2 lead. Minutes later Daniel Clark had a header go wide before Lowlands began to get more of the ball as Welton’s lack of a substitute started to have an effect. Welton, though, defended valiantly with a bloodied Man of the Match Sam Champion and Peter Yarnell both in excellent form, while a couple of fine saves by Kyle Tomlinson ensured that Lowlands were unable to find the net again.

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

Goalscorers: CLARK, COOKE, GRAY (2)

Man of the Match: CHAMPION

Sunday 15th April: Sleaford Town 6 - 2 Welton
On a glorious afternoon that would have been more suited to cricket Welton went down 6-2 to a very strong Sleaford Town. The home side immediately put Welton under pressure, forcing a couple of corners before taking the lead with a screamer of a goal. Callum Gray then almost got the visitors straight back on level terms but was denied by a good save by the keeper and four minutes later Sleaford made it 2-0. Two more goals followed before the interval and it was beginning to look like we might see a cricket score after all.

However, it was a more determined Welton that came out for the second half, and although they went 5-0 down within a minute of the restart they did begin to look more threatening. Sam Cooke had an effort turned onto the post and then another pushed away for a corner before Callum Gray pulled one back with a well taken strike. Gray then had a free kick inches wide and soon afterwards Sam Cooke had another effort well saved. Jack Bullivant took the resulting corner and his excellent delivery was brilliantly met by Daniel Clark who put the seal on his Man of the Match performance by knocking in one of Welton’s goals of the season. With time running out Kyle Tomlinson made a good save before being beaten in the dying seconds giving Sleaford a deserved victory, although 6-2 was a slightly flattering scoreline in the end.

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

Goalscorers: GRAY, CLARK

Man of the Match: CLARK

Sunday 25th March: Caythorpe & Fulbeck 0 - 8 Welton
The Under 8s cruised to their second successive 8-0 victory with a fine team performance away at Caythorpe & Fulbeck. Daniel Clark gave the visitors the lead after only three minutes and a minute later Callum Gray set up Sam Cooke for the second. Welton continued to push forward and Jack Bullivant and Callum Gray both came close as attack after attack rained down on the home goal. Midway through the half Daniel Clark scored Welton’s third, with Callum Gray again the provider, and soon afterwards Gray set up the fourth, scored by Sam Cooke. Four minutes before the break Gray got himself on the scoresheet and two minutes later Kyle Tomlinson made an excellent save to deny the hosts with almost his first touch of the game

The second half began with Caythorpe & Fulbeck showing more attacking intent, but Peter Yarnell and Ben Willshaw ensured that Kyle Tomlinson still didn’t have too much to do. Midway through the half Sam Champion sparked some celebrations on the touchline when he made it 6-0 with his first ever goal for the club, but the next ten minutes passed without too much incident as both teams forced a couple of corners without really threatening the goal. However, with three minutes left and the game seemingly drifting to a quiet conclusion Callum Gray capped a Man of the Match performance with two excellent crosses for Sam Cooke who knocked in his third and fourth goals of the game to give the away side a convincing 8-0 win.

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

Goalscorers: CLARK (2), COOKE (4), GRAY, CHAMPION

Man of the Match: GRAY

Sunday 18th March: Welton 8 - 0 Fishtoft ‘B’
On a cold, blustery Mother’s Day afternoon the Under 8s eased to an 8-0 victory over Fishtoft B. Welton were quickly into their stride and for the second week in a row Jack Bullivant opened the scoring when a corner found its way into the net. Four minutes later Bullivant turned provider for Callum Gray to make it 2-0 with his twentieth goal of the season and moments later Gray supplied an excellent cross to allow Daniel Clark to tap in Welton’s third. Fishtoft were not lying down, though, and Kyle Tomlinson made a good save to keep them out while Peter Yarnell, Ben Willshaw and Sam Champion made a number of timely clearances. With half-time on the horizon Jack Bullivant set up Sam Cooke for the fourth and Callum Gray had time to add a fifth before the whistle.

Welton continued to push forward in the second half and Callum Gray had a couple of efforts go wide before Daniel Clark made it 6-0 with a blistering strike from outside the box. Fishtoft then put Welton under some pressure and it took a great save by Kyle Tomlinson followed by an excellent block by Ben Willshaw to prevent them pulling one back. Jack Bullivant was again the supplier for Welton’s seventh, scored by Sam Cooke, and moments later Cooke completed his third hat-trick of the season to make it 8-0. With the seconds ticking away Sam Champion was sent forward and almost grabbed his first ever goal, but was denied by a very good save by the visiting keeper. Jack Bullivant’s endeavours earned him a deserved Man of the Match award, but all eight boys were outstanding in what was an exceptional performance in very difficult conditions.

