WELTON Rovers gave a much improved display before going down 3-2 at home to Ilfracombe Town in the Premier Division of the Jewson Western League.

However, it was Ilfracombe who came out of the blocks quickest putting pressure on the Welton defence. Despite their early dominance the visitors couldn’t make their pressure count.

A cracking shot from 20 yards out by Fin King-Smith saw Welton keeper Mackenzie Welsh pull off a good save low down. Welton’s Tash Linton was causing the visitors defence problems with his pace down the right flank.

Ilfracombe striker Ryan Turner broke through the Welton defence only to see his effort graze the Welton upright. However, a mistake at the back in the 25th minute saw Mackenzie’s clearence fall straight to Turner in the area and he returned the ball in style with a curled shot into the far corner of the net.

Five minutes later Adam Poole made it two when he beat his marker, turned and thumped the ball home. Welton heads didn’t drop and they were rewarded minutes later when Kamal Yasin volleyed through a crowd of players straight into the Ilfracombe net.

As halftime approached Welton were awarded a penalty after Kaylen Edwards was bundled over in the box. Upstepped Yasin who fired in his spot kick straight down the middle to equalise for Welton.

The second half began in explosive fashion when referee Burroughs awarded a penalty in the first minute of the half for handball in the box when the ball bounced up off the pitch and struck Terry Francis on his arm. Riley Malin stepped up and took the kick which was saved and palmed away by Welsh but in the subsequent melee Malin was able to poke the ball into the net.

Before the restart Ilfracombe captain Charlie Prentice was shown a second yellow card for something he said to the referee.

Welton responded and a shot from the edge of the area from Yasin went just wide and Jayden Radway saw his goal bound shot turned round the post by Dom Aplin as Welton pressed for the equaliser.

Arian Asmara was then put through, one on one with the keeper, but his tame shot was easily blocked by Aplin. Minutes later Asmara again found space with only the keeper to beat but again Aplin was up to the challenge. Just before the final whistle Welton were reduced to ten men when Edwards was sent off.

Bob Allard