Bonus game - Ibstock's ground has been vandalised, so these teams were unable to meet on Saturday - Gedling willingly agreed to this "reverse" fixture. With 10 minutes to go before kick off, there were only a handful of people in the ground, causing Welfare Chairman Vic Hulme a little concern over the financial impact the game would have. He need not have worried - eventually over 100 turned up at the game and the fixture change proved to be a nice little earner!!
With Heanor Town/Leeds United follower Lee Spurr and his phone for the majority of the game. Honestly, I've never wanted to stamp on someones mobile before, but the "ding-dong Avon" calling on "loud" almost took me to breaking point. Every 20 seconds -- ding-dong, ding-dong -- popular lad is Lee!!!
Nice to see Wayne Smith playing again, although the Ibstock keeper must be longing for a bit more protection from his back four.
Gedling have added Steve Cox to their squad, and he went straight into the starting eleven for this game. With Tom Watson returning, the attack looked potent on paper. Watson, Wells, Cox, Whitt.
Early doors, Danny Gee had an effort parried by Smith - Watson arrived just too late to snap up the loose ball. Watson then fired the ball into the box on 15, but both Cox and Whitt went for the cross, giving Smith time to gather.
Wells saw his well placed header cannon off the bar a couple of minutes later, and it seemed Welfare were never going to score. Someone mentioned they were knocking at the door - but all I could hear was the bloody Avon bell - ding-dong, Avon calling!!!!!!!
Gee had a shot cleared off the line after 26 minutes had been played, but despite all their attacking play, Ibstock had the clearest chance to break the deadlock on 35. Forunately for the home team, sub Adam Johnson fired wide of goal with only Lance Walker to beat.
Kev decided to "tempt a goal" by putting his camera away - he certainly did that!!!! No goals in 38 minutes, then three come along together.....
The first was a simple header from KIERAN WELLS, the striker nodding home from close range after Ashley Whitt had picked him out with a superb cross from the left.
The second came as a result of Walker blocking Ant Cresswell's shot at goal. Could have been all square, but as the ball went up the pitch, Corrigan crossed into the box, Cox flicked the ball on to WHITT who tapped home at the far stick.
The second came as a result of Walker blocking Ant Cresswell's shot at goal. Could have been all square, but as the ball went up the pitch, Corrigan crossed into the box, Cox flicked the ball on to WHITT who tapped home at the far stick.
The third goal on 45 + 2 was a joy - WELLS received the ball inside the penalty area, rounded Smith before delicately chipping the ball into the net. Nice! H-T 3-0
Kieran Wells - drink and pic courtesy Kev Goodman!!
Went for our usual complimentary cuppa courtesy of Tony Hay - and dipstick here only managed to spill his all over the floor!! Not a good way to repay such great hospitality!!!!!
Five minutes into the second period, Wells had a header well saved by Smith, but the visiting keeper was soon to be picking the ball out of the back of the net again.
Whitt fired a great ball across goal from the left wing on the hour mark, and found TOM WATSON running in at goal. The no. 7 smashed the ball past Smith off the underside of the bar without breaking stride. The move was initiated after Walker had denied Pat Rowell at the other end. So, could have been 3-1, instead it was 4-0.
Gedling down to 10 and defending well as United went looking for a consolation goa, but in all honesty the last 25 minutes were a bit flat. Cox had one final chance to get on the score sheet on 85, but Smith was able to dive and save the strikers header from yet another fine, accurate Whitt cross. F-T 5-0
We're off to Basford on Saturday - they play Ibstock. Could be another bad day for the Leicestershire team if they don't show considerable improvement.....
Admission £4
Attendance 105
Programme - not exactly going to be an award winner! I know it was hastily put together, but this wasn't the Welfare's best effort.....
Whitt fired a great ball across goal from the left wing on the hour mark, and found TOM WATSON running in at goal. The no. 7 smashed the ball past Smith off the underside of the bar without breaking stride. The move was initiated after Walker had denied Pat Rowell at the other end. So, could have been 3-1, instead it was 4-0.
On 65, Welfare right back Liam Corrigan found himself in the United area for some reason - he was
unceremoniously dumped on his backside by a visiting defender, giving Referee Kev Guise no option other than to award a penalty. WELLS stepped up and fired home to complete his personal triple.
Seconds later the young striker was dismissed for using "excessive force" whilst tackling on the half-way line..I didn't see the challenge, but Kev and Lee both said the challenge was reckless and also absolutely needless. Youthful exuberance? Adrenalin rush after completing his hat-trick? Maybe. Lesson to be learned? Definitely.Gedling down to 10 and defending well as United went looking for a consolation goa, but in all honesty the last 25 minutes were a bit flat. Cox had one final chance to get on the score sheet on 85, but Smith was able to dive and save the strikers header from yet another fine, accurate Whitt cross. F-T 5-0
We're off to Basford on Saturday - they play Ibstock. Could be another bad day for the Leicestershire team if they don't show considerable improvement.....
Admission £4
Attendance 105
Programme - not exactly going to be an award winner! I know it was hastily put together, but this wasn't the Welfare's best effort.....