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

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

Man of the Match: BULLIVANT

Sunday 11th March: Welton 2 - 1 Coningsby
Welton returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory at home to Coningsby in a game where the defences more or less snuffed out the threats from both teams. The first half saw Welton, with a strong wind behind them, dominate the visitors territorially as they forced a number of corners. Jack Bullivant’s delivery was excellent and it was a deflected corner that found its way into the net that gave Welton the lead. Chances were few and far between for the rest of the half, although a Coningsby defender foiled Daniel Clark with a very good block and Kyle Tomlinson made a fine save to maintain Welton’s advantage.

The second half followed a similar pattern, except this time it was Coningsby who were the dominant team. Twelve minutes into the half Kyle Tomlinson again kept the visitors out with a very good save and two minutes later Daniel Clark doubled Welton’s lead when his speculative strike from the edge of the box crept in the bottom corner. The away team continued to push forward and with ten minutes remaining a very good finish pulled them a goal back. Coningsby’s tails were up now and an equaliser was certainly on the cards, but Sam Champion, Ben Willshaw and Peter Yarnell prevented any goalscoring opportunities until the dying seconds when another brilliant save by Man of the Match Kyle Tomlinson secured both points for Welton.

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

Goalscorers: BULLIVANT, CLARK

Man of the Match: TOMLINSON

Sunday 4th March: Fishtoft ‘A’ 7 - 3 Welton
After a two week lay-off the Under 8s made the trip across to Boston where they went down 7-3 to league leaders Fishtoft ‘A’. The match was played in wet, windy conditions on a muddy pitch and it’s a credit to both teams that they were able to play neat, passing football throughout. The opening twenty minutes were relatively even with a Daniel Clark strike cancelling out an early Fishtoft goal, but it was the home side who then hit a purple patch to take control of the game. A brilliant save by Kyle Tomlinson, throwing himself full length to his left, kept the scores level, but Welton failed to sense the danger and three goals in as many minutes, including an excellent header from a corner, gave the hosts a 4-1 advantage at the break.

Welton pulled one back early in the second half when Peter Yarnell scored his first goal for the club with a superb strike from the edge of the box, and another period of fairly even football followed. Both teams continued to attack and create chances, with Daniel Clark particularly influential in midfield for Welton. However, midway through the half the home team hit their second purple patch of the afternoon, this time scoring three goals in five minutes to go 7-2 up and effectively seal Welton’s fate. With just over ten minutes to go Sam Cooke’s tenacity enabled him to reduce the deficit, but that proved to be the end of the scoring and the victory should just about secure the league title for the hosts.

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

Goalscorers: CLARK, YARNELL, COOKE

Man of the Match: CLARK

Sunday 11th February: Welton 2 - 0 Wyberton
After two successive defeats the last thing that Welton wanted was a visit from a high flying Wyberton side who had won nine of their last ten games. However, the eight boys on display today rose to the challenge and put in an outstanding performance to win the game by two goals to nil. From the beginning Welton played with a determination and a passion that had been missing in the last two games and almost took an early lead when a Peter Yarnell shot was brilliantly saved by the away keeper. Wyberton hit back and had a couple of efforts wide while Daniel Clark nearly turned in a Callum Gray free-kick, but neither keeper was really being troubled. With half-time approaching Sam Cooke was quickest to latch on to a fine Sam Champion clearance and then ran on to calmly slot the ball past the advancing keeper and give Welton the lead at the break.

Wyberton started the second half strongly and had the better of the first ten minutes, but great tackles by Sam Champion and Peter Yarnell denied them goal scoring opportunities, while Kyle Tomlinson also made a very good save. With Ben Willshaw also having a good game at the back Welton were proving difficult to break down and midway through the half they doubled their lead when Sam Cooke capped a tremendous performance by rounding the keeper and tapping the ball into the net. Welton began to take control from this point and Jack Bullivant saw two free-kicks well saved while a third clipped the top of the crossbar. With time running out Daniel Clark rose to meet Jack Bullivant’s corner and watched as his excellent header looped agonisingly onto the bar. Moments later the whistle blew for full-time and Welton had secured a magnificent victory, with all eight boys having given their all.

