WELLAND'S squad depleted by the demands of half-term holidays, lined up to face Littleton, historically always a close fought, entertaining game.

WELLAND JUNIORS U'15s 2, LITTLETON JUNIORS 4

Littleton struck early, the fourth minute, and things just got worse for Welland. Captain Joe Taylor, a source of inspiration in midfield, was reprimanded for his enthusiastic tackling style and consequently the edge went from his game. Further goals from Littleton's Evans, Woodedd and Hawley made it 0-4 at half time.

But all was not lost, Welland have a remarkable spirit and came out battling, proving to be the better side in the second half. Dave Hollingsworth pulled one back with a curling shot, the inexhaustible Tom Holland grabbed another to make it 2-4 and a ferocious volley from Gareth Witts brought applause from the spectators but failed to find the net.

Terrific individual performances from Welland, notably that of Dicken Justice, all served to keep Littleton pinned back but despite this pressure the game finished 2-4.

Man of the match: Tom Holland.

EVESHAM UNITED U 13's 1,

MALVERN TOWN WANDERERS U13's 3

TRAVELLING away was the order of the latest fixture for the Malvern Wanderers as they visited Evesham United.

Play was fairly even for the opening of the first half until Ben Parker rounded the home keeper. Wanderers now stepped up the momentum and were two up as Michael Pearson crashed in a fierce left foot strike from 12 yards.

A well worked move down the right flank caught the visitors unaware to pull the home side back in the game on the stroke of half time.

Chances were now minimised as defences were coping admirably until a fine right wing cross from Shaun Carrey found Michael Dicapita to head home from six yards to seal the points.

Michael Pearson and Shaun Carrey shared the Man of the match.

WORCESTER JUNIORS 1, WELLAND 7

THIS Mercian League U12s match was keenly fought by both teams, making this a most enjoyable game to watch in the October sunshine.

With only one attack by Worcester in the first 15 minutes, Welland's attacking play paid dividends with a goal in the 16th minute, which came from a header by Ashley Shouler.

This was quickly followed by two shots on target for Worcester, confidently dealt with by Welland's goalkeeper Austin Watts. However, in the 27th minute Tom Jeffs took up the ball in Worcester's half turning their defence inside out, showing great skill and finesse ending with a fine lob into the back of the net.

In the second half Welland's Tom Jeffs scored again within three minutes and hit the post once, but Worcester were not downhearted and Darren Green broke Welland's defence and scored.

Welland consistently attacked and Aaron Richards played some excellent football and great balls down the wing, one resulting in a second goal for Ashley Shouler. Then came a hat trick for the courageous Tom Jeffs taking the score to 5-1 quickly followed by a third goal and hat trick for Ashley Shouler who lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box.

Worcester striker Darren Hemming played some very good football but he could not defeat the strong hard working Welland defence.

In the dying moments, Toby Dudfield was bought down in the box, resulting in a penalty kick, which he coolly put away to make goal number seven for Welland in the 60th minute.

Welland midfielder Aaron Richards was Man of the match.

WELLAND JUNIORS U13s 1,

OMBERSLEY 1

ONCE again there was a large crowd to watch this very competitive Under 13 game in the Mercian Elgar Junior League.

Ombersley went into the game in second place and as in previous games Welland played some of their best football of the season against one of the better teams.

The first 15 minutes of the game saw Welland in total control with many fine passing movements. They created several chances and it was no surprise when a fine finish from Josh Kirby game them the lead. As the game progressed Ombersley saw more of the ball and it became a more even contest. Welland had a chance to increase their lead just before half time when the referee awarded a penalty but Chris Darby dived to keep the ball out.

After the break the warm weather started to have an effect and the game flowed with chances coming at both ends. Midway through the half Chris Wheeler made an excellent save but Thomas Jancey was on hand to equalise for Ombersley from the rebound.

As the match reached the end many chances were created at both ends but in the end a draw seemed a fair result.

There were several excellent performances for Welland but the man of the match award went to Oli Smith who was outstanding.