THE opening exchanges were evenly contested but as has become a bad habit this season Welland only started playing their usual passing game once they had gone a goal down after just 10 minutes.

OMBERSLEY COLTS 2, WELLAND JUNIORS 3

Welland began to play with greater determination and went close a number of times before Andy Smith's drive hit the back of the net to draw the two teams level.

Ten minutes later Welland's captain, Joe Waldron forced his way through the home side's defence to put Welland ahead. To their credit Ombersley continued to play some intelligent passing football looking increasingly likely to score as they went forward. Welland's defence looked frail at times but they were unlucky to concede a second goal during a goalmouth scramble.

Welland made a number of changes at half time which seemed to have the desired effect as the visitors dominated play from the first whistle creating chance after chance.

For the last 20 minutes of the game Welland were permanantly camped in the Colts half and try as they might the winning goal just wouldn't come with both posts, the crossbar and Colts' keeper all denying the visitors.

With only five minutes to go Martyn Smith cleverly beat two Colts' defenders and placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner ensuring the visitors secured all three points.

Man of the match, sponsored by David and Sue Alderson, was Josh Kirby.

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS U13s 4,

NEWTOWN SPORTS JUNIORS U13s 2

A BRILLIANT sunny afternoon at Dukes Meadow saw an exciting, competitive match in which Wanderers completed the double over their local rivals and maintained their position at the top of the Mercian Elgar League table.

After only three minutes Calum Campbell outpaced the Newtown defence to put Wanderers ahead. And then it was constant defence as Newtown had nearly all the possession and territory. Wanderers had to battle desperately with Ted Grizzell, Oliver Mason and Chris Styles outstanding, to keep them out. But after 20 minutes Wanderers did manage to break out and a superb finish by Paul Jordan took them into a two goal lead against the run of play. Just before half time Philip Harris, with a fine piece of individual skill, beat two players and scored from a narrow angle.

In the second half Wanderers, playing down the slope, were the more dominant with Luke Butler driving the team forward from midfield. Ryan Mansbridge was in imperious form up front and only narrowly missed with two great drives. Jack Higgs took over on the right wing and had a great solo run before shooting just wide. But it was Calum Campbell who put the game safe with two more goals. Jamie Ferguson pulled one back with a great header but it was to little too late for Newtown.

Malvern Town Wanderers are sponsored by Pole Elm Garage, Callow End.

LYPPARD RANGERS BOYS 0,

NEWTOWN SPORTS COLTS U12S 2

WITHIN the first four minutes of last Sunday's away fixture at Lyppard Rangers Boys, Newtown Sports Colts scored two goals playing some terrific football.

Unfortunately, the next 56 minutes became frustrating and scrappy as the Colts became complacent and careless. Allison opened the scoring within the second minute following some great work by Edwards down the right. A minute later Powell got the Colts second after Twinberrow had neatly headed on a cross from Crane. With the wind in their backs the Colts constantly had Lyppard on the back foot and created chance after chance, but some fine goalkeeping and a lack of quality kept the score down. The Colts midfield of Powell, Caffull, Gath and Edwards enjoyed plenty of space which allowed Roskams, Crane, Jaye and Scullion to venture forward from the back.

In the second half, Elmes and Buckle came on for the Colts and the pattern of the game continued, although Lyppard enjoyed more possession with the wind in their favour. Although Johnson in goal did not have a save to make, the Colts made heavy weather of the game. The Colts who are sponsored by Alan Gath Enigmatics got the victory but it was a below par performance.

NEWTOWN SPORTS JUNIORS U11s 1,

NEWTOWN SPORTS COLTS U11s 0

A DULL dreary March morning was brightened by this exciting game, in which both teams created and missed numerous chances.

Despite the difference in league positions, these teams were evenly matched on the day and either team could have been in front at half time. Early in the first half Juniors tried to dominate, but resolute defending by Colts nullified the home side's attacking football.

Colts didn't take long to settle with Joe Bament taking the game to Juniors and setting up Ashley Heron, who saw a good shot hit the post. Juniors retaliated and went straight down into Colts half, and only good goalkeeping by Simon Harper kept the home side out. The teams were still evenly matched after the restart, and a good tussle on the wing between Joe Bament and Ed Ferguson saw a glut of throw ins. Juniors continued to attack but were unable to take complete control, and were often caught on the break. Colts stayed firm in defence, until shortly before fulltime when Louis Loader saw an opening appear in Colts defence and put Juniors ahead with a low drive that evaded the keeper.

NEWTOWN SPORTS JUNIORS U10s 3,

OLDBURY PARK TIGERS 1

NEWTOWN secured victory over a very hard working Oldbury Tigers side.

Newtown were soon pressing the Tigers' defence but they held firm with tenacious tackling and superb positional play. Although Newtown pressed with Watling and Bannister they were unable to find an opening until Matt Wren lost his marker in the area and his fine shot crept over the line after the goalkeeper had tipped the ball onto the post. Tigers attacked themselves but the Newtown defenders were on top of their game as well and thwarted the Tiger forays. The second half was very much the same as the first with Newtown doing most of the pressing but Tigers equal to anything Newtown could muster. Once again their hard work was undone when Joe Mallett wriggled free for his marker and his low shot found the bottom corner of the net. Tigers' response was instant, they pressed the Newtown goal who thought they had cleared the ball but Dean Griffiths struck a thunderous right foot shot that flew into the net. Play now centered in midfield with neither side able to get the upper hand. Matt Bannister was set free by Wren and he hit an early shot that beat the despairing dive of the keeper but struck the post, Christopher Freeman reacted quickest to slide the ball home.

Man of the match was Matthew Wren.

NEWTOWN SPORTS JUNIORS U9S 1,

NEWTOWN SPORTS COLTS U9S 1

NEWTOWN Sports Juniors entertained Newtown Sports Colts in what was always going to be a close game.

Juniors started the game well with Tom Milner having his best game to date in the midfield. Juniors came close to opening the scoring when Harry Wickett made a good run down the left and his cross was well met by George Parsons who just missed the target. The same two players combined well again shortly afterwards but the shot was well saved by the Colts keeper Ashlea Brewer. The Colts were starting to put the Juniors under pressure and Dominic Ferguson put a good through ball to Elliot Hennesey who hit a well struck shot from a difficult angle to give the Colts the lead.

The second half started with the Juniors pushing forward looking for the equaliser but Ashlea Brewer in the Colts goal was in fine form. At the other end the Juniors keeper Sam Parsons was called upon to make some good saves as the Colts tried to catch the Juniors on the break. The Juniors got their reward when a good move involving Harry Wickett and George Parsons fell to Tom Milner who made no mistake to equalise the scores. This set the game up for an exciting finish as both teams went looking for the winning goal, however the match finished with the honours even which was a fair result on the day.

Man of the match for Juniors was Tom Milner.

Newtown Sports Juniors U9'S are sponsored by Parsons Dentists.