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

Goalscorers: COOKE (2)

Man of the Match: COOKE

Sunday 4th February: Heighington 3 - 1 Welton
The Under 8s made the short journey across town for their second meeting with Heighington in the space of a fortnight and the result was an exact reversal of the first game, with the home team running out 3-1 winners. The frosty conditions delayed the kick off for forty minutes and Ben Willshaw, making his second appearance in goal, had made a couple of good saves within the first five minutes. The home side were having the better of the first half and midway through Sam Cooke made a good last-gasp clearance and then blocked one on the line two minutes later. The next ten minutes saw Welton come into the game more and Daniel Clark’s superb through ball to Sam Cooke deserved to lead to a goal but Heighington managed to scramble the ball out. To make matters worse the hosts cleared the resulting corner and then swiftly ran up the other end to take the lead, giving them the advantage at the interval.

Just as they were last week Welton were caught napping early in the second half to find themselves facing a two goal deficit. They almost struck straight back, but Jack Bullivant’s teasing cross evaded everyone when a touch would have put it in the net. Sam Cooke then had an effort saved after a good run into the box, while Jack Bullivant had a shot wide and Daniel Clark put one over the bar. Heighington put the pressure back on Welton with three attempts going wide in the space of a few minutes before Welton forced a string of corners without really threatening the home goal. With six minutes remaining Heighington put the result beyond doubt with a third goal and then twice rattled the woodwork. With time almost up Callum Gray maintained Welton’s record of scoring in every game, but it was little consolation and for the second match in a row they were comfortably the second best team on the pitch.

Team: WILLSHAW, CHAMPION, MARSHALL, YARNELL, COOKE, BULLIVANT, GRAY, CLARK, TOMLINSON

Goalscorer: GRAY

Man of the Match: COOKE

Sunday 28th January: Welton 1 - 5 Metheringham
Welton’s winning run came to a disappointing end as they slipped to their heaviest defeat of the season, going down 5-1 at home to Metheringham. The visitors started strongly, taking the lead after only four minutes with a long range effort, but Welton were soon back on level terms when Sam Cooke slotted home his fiftieth goal for the club. The rest of the half was almost all Metheringham and only resolute defending by Sam Champion, Ryan Marshall and Peter Yarnell restricted them to one more goal – another good long range effort – before the interval. With the wind having been against them this half the feeling was that Welton had done well to reach the break only 2-1 down.

However, these thoughts were soon dispelled when the visitors extended their lead after only two minutes of the second half. Kyle Tomlinson then made a couple of saves before Jack Bullivant put a free-kick wide, but Welton were simply unable to use the conditions to their advantage. Metheringham on the other hand didn’t let kicking into the wind trouble them at all, hitting a post before making it 4-1 with ten minutes still to play. Daniel Clark managed to force a save out of the away keeper, but it was soon 5-1 when a cross/shot found its way into the net. Welton had a brief flurry late on with Callum Gray and Sam Cooke both coming close, but they were very much second best today.

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

Goalscorer: COOKE

Man of the Match: YARNELL

Sunday 21st January: Welton 3 - 1 Heighington
The Under 8s extended their winning run to four matches with a hard fought 3-1 victory at home to Heighington. The wet, windy conditions made playing football difficult and it’s a credit to both teams that they kept battling for the full hour. Welton started brightly and almost scored within the first twenty seconds when Callum Gray and Daniel Clark combined at the kick-off to create a chance for Sam Cooke who rifled the ball inches over the bar. The hosts then forced a succession of corners, but it was Heighington who broke to take an early lead. Welton continued to press forward and Sam Cooke was twice thwarted by the away keeper before he levelled the score with his twentieth goal of the season. Midway through the half Callum Gray gave the home side the lead, and with neither keeper called into action again it stayed that way until the break.

The second half saw Welton play some excellent, weather-defying football from the start. Jack Bullivant went close twice early on and Daniel Clark was denied by the keeper after a strong run into the box. Ten minutes into the half Jack Bullivant played an inch-perfect through ball to Daniel Clark who calmly slotted the ball home to make it 3-1. By now Welton were firmly in control and Sam Champion came within a whisker of scoring his first goal with a long-distance thunderbolt. However, Heighington continued to battle hard, looking dangerous on the break, and it took a great challenge from Sam Champion to deny them a goal scoring opportunity. With time running out Sam Cooke saw an effort go wide before the visitors were again foiled, this time by a fine Kyle Tomlinson save. A goal then would have made for a nervy last few minutes, but as it was the home team were still pushing forward when the final whistle blew and drew the curtain on a performance of which all nine boys can be proud.

