WELLAND leapfrogged Gala Wilton thirds to top Cheltenham Association League Division Three with a 2-0 home win over their promotion rivals.

The game, switched to Dyson Perrins Academy, began with the visitors in charge, forcing numerous corners and putting in plenty of crosses which Welland defended well.

But the hosts had the first chance on 15 minutes when James Lush ran clear only to see his chip beat the keeper and go agonisingly wide.

Welland had another good opportunity on the half-hour mark when Mark Taylor's deep cross was headed back across goal by Ben Pearson for Jordan King, who went close to converting the chance.

The second-half brought better football from both sides and Gala tested keeper Niall Hacking, who always came out on top.

King and Lush again went close for Welland and they looked more likely to get a goal.

The pressure eventually told and, with 15 minutes left, Tom Soley's precise pass found Lush out wide.

He skipped past his marker and crossed for King, who this time made no mistake from six yards out.

Welland doubled their lead and secured victory with five minutes remaining when full-back Ben Deakin released Lush, who was fouled inside the area before he fired the resulting penalty to the keeper's left.

They return to Dyson Perrins Academy on Saturday for the Worcestershire FA Minor Cup semi-final against Badsey United (2pm).