WELLAND bounced back from their 6-1 Worcestershire FA Minor Cup semi-final thrashing by Badsey United with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

The hosts, boosted by the return of key players, began sluggishly against Cheltenham Association League Division Three basement boys Falcons Reserves.

But the visitors could not take advantage of Welland’s slow start and rarely troubled their defence.

It was not until after their opening goal on the half-hour mark that the hosts showed more quality.

The goal came when keeper Niall Hacking played a long ball into the path of Tim Lewis, who ran on and drove home.

With Welland more relaxed, their attacking play improved and it was almost 2-0 when Mark Taylor struck the bar from 25 yards.

Five minutes before half-time, Jon Williams’ left-wing cross was poked home by Stuart Wilkes for his first goal for the club.

The second period began with Falcons determined not to let Welland run riot and they defended well in the early stages.

However, Welland’s quality shone through with Lewis and Wilkes close to adding a third before Taylor hit the bar again.

Substitutes Ben Pearson and Elliot King freshened things up for Welland, adding more pace in attack.

Omar Elmougy played in King, who rolled the ball past the onrushing keeper to complete the scoring.

Welland kept the ball well late on as they returned to the top of the table ahead of Saturday's game at lowly Winchcombe Town Reserves (3pm).