Team: TOMLINSON, MARSHALL, WILLSHAW, YARNELL, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, BULLIVANT, CHAMPION

Goalscorers: COOKE, GRAY, CLARK

Man of the Match: CLARK

Sunday 14th January: Ruskington Lions ‘B’ 1 - 2 Welton
Welton began the second half of their campaign with an excellent 2-1 victory in a close game away at Ruskington Lions. Neither team had played for a few weeks and it was the Lions who were quicker into their stride. Eight minutes into the half Kyle Tomlinson pulled off a stunning save, his best of the season so far, when he pushed a fierce shot over the bar. More Ruskington pressure followed before Sam Cooke put a shot just wide after a great run from the halfway line, while Kyle Tomlinson made another good save at the other end. With half-time approaching Ryan Marshall cleared the ball off the line after Tomlinson had parried the initial shot, ensuring that the teams were still deadlocked at the break.

The second half saw both teams creating chances, with Callum Gray coming close for the visitors and a brilliant Peter Yarnell tackle foiling the hosts before the deadlock was finally broken eleven minutes into the half. Daniel Clark’s quick throw-in found Callum Gray who played the ball through for Sam Cooke to apply a clinical finish and set a new team record by scoring in seven successive games. Ruskington struck back quickly, though, and soon levelled the score with a well taken goal from a corner, and as the match entered its final ten minutes it really was anyone’s game. It was Welton who then seized the initiative when Sam Cooke was the first to react after a Jack Bullivant effort came back off the post, although the home side weren’t about to give up, and it took an exceptionally brave save by Man of the Match Kyle Tomlinson to prevent them drawing level again. As the seconds ticked away Jack Bullivant almost added a third, but his shot clipped the woodwork leaving Welton 2-1 victors of a thoroughly entertaining game.

Team: TOMLINSON, CHAMPION, WILLSHAW, YARNELL, CLARK, BULLIVANT, GRAY, COOKE, MARSHALL

Goalscorers: COOKE (2)

Man of the Match: TOMLINSON

Sunday 17th December: Young Dons 1 - 3 Welton
The Under 8s recorded their fifth, and best, victory of the season with a 3-1 win against second placed Young Dons, in a highly entertaining game that saw both teams play some attractive passing football. Welton started strongly, forcing a number of early corners, but it was Young Dons who took the lead after ten minutes with their first foray forward. Callum Gray then found himself through on goal, but was foiled by a great save by the keeper, who must rate as one of the best in the division. Kyle Tomlinson was then forced into action at the other end before Jack Bullivant got Welton back on level terms when his corner took a slight deflection into the net. Callum Gray and Sam Cooke tested the keeper further and on the stroke of half-time good work by Kyle Tomlinson snuffed out any danger from a teasing cross, leaving it 1-1 at the break.

Both teams continued to attack at the start of the second half with Kyle Tomlinson making a good save and Daniel Clark twice being thwarted, once by the keeper and then by some good defending. A brilliant interception by Peter Yarnell kept Young Dons out before the visitors took the lead with their fiftieth goal of the season, courtesy of a lovely chipped shot by Daniel Clark. Minutes later Sam Cooke added a third and Jack Bullivant almost made it four, but his free-kick was brilliantly tipped onto the bar. By now Welton were looking the stronger side with Callum Gray twice coming close, although it took a brave block by Ryan Marshall to prevent Young Dons pulling one back late on. This time, though, it was Welton’s day and they finished a great game as deserving 3-1 victors.

Team: TOMLINSON, CHAMPION, MARSHALL, YARNELL, BULLIVANT, COOKE, GRAY, CLARK, WILLSHAW

Goalscorers: BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE

Man of the Match: BULLIVANT

Sunday 10th December: Welton 10 - 0 Birchwood Colts ‘B’
The Under 8s returned to winning ways in impressive style with an emphatic 10-0 victory at home to Birchwood Colts ‘B’. Welton created a number of chances in the opening minutes, but Callum Gray, Jack Bullivant and Peter Yarnell were all thwarted by the talented away keeper. With nine minutes on the clock Daniel Clark opened the scoring with a well taken goal and Sam Cooke soon settled Welton’s nerves by making it 2-0. Cooke then set up Callum Gray for the third before adding two more himself to complete his hat-trick and give the hosts a 5-0 advantage at the interval.

