Another cup run on the cards

City made heavy weather in overcoming a stubborn Welton side, but two strikes from Steve Murray, one in either half, eventually gave his side safe passage into the second round of the FA Vase.
The Blues were high in confidence after their morale boosting victory at Southern League Bishops Cleeve in the FA Cup seven days previous, but the robust, physical nature of Weltons approach made it difficult for City to truly get into their stride.
City made the perfect start, and were ahead inside 6 minutes. A typical run from centre forward Steve Murray saw him twist past 3 defenders before firing past Dando in the Welton goal from close range. The signs were that this could have opened up the floodgates for the home side, with Matt Hurley in particular carving open the visiting defence at will.
However, whether it was a case of over confidence or complacency, but Wells became sloppy in their approach play, allowing Welton to an even share of the ball. The Mendip side needed little invitation to attack and try and cause a cup upset, but although they opted for a more direct, aggressive style of play, they never seriously troubled the home rearguard which saw Ben Robertson and Jamie Gowers in outstanding form. Likewise the hands of keeper Luke Langson were as safe as usual.
At the other end, Welton keeper Dando, was also enjoying the afternoon, and put in a good shift for his side. On 30 minutes, he produces a magnificent save from a 30 yard pile driver from Nathan Truckle, The goal bound shot was heading for the top right hand corner of the net before Dando tipped the ball over the bar when diving at full stretch.
That we the last meaningful action of the first period, and for a while, the break did City some good as they came out for the second half in a more positive mood with signs of their flowing football beginning to shine through. They were eventually rewarded when Murray notched his, and his sides, second of the afternoon. The ace marksman, looking suspiciously offside, latched onto a wayward shot from Hurley to steer the ball underneath the large frame of Dando. Murray should have done better minutes later and put the tie beyond the reach of Welton when he intercepted a back pass and rounded Dando, but with Toby Cole in acres of space, and odds-on to knock the ball into the empty net, Murray opted to shoot from an acute angle, but only found the side netting.
As the game entered the final stages, the referee had to be about his wits to keep a lid on affairs as the physical nature of the visitors play raised its head again. However, the official’s patience ran out with 5 minutes remaining when Hayden Watts took his frustration out of a pitch side hoarding, and was promptly shown a second yellow card and an invitation for an early shower. With his departure went any hope Welton had of retrieving the game, and Wells progressed to the second round and a visit to fellow Toolstation Premier Division side Bristol Manor Farm.