In a lively curtain-raiser for the new campaign the Nettles matched their high-profile opponents stride for-stride before fitness told in the latter stages.
Second half efforts from Josh Lumbard (og) and Sam Almond settled matters for Welton after Joe Drabble had cancelled out Jason Tinkler's opener.
But all things considered, the Nettleham players and supporters can take heart from the performance against an all-star cast who will be competing fiercely in all competitions this term.
Newly-appointed player-manager James Carter was greeted into the changing room by DJ True's selection of pre-game tunes and it didn't take long for the visitors to find their rhythm on the field.
Despite being starved of possession, Nettleham, sporting their red away colours, looked solid in defence and threatening in attack.
But they were the architects of their own downfall midway through the first half as a poor set-piece was cleared and Welton broke quickly with Tinkler coolly slotting past Stu into the far corner.
But the response from Carter's troops was emphatic, Jonny Jenkins expertly releasing Drabble who calmly lifted the ball over Luke Clifford in the Welton goal to level the scores.
That's how the score remained at half-time, with Nettleham ringing the changes in order to give all players some much-needed match practice.
 |
| Drabble: Silenced former employers |
"The Enforcer" Ollie Halligan entered the fray and immediately let his opposition know he was about, chopping down anyone who came anywhere near him whether the ball was in sight or not.
Welton edged ahead in comical circumstances on the hour mark when Lumbard emphatically sliced a cross into the top corner of his goal past a bemused Stu.
And, after Jonny Drabble had missed a guilt-edge opportunity to level matters moments later, Nettleham were made to pay when Almond volleyed home in the latter stages.
No comments:
Post a Comment