Welton continued to dominate in the second half, playing some lovely free-flowing football in the process. After eight minutes a great cross-field ball by Daniel Clark found Sam Cooke who crossed for Callum Gray to score the sixth. Ben Willshaw, playing his first ever game in goal, then made a save and a couple of Birchwood corners saw Welton under pressure for the first time. However, Sam Champion, Peter Yarnell and man of the match Ryan Marshall dealt with anything thrown their way and averted any danger. With the storm weathered Jack Bullivant played a defence splitting pass to Callum Gray before running half the pitch to take the return ball and make it 7-0. Two more very good moves saw Ryan Marshall link up with Callum Gray and then with Jack Bullivant to create the chances for Sam Cooke to knock in his fourth and fifth goals of the match. Finally, in the last minute of the game, Jack Bullivant freed Callum Gray who duly completed his hat-trick and made the final score 10-0.

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

Goalscorers: CLARK, COOKE (5), GRAY (3), BULLIVANT

Man of the Match: MARSHALL

Sunday 3rd December: Fishtoft ‘B’ 6 - 5 Welton
The Under 8s slipped to a 6-5 defeat at Fishtoft ‘B’ in muddy, windy conditions that weren’t conducive to free-flowing football. Welton took an early lead in rather fortunate circumstances when the home keeper’s brave save at Sam Cooke’s feet rebounded into Cooke’s face and into the net. A period of sustained Welton pressure followed, but only one goal resulted when Callum Gray set up Jack Bullivant for his first of the season. Daniel Clark then had a shot turned onto the post but Fishtoft pulled one back with a well taken goal from a corner. After twenty minutes Welton extended their lead through Callum Gray, but Fishtoft dragged it back to 3-2 shortly afterwards. As half-time approached Jack Bullivant was barged over as he was about to unleash a strike, but took immediate retribution when he hammered the resulting free kick into the net to make it 4-2 at the break.

With the wind against them and the pitch churning up, the second half was always going to be tougher for Welton, although Jack Bullivant almost netted another free kick early on. By now, though, Fishtoft’s direct style was causing Welton problems and it took a stunning Kyle Tomlinson save to keep them out. However, ten minutes into the half they scored their third as Welton again failed to defend a corner, and three minutes later the scores were level. The hosts had their tails up now and soon added two more goals to go 6-4 ahead. With time running out Jack Bullivant capped a man of the match performance by completing his first hat-trick for the club, but it was too late to salvage anything and Welton were left rueing the fact that they hadn’t put the game out of Fishtoft’s reach in the first half.

Team: TOMLINSON, CHAMPION, WILLSHAW, YARNELL, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, MARSHALL

Goalscorers: COOKE, BULLIVANT (3), GRAY

Man of the Match: BULLIVANT

Sunday 26th November: Welton 2 - 3 Young Dons
The Under 8s failed to record a third successive victory, going down 3-2 to a well organised Young Dons. Welton had the better of the opening exchanges and it soon became apparent that the visitors had a highly talented keeper as he made good saves from Jack Bullivant, Sam Cooke and Callum Gray within the first ten minutes. Sam Cooke then hit a post before Young Dons took the lead against the run of play with a penalty that Kyle Tomlinson came within a whisker of keeping out. Welton continued to push forward and forced a number of corners but with twenty minutes on the clock Young Dons extended their lead to 2-0. Three minutes later the hosts pulled one back when Daniel Clark’s fine through ball found Sam Cooke who buried the chance to record his tenth goal of the season and give Welton some hope.

Not for the first time this season Welton were caught napping at the start of the second half as Young Dons made it 3-1, but they quickly hit back with Ryan Marshall forcing a save at the other end. Both teams continued to attack but Ben Willshaw and the excellent Sam Champion stood firm for Welton, while the away keeper again foiled Ryan Marshall and Callum Gray clipped a post. With time running out Sam Cooke beat three Young Dons players before setting up Daniel Clark who drilled the ball home, but it came too late for Welton to salvage anything from the game and Young Dons went away 3-2 victors.

