Welwyn Garden City got back to winning ways after four games without a win as a Bailey Stevenson goal early in the second half decided their first ever meeting with Beaconsfield Town.

In a game played in increasing torrential rain that just about finished in time – according to the match officials – as conditions continued to deteriorate on Saturday, WGC took the points thanks to an indirect free-kick award just inside the area, when the visitors attempted a backpass.

Beaconsfield hotly disputed the award, but the referee and his assistant were adamant and when Brad Wadkins slipped the ball back to Stevenson, he rammed his effort past keeper Ed Breary to secure the 1-0 win which leaves Welwyn in sixth place in Division One Central of the Southern League.

Boss Marc Weatherstone rang the changes for this one – his side’s last game for a fortnight – welcoming Benjy Crilley to the backline after three weeks out with a calf injury alongside the returning Ryan Kirwan.

He also brought Jack Vasey back into midfield for a first game since early season, but Joe Bennett was ruled out with a broken hand.

Regular keeper Joe Welch was suspended for one game, following his sending off at AFC Dunstable the previous week, with Donnabhan Green taking his place.

WGC boss Marc WeatherstoneWGC boss Marc Weatherstone (Image: Peter Short)

After a cagey opening 20 minutes, the first chance went Beaconsfield’s way, as Ryan Sellers won and then lost a challenge, the ball falling to visiting skipper Matty Harriott who struck a powerful effort wide of the far post.

WGC’s first effort came when a Stevenson cross into the area was knocked out to the incoming Matty Whichelow, but his well-struck effort deflected off a defender that took the sting out of it and Breary saved easily.

The Beaconsfield keeper was extended much more to keep out the best Citizens’ effort of the half.

Charlie McDonald split the defence with an excellent through ball to find Wadkins, whose rising effort was destined for the top corner until it was tipped over by Breary.

However, within two minutes of the restart they were ahead, with Stevenson’s effort sparking a good spell for the Herns Way side.

Stevenson was put clear six minutes later and his cross found Vasey in front of goal, but with the midfielder unbalanced, he misfired a fine opening wide.

Vasey did much better with a smart square pass to Zuriel Otseh-Taiwo, but the attacking full-back hastily volleyed his finish over.

Despite the dominance at this stage, it took an outstanding double save from keeper Green to keep WGC ahead just past the hour.

Fine work by Beaconsfield full-back Troy Silvera put the dangerous Eremide Lawal in and his powerful effort was saved by Green.

The rebound came out to the visitors’ giant forward Manuchim Oke-William, but Green got off the ground to block the second effort as well and deny the Bucks side an equaliser.

Manager Weatherstone rang the changes towards the end.

Lewis Jones replaced Whichelow with 20 minutes remaining and as the game went into its final stages, Harry Gallagher and Eddie Corbit were brought on into the game.

WGC had the best late chance that would have doubled their victory margin. Otseh-Taiwo got over a high cross from the right that was beautifully brought down by Vasey and cushioned to set up Jones, but the veteran forward hit a poor effort straight at Breary.