FOURTH-placed Goodrest appeared to come to this match with the sole purpose of intimidating the Worcester League Saturday Division One youthful leaders Welland Athletic, resulting in four yellow cards to Goodrest and two penalties to Welland.

WELLAND ATHLETIC 3, GOODREST 1

Welland's keeper, Mark Scrivener, playing as striker in this match, wove his way through the Goodrest defence before being brought down allowing Tom Holland to net the penalty coolly after nine minutes.

Welland took time to settle, with Si Craddock and Garry Thackeray making first starts in the league after six weeks absence through injury and suspension respectively.

Goodrest equalised after 20 minutes when Ian Underhill netted from close range giving Nick Blakeway no chance in goal.

Then after 35 minutes in the move of the match Ben Nineham, dominant in midfield, fed Tom Holland on the right. A switch to Si Craddock wide left was then fed to Ed Wray and finally Mark Scrivener at the right post who crashed the ball in to give Welland a 2-1 lead at half time.

Welland lost Tom Holland and Garry Thackeray due to injuries but skipper Alex Jelleyman, at 19, the oldest Welland player on the pitch, urged his troops on winning yet another penalty, converted by Ed Wray with ten minutes to go for 3-1.

Welland demonstrated, with this victory, that their determination and resolve will continue to ensure they challenge for promotion this season together with both Phipps and Martley Cup opportunities to come in February.

Man of the match was Ben Nineham.

Next league match is away to Inkberrow next Saturday (February 7).