Team: TOMLINSON, CHAMPION, WILLSHAW, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, MARSHALL

Goalscorers: COOKE, CLARK

Man of the Match: CHAMPION

Sunday 12th November: Welton 5 - 1 Lowlands
The Under 8s kicked an annoying statistical anomaly into touch as they recorded consecutive wins for the first time ever with a 5-1 win at home to Lowlands. The fact that they played their best football of the season in the process was an added bonus. Sam Cooke opened the scoring after six minutes when he latched onto Daniel Clark’s pass and got enough power in his shot to beat the away keeper’s valiant attempt at a save. The rest of the half was fairly even as both teams battled to take control and with half-time coming at 1-0 it was still anyone’s game.

Lowlands drew level early in the second half when they converted a penalty and soon afterwards it took a great goal-line clearance by Peter Yarnell to prevent them taking the lead. Welton cleared the resulting corner and an excellent through ball by Jack Bullivant released Callum Gray who restored Welton’s lead. Lowlands continued to battle hard and it took more fine defending by man of the match Peter Yarnell to keep them out before two goals in as many minutes gave the hosts a cushion. First Daniel Clark’s cross/shot found its way into the net and then Callum Gray played the ball through to Sam Cooke who coolly slotted home to make it 4-1. A good save by the ever alert Kyle Tomlinson then denied Lowlands a goal and with seven minutes remaining Daniel Clark rocketed in his second of the match to make it 5-1. Neither Welton nor Lowlands were able to find the net again and so for the second time in three matches between these clubs Welton wrapped up a 5-1 victory that was tighter than the scoreline suggests.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, MARSHALL, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, BULLIVANT, WILLSHAW

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

Man of the Match: YARNELL

Sunday 5th November: Welton 6 - 1 Caythorpe & Fulbeck
On a breezy Guy Fawkes afternoon it was Welton who provided most of the fireworks as they eased to a 6-1 victory at home to Caythorpe & Fulbeck. The home side dominated from the off with Daniel Clark opening the scoring after three minutes with a left foot strike from the edge of the box. Clark was on fire throughout and proceeded to have a shot just wide, having been played in by the tireless Jack Bullivant, another one blocked and a cool lob that went inches past. A second goal was proving elusive, though, as Sam Cooke had a shot saved and Callum Gray one blocked, but it was that boy Clark who finally managed to double Welton’s lead midway through the half. Minutes later he turned provider for Sam Cooke to grab the third before displaying a neat bit of trickery to create another chance for Cooke whose shot was saved, leaving it 3-0 at half time.

Welton came out in a similar mood after the break with Ryan Marshall and Ben Willshaw shooting wide, although good keeping by Kyle Tomlinson prevented the visitors pulling one back on a rare occasion that they got past Sam Champion and Peter Yarnell. Twelve minutes into the half Callum Gray made a strong run into the Caythorpe box and teed the ball up for Ben Willshaw to make it 4-0. Minutes later a Caythorpe rocket made it 4-1 but Welton continued to press forward with Daniel Clark, Callum Gray and Sam Cooke all coming close. Sam Cooke then played a pinpoint pass to Callum Gray who made it 5-1 and as the last embers of the game burned out Gray swept in one of Ryan Marshall’s excellent corners to make the final score 6-1.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, MARSHALL, BULLIVANT, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, CHAMPION, WILLSHAW

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

Man of the Match: CLARK

Sunday 29th October: Wyberton 5 - 2 Welton
Welton’s mini revival came to an end when they went down 5-2 having made the long trip to Wyberton. Callum Gray forced a save after only two minutes, but it was Wyberton who struck first to take an early lead. Welton had the better of the next ten minutes and almost drew level when Daniel Clark had a shot blocked on the line, but minutes later Wyberton broke to make it 2-0. Good goalkeeping then foiled Callum Gray before the home side again broke straight back and made it 3-0. A good save from Kyle Tomlinson prevented Welton from falling further behind, and then with half-time less than five minutes away Ben Willshaw unleashed a stunning strike to record his first goal for the club and give the visitors some hope. Two minutes later Callum Gray made it 3-2 and Welton went into the break with thoughts of last year’s thrilling comeback in their minds.

It was Wyberton, though, who started the second half stronger forcing a number of corners, but Welton soon came back into it with Jack Bullivant and Sam Cooke both having shots wide. Bullivant and Cooke (twice) were then both denied by the outstanding home keeper and you got the feeling that this wasn’t going to be Welton’s day. As the game entered its final quarter Wyberton made it 4-2, and when they added a fifth in the closing stages with a goal to rival Ben Willshaw’s effort Welton’s fate was sealed.


Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, CHAMPION, WILLSHAW, CLARK,COOKE, GRAY, BULLIVANT, MARSHALL

Goalscorers: WILLSHAW, GRAY

Man of the Match: WILLSHAW

Sunday 15th October: Birchwood Colts B 0 - 8 Welton
Welton got their first win under their belt with a comfortable 8-0 victory at Birchwood Colts B. A bright start saw Welton force a number of corners before taking the lead when a Birchwood defender was unlucky to turn a probing cross into his own net. With ten minutes gone Callum Gray made it 2-0 after being played in by Daniel Clark and more pressure resulted in the same pair combining to make it 3-0 midway through the half. Still there was no let up for the home side and only five minutes of the half remained when Kyle Tomlinson made his first save. A swift goal kick then turned defence into attack and for the third time in the half Daniel Clark set up Callum Gray who made it 4-0 and notched up his first hat-trick for the club.

The second half continued in much the same vein and within ten minutes Jack Bullivant had twice found Sam Cooke who scored the fifth and sixth. Ryan Marshall then swept in a corner to make it 7-0 and a minute later turned supplier for Callum Gray to score the eighth. Gray then looked to have made it nine but the ball was adjudged to have not crossed the line and a similar judgement denied Sam Cooke his hat-trick. As the game entered its last five minutes Welton refused to slow down, but with the woodwork denying Sam Cooke and Jack Bullivant 8-0 was the final result.


Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, MARSHALL, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, BULLIVANT, CHAMPION

Goalscorers: OWN GOAL, GRAY (4), COOKE (2), MARSHALL

Man of the Match: GRAY

Sunday 8th October: Metheringham 5 – 5 Welton
An entertaining 5-5 draw saw the Under 8s secure their first point of the season and also produce their best football so far. A change in formation gave Callum Gray the striker’s role while Sam Cooke moved to midfield, and it paid early dividends when the pair combined to open the scoring, Cooke providing the finish. Welton doubled their lead a few minutes later, this time Cooke setting up Gray, but Metheringham soon pulled one back to make it 2-1. As half-time approached Cooke again found Gray who slotted in his second goal of the game to give the visitors the advantage at the break.

The second half began with both teams having chances but two Metheringham goals in as many minutes suddenly brought the scores level. Daniel Clark forced a save as Welton fought back, but it took a good save from Kyle Tomlinson and a great block from Peter Yarnell to prevent Metheringham taking the lead. Midway through the half Sam Cooke restored Welton’s lead but within two minutes the scores were level again. Daniel Clark then teased and tormented a couple of defenders before crossing for Cooke who struck the ball emphatically into the roof of the net to make it 5-4 and complete his hat-trick. As the seconds ticked away Sam Champion, Ryan Marshall, Ben Willshaw and Peter Yarnell stood firm at the back while a Jack Bullivant free kick was charged down by a suspiciously close defender. However, with a deserved two points in Welton’s grasp Metheringham scored with the very last kick of the game to make it 5-5.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, WILLSHAW, CHAMPION, CLARK, COOKE, GRAY, BULLIVANT, MARSHALL

Goalscorers: COOKE (3), GRAY (2)

Man of the Match: COOKE

Sunday 1st October: Welton 3 – 6 Sleaford Town
Welton moved off the foot of the table despite losing their third consecutive game as they went down 6-3 at home to Sleaford Town. A frenetic opening ten minutes saw Callum Gray give Welton an early lead before Sleaford hit back immediately to equalise. Two minutes later Daniel Clark and Sam Cooke combined to set up Gray for his second, but again the lead was short lived with Sleaford drawing level within three minutes. More end to end football followed and Kyle Tomlinson made a couple of good saves, as did the Sleaford keeper, but it was Sleaford who took the lead for the first time with seventeen minutes on the clock. Jack Bullivant then hit a free kick agonisingly wide before Callum Gray hit a shot over the bar to leave Sleaford with a 3-2 advantage at half-time.

The second half remained goalless until midway through when Sleaford extended their lead to 4-2 before the heavens well and truly opened. With time ticking away Sleaford added a fifth with a well taken free kick and although Ryan Marshall pulled one back for the hosts with his first ever goal for the club, Sleaford scored a sixth in the dying seconds to ensure that despite being soaked to the skin their trip home would be a happy one.


