CORSHAM TOWN 2 WELTON ROVERS 0

After their midweek 2-2 draw at Devizes, it was back to Wiltshire again for Welton, this time against Corsham Town, whose own start to the season has been very hit-and-miss.

In ideal playing conditions, it was the hosts who caused an early scare for Welton, when Josh Bright raced through the Welton defence on goal, but Welton keeper, Tom Drewitt, saw the danger, raced out and closed him down, grabbing the ball.

Corsham continued to trouble the Welton defence, and Rhys Talmash should have done better with his free header at the far post, which saw the striker direct his header straight into the grateful arms of Drewitt.

Welton’s response was a sweeping attack down the left which saw the ball fall to Rene Adigbo, and his stinging shot saw Corsham keeper, Alex Avenell, palm away the effort at full-stretch. Joe Garland then saw his ambitious forty-yard shot fly wide of the hosts’ goal.

Corsham took the lead after ten minutes, when a free-kick from the left was met by centre-back, Ali Mayoh, who headed home completely unchallenged. Welton’s fullback, Alex Wych, was then brought down on the edge of the Corsham area. Up stepped Will Hunter, and his power-driver of a free-kick was deflected for a corner.

The hosts made it two on twenty minutes when a hesitation in the Welton defence allowed Bright through; his shot was well-saved by Drewitt who pushed the ball onto the post, but unfortunately for Welton, the ball rebounded out to Talmash, who fired into the Welton net.

Garland then led an attack down the left and his cross into the area beat the Corsham defenders and was crying out for a Welton boot to connect with it. Just before halftime, Welton had Drewitt to thank again after he denied Bright on a charge after yet more hesitation at the back for Welton.

The second half was a completely different game, with Welton dominating proceedings and the hosts falling back resting on their laurels.

Good play by Adigbo on the left saw him mesmerise his marker and then deliver a quality cross, and Wych was only inches away from pulling one back for Welton. Corsham defender, Ben Pring, was then sent to the sin bin by referee, Laughlin, for kicking the ball away.

Further Welton pressure saw Garland’s first-time effort fly wide of the target. Chris Pile, on a charge, was pulled back by James Gardner, who was promptly booked by the referee.

In all, nine players from both sides were booked during the course of the game. Avenell then pulled off an outstanding save to deny Pile’s thunderbolt, and moments later the keeper was on-hand to save Tom Smith’s overhead kick.

All three substitutes were used by Welton, and the home crowd were showing signs of nerves as Welton continued to press Corsham with fast-flowing attacks. However, unfortunately, the vital goal would not come for Welton, and in the end it was the hosts who ran out winners.

This defeat sent Welton to third-from-bottom of the League. The Green Army are getting restless, and Welton have to get back soon to winning ways. This Saturday, 12th October, Welton entertain Lebeq United at West Clewes; kick-off 3 p.m.

Bob Allard