Fletcher goal secures County Cup Progress

An Alex Fletcher goal midway through the first half against Welton Rovers this evening was enough to secure City’s passage through to the Somerset Premier Cup semi-final. He bundled the ball home from six yards out after home keeper Glover had missed Elliott Frear’s 25th minute corner. The scrappy nature of the goal was in keeping with the first half, City understandably dominating possession but struggling to create openings on a difficult playing surface against the resolute hosts. However, after the break they took full control and should have added to the single first half goal. Fletcher crashed a header against the bar then dragged a shot wide when clear through on goal. Dan Ball almost marked his 300th appearance for the Romans with a rare goal only for Pile to block his shot on the line, the referee waving away strong handball claims. Frear was denied a back post tap-in from Fletcher flick by a great block by a defender, then Tom Richards saw his shot come back off the post. The last time the sides met back in 2019 Welton grabbed a last minute equaliser before winning the tie on penalties, but there was no late drama this time with keeper Will Fuller remaining largely a spectator as City saw out the game with no real scares.