The Visit:

Finally a gloriously sunny evening to enjoy a preseason friendly in the way they should be enjoyed. This was something of a last minute decision but it was definitely worth it. I got the bus along to Bitton – the journey itself providing brilliant views of the countryside around Bath.

Bitton’s ground is located just beyond the village and is part of the sports and social club. The covered main stand is on the far side between the dugouts, and there is a covered standing area on the near side. There was a real family atmosphere tonight with lots of young fans running around enjoying the warm weather. There were a couple of familiar names in the Bitton line up – ex-Weston-Super-Mare winger Joe McLellan being perhaps the most exciting.

The first half was very much the home side’s and they looked every bit the side playing a level higher than their opponents. A couple of tight offside calls were followed by a well taken one-on-one goal from ex-Larkhall striker Dean Griffiths. Welton offered little upfront – bar a couple of half-chances – but this was soon to change.

After a seemingly short half time, the second period started as the first ended – with the home team controlling things. Soon this pressure paid off with Tom Knighton finding the back of the net. However, the majority of the rest of the game saw Welton very much coming back into the match. Number 9 Malick Jammeh hitting the post and forcing a decent save from ex-Larkhall keeper Ben John, before his strike partner Lewis Coleman calmy slotted home.

It finished 2-1 but Welton certainly more than held their own in the 2nd half. On this showing they can look forward to a successful league campaign.

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