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

Goalscorer: GRAY (2), MARSHALL

Man of the Match: CLARK

Sunday 17th September: Coningsby 2 – 1 Welton
The Under 8s slipped to a second successive defeat, going down 2-1 at unbeaten Coningsby. However, it was a much improved performance and only stubborn resistance from the home side prevented Welton from coming away with a comfortable victory. Welton took a while to come to terms with the small pitch and Kyle Tomlinson had made three very good saves before fifteen minutes were up. Jack Bullivant then forced a good save out of the Coningsby keeper before the hosts finally took the lead. After twenty minutes Sam Champion was introduced to the action and he immediately inspired Welton to step up their game. Sam Cooke’s runs also became more penetrating and he forced a save before Daniel Clark hit the rebound wide, but Coningsby kept the lead until half time.

The second half was almost all Welton and six minutes in Jack Bullivant set up Sam Cooke who just managed to scramble in the equaliser. A minute later Bullivant clipped the outside of the post with a free-kick for the second week in a row, but despite a barrage of Welton pressure it was Coningsby who regained the lead when Kyle Tomlinson was unlucky to see a good save fall at the feet of an attacker. Still Welton pushed forward and with Callum Gray having a shot wide and Sam Cooke and Daniel Clark seeing efforts saved by the Coningsby keeper an equaliser seemed inevitable. It wasn’t to be, though, and the home side managed to cling on for victory.

Team: TOMLINSON, YARNELL, MARSHALL, CLARK, HARESIGN, GRAY, COOKE, BULLIVANT, CHAMPION

Goalscorer: COOKE

Man of the Match: CHAMPION

Sunday 10th September: Welton 1 – 4 Fishtoft A
After weeks of anticipation Welton’s first season of league football got off to a disappointing start when they went down 4-1 at home to a well organised and very committed, not to mention talented, Fishtoft A. It was Welton who started stronger, winning a couple of early corners, but Fishtoft soon began to settle and Kyle Tomlinson, making his debut in goal for Welton, was the first keeper forced into action. The home side made the breakthrough, though, midway through the first half when good work from Sam Cooke saw him set up Callum Gray who made no mistake with the finish. More Welton pressure followed and Jack Bullivant nearly doubled their lead when a fierce free kick clipped the outside of the post. Both teams continued to push forward through the half but with a great save from Tomlinson ensuring that neither team found the net it was Welton who went into the break with the advantage.

However, the second half was a different story and almost immediately Fishtoft were back on level terms. The away team began to take control from then, being the first to almost all the loose balls and looking the most likely to score again, which they did eleven minutes into the half to go 2-1 ahead. Fishtoft also seemed to cope better with the heat as Welton began to tire and two more goals before the finish gave them a deserved victory.


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

Goalscorer: GRAY

Man of the Match: GRAY

Thursday 31st August: Louth Old Boys 0 – 11 Welton

A pre-season friendly at Louth Old Boys saw the Under 8s warm up for the new season in style with a crushing 11-0 victory. Daniel Clark opened the scoring in the first minute after a good move that also involved Liam Haresign and Sam Cooke, but the next ten minutes were fairly even with both teams creating chances before Jack Bullivant set up Clark for his second. Welton then began to take control and two Sam Cooke strikes in as many minutes made it 4-0 and put the away side firmly on top. Five minutes later a precision free-kick from Ben Willshaw found Liam Haresign, who made it 5-0 and the same boy made it six when he tapped in a Sam Cooke effort that was flirting with the goal line. Cooke completed his hat-trick just before half-time, Ben Willshaw again the provider with another pinpoint pass, but Louth almost pulled one back from the kick-off when a shot clipped the crossbar.

Welton again enjoyed the majority of the possession in the second half but stout resistance from Louth saw it goalless for twenty minutes until Callum Gray set up Liam Haresign who duly completed Welton’s second hat-trick of the game. Louth then had a good chance but a brilliant last ditch tackle by Ben Willshaw got the luck it deserved when the ball cannoned into the post before being bundled to safety. As the game drew to a close Welton added three more goals with Callum Gray and Sam Cooke twice combining to set up Daniel Clark for his third and fourth, the latter a great strike from the edge of the box, while Gray sandwiched one of his own in between.

Team: GRAY, YARNELL, CHAMPION, CLARK, BULLIVANT, HARESIGN, COOKE, BATEY, CHAPMAN, WILLSHAW

Goalscorers: CLARK (4), COOKE (3), HARESIGN (3), GRAY