WELLAND bounced back from the previous week's disappointing defeat to New Inn 2002 with a victory over Oak Apple for the second time in four weeks.

OAK APPLE 2, WELLAND ATHLETIC 4

The visitor's superb first half display was rewarded by two clinical finishes by attacking midfielder Mark Amott. Amott smashed in the first from close range after a defensive mix up and good work from the Welland midfield, particularly from man of the match Garry Thackeray allowed Amott to drive through a static home defence to slot the second past the flailing keeper.

Skipper Alex Jelleyman and Tom Holland went close too, before Oak Apple stole a late first half goal to end the half 2-1.

Oak Apple started the second half the brighter and levelled with a low shot past Welland keeper Eccleston. With time running out Holland's 75th minute cross was diverted past his own keeper by the Apple defender and five minutes later Jelleyman crashed home a 20 yard volley from Steve Avery's cushioned chest down.

Welland, sponsored by Midland Communications and The Swan, Upton, now prepare for their second round Phipps Cup encounter with Langland Sports on January 11.