A CRACKING game of football between local rivals saw the youthful newcomers to the Worcester District Saturday Division One league, Welland Athletic outplay the Swan in midfield and overcome a 1-0 deficit at half time.

HANLEY SWAN 1, WELLAND ATHLETIC 2

Playing nine players 18 years old or under and a new formation on a small pitch, Welland took time to acclimatise and looked in danger of being overrun. Experienced hands Garry Thackeray and Roy Furlong settled the pack and soon Welland's fluid midfield passing caused Hanley's defence problems with Saunder and Arnott both going close and Thackeray had claims for a penalty denied.

Against the run of play though, Hanley scored two minutes from half time after a mix up in defence left Eccelstone no chance.

Within two minutes of the restart Welland had equalised with a cracking 35 yard left foot shot from Jamie Thackeray from the left touch line, which flew under the bar at the far post.

With Thackeray and Saunder terrorising the full backs fed by sublime passes from midfield it came as no surprise after 60 minutes when Saunder fired in from 30 yards. David Schooling then made his first appearance as a sub up front for Welland and prevented Swan from considering attack as an option.

Man of the match was Jamie Thackeray.

Welland at home tomorrow (Saturday) at Hill Centre to All Blacks in WFA Minor Cup 2.30pm.