THIS Mercian Elgar Under 12's Junior League match was played in much improved conditions and Welland played some of their best football since this very wet winter started.

WELLAND 5, MICKLETON RANGERS 0

The Easter holidays affected both teams with Welland having just 11 players and Mickleton playing the whole game with 10 players.

The referee failed to show and the teams were grateful to one of the Mickleton parents who agreed to referee and he gave an excellent display helped by two competitive sporting teams.

The first goal came from a fine shot from Andrew Smith and a second soon followed from Richard Pitt. With good support from both sets of parents the game went from end to end until Josh Brentnall scored just before half time.

Mickleton had the benefit of the wind in the second half and attacked with new enthusiasm but a second goal from Josh made the victory for Welland secure. The scoring was completed just before the end when the referee awarded Welland a penalty and Martyn Smith scored from the spot.

Josh Kirby played very well starting at the back for the first time in a long time and Tom Hynds worked really hard and did well playing the whole game for the first time but the Welland Man of the Match went to Hugh Darcy for his tackling throughout the game and for two goal line clearances that helped the team to keep a clean sheet.