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What a strange game! Welwyn did not seem like a bottom of the league side, and, although they did not emerge from the dressing room until 2.10, they started like an express train and had us under some early pressure.
Another new centre back pairing was taking time to sort itself out, and the centre of the midfield was like a sieve, but we weathered the early storm and began to play.
Then James Lane was hit in the face by the ball, which led to his previous evening's drinking getting the better of him. Manager Dave Winzor didn't notice any difference for about ten minutes, by which time Welwyn had scored. A quick throw in was taken on the left, two one-touch passes were played and the central midfield player arrived on cue to slot home beautifully from the edge of the box.
Rich Winzor almost scored an own goal but Tristan Stephens produced his first outstanding save to spare blushes, followed by two more before half-time, and we were never really at the races.
Substitute Brendan Turner (who only really wanted twenty minutes) was introduced for Lane at half time, with debutant Rob Edwards moving to the left, and immediately we became a better side.
Rich Winzor and Vinny Banks were altogether more assured at the centre of defence, and we began to pass the ball with some conviction.
Chances came and went with good saves, fortunate blocks and some indifferent finishing, and we were still behind with twenty minutes remaining.
Their linesman was appearing to be their best defender with Luke Oliver mainly the unfortunate victim of some very dubious offside decisions, but we pushed on and got an equaliser through the "Stirrups" connection, with Nick Richards finding Ben Kimpton in the box and Ben applying the finishing touch via the inside of a post.
Suddenly Welwyn realised they were in danger of losing and started to play into our hands by trying to hit everything long.
From a break down the right wing with two minutes left on the clock Stuart Wright found time to play the ball inside to Chris Tranter arriving from midfield, who finished with a great volley from just outside the box.
A game we had looked like losing (and deserved to lose!) was won in the last fifteen minutes, and we hung on with Tristan Stephens making two very good punches from corners during the four minutes of added time.
A welcome win but daylight robbery.
Final score: Welwyn 1 Old Wulfrunians 2.
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