WELTON Rovers’ young side went down 3-2 to Buckland Athletic in an entertaining game at West Clewes. Welton began well and were rewarded in the 17th minute when a great pass from Kai Williamson found Brandon Oputeri on a charge and he calmly placed his effort over the advancing keeper to score a very good goal. Ten minutes later the visitors equalised when striker Ryan Bush met a cross low down and headed home.
Just before halftime Buckland got a second and Bush also his second when his cross come shot from the left crept into the net off the far post. Welton replaced keeper Hamblin with Joe Harper making his debut. Welton continued to go for the equaliser and a great effort from Mason Aiden had goal written all over it until it was cleared off the line by Rob Farkins trailing foot.
Against the run of play the visitors got a third and Bush his hat trick. With ten minutes remaining Oputeri struck again. He sliced through the Buckland defence and skilfully placed his effort past the advancing Coombes. Welton went all out for the equaliser but simply ran out of time. On Saturday Welton entertain bottom club Millbrook at West Clewes, kick off 3pm. Bob Allard