The home side will feel the final score line did not do them justice as they dominated the opening period. They took the lead after just 4 minutes as a move down the left led to the ball being played into the box, Paulton failed to clear and Anthony Dibble calmly slotted the ball home.

It was 12 minutes before the visitors mounted a serious attack when skipper Josh Harrington was denied by the Welton keeper, Matthew Brinkworth. Tom Evans with a header and then Sam Morgan with a 20 yard shot saw their efforts land on the roof of the net as the visitors pressed for an equaliser. It was Dan Flower who came closest as he stretched to meet a Ben Lacey cross from the right but his effort went just wide. It was by no means one way traffic as Toby Cole went close for the home side before a great ball from Danny Collins on 30 minutes sent Jordan Baber clear but his well struck shot thumped against the post and away to safety.

Flower saw a volley well saved by Brinkworth before on 38 minutes the visitors got back on level turns as a great run down the right by Lacey ended with him crossing for Rob Banfield to head home. Lacey should have added a second 2 minutes later as Flower’s touch sent him clear but he steered his shot wide. It could have proved costly as right on half time Cole set up Alex Doherty but Paulton keeper, Phil Smale, made a good save.

Paulton went on to dominate for long periods in the second half and took the lead on 48 minutes as indecision in the Welton defence led to Lacey nipping in between defender and keeper to set up Banfield for his second goal. Sam Farmer then had a great chance to add a third but fired over the bar before on 56 minutes Lacey struck as again his pace took him past a defender and the keeper before slotting home. Drew Mills did well to clear off the line as Doherty threatened to reduce the arrears but Lacey grabbed his second and Paulton’s 4th on 68 minutes latching on to a flicked header from a free kick to slot the ball home. Lacey forced a fine save from Brinkworth on 80 minutes and 6 minutes later completed a well deserved hat trick as he collected the ball in midfield strode forward and saw his shot slip under the body of the diving keeper. There was still time for Welton substitute Brett Vine to spurn two great chances to bring some respectability to the score line but on both occasions he failed to hit the target.

Team: Phil Smale, Drew Mills, Dex Neil (Sam Morgan 44 mins), Tom Evans, Rob Lidford, Steve Marne, Sam Farmer, Ron Banfied (Tom Rideout 67 mins), Ben Lacey, Dan Flower (James Halston 60 mins), Josh Harrington (C). Sub not used: Ross Whittock