Goalscorers: Dulwich Hamlet – Gaspar Mico (13), Sol Baugh (46, 70), Danny Mills (90) – , Welling United – Jamie Reynolds (76)
Match Day Experience
Dulwich Hamlet are a unique club in non league in many ways, with the main one being the crowd that they manage to attract down to Champion Hill no matter the league they participating in. The attendance on the day for the FA Cup tie between Dulwich Hamlet and Welling United was over 2300 which is incredibly impressive from a club in step 3 of non league playing another club in step 3. There is also a uniqueness to the crowd that the Hamlet attract which can lead to a strange atmosphere in the ground, as Dulwich played a phenomenal game of football on Saturday in front of a crowd of 2300 fans and yet at some points it felt a bit more like a cricket atmosphere with lots of people chattering away rather than a ferocious football frenzy that the players could get whirled into.
Dulwich who are clearly used to entertaining big crowds had the pints being pre poured ready for the queues which certainly helped the merriness around the stadium. The food at the stadium was also pretty good for stadium food with a couple of different options for whatever your fancy was to be. There was a 50/50 raffle half going to the winner and half going too the charity of the week, overall Champion Hill was a very pleasant experience if not a little strange and different.
Match Report
The FA Cup is truly one of the greatest cup competitions in the world but when the draw was released fans of both of these club would have felt some what disappointed, as they were playing a team from their league. Both teams have been flying to start the season with Dulwich sitting 8th and Welling United placed slightly higher up the table in 2nd, the game was a difficult one to call with the Wings in better form coming into the game but Hamlet had home advantage and a couple of extra days rest before the tie.
Welling United did start the better of the two teams and tried to apply some early pressure winning a couple of corners and free kicks in dangerous area of the pitch. The Wings have been extremely handy from set pieces this year but Dulwich were equal to all deliveries into the box.
Despite Wellings early pressure it would be Dulwich who scored the first, a Ryan Blackman corner was cleared well by the Hamlet defenders as they sought to turn defence into attack with a driving run down the right hand side of the pitch from the Dulwich midfielder who then got his head up played in the overlapping player who pulled the ball back for Gaspar Mico who made no mistake from about eight yards out burying the ball past Foley in the Wings goal.
Following the Gaspar Mico goal the game found itself in a bit of a lull with not much really happening, certainly a lot of heart and desire from both sets of players on the pitch, with firm but fair tackles flying in, lost causes being chased and header being contested but there wasn’t any real chances to speak of. That was until about ten minutes from the half when Welling United started to find a bit of rhythm to there play with some nice touches in the midfield, getting the ball into the feet of Kaan Bennett and the two wingers Anyadike and Shomotun early who were starting to cause some problems for the Hamlets stout defence. A succession of crosses and corners were increasing the pressure on the Dulwich, however this is all that the Wings could really muster before the break.
The game had sparked into life ten minutes before half time with Welling growing into the game and Dulwich certainly still a threat down the other end. It was truly a disastrous start to the second half for the Wings as a quick throw in from the Hamlet caught out the Welling defence and Sol Baugh finished calming into the bottom corner. Things really didn’t get much better for the Wings as despite all of there huff and puff they couldn’t really create a cutting edge chance to get themselves back into the game. In the fact it was Dulwich that pulled further away when some persistent wing play robbed Reynolds of the ball leaving the Wings pretty exposed at the back before the ball was squared for Baugh who had his second of the game.
Dulwich were probably good value for their three goal lead but they will have no complaints about the Wings goal as it was probably a standout moment of quality in a game which was more about the physical battle. It was two of the Welling substitutes who combined for the goal when a delicious cross from Howard was met on the volley by Reynolds who measured his finish into the corner passed the Hamlet keeper who had no chance.
Welling tried to their best to find another gear after the goal and moments later a big chance fell to another substitute Ade Azeez who’s stooping header was just wide of the goal, if that had gone in it would have really set the game up for a grand stand finale.
However the scoring wasn’t finished as Hamlet striker Danny Mills who had been a nuisance from the Welling centre back pairing all day got in on the act, as the Wings committed more and more men forward, Hamlet found more space in behind the Welling defence and Mills made it four.
Welling United have now played eleven games in all competitions this season, in which they have only lost three, however all of these loses have been 4-1 defeats away from home, some strange and peculiar they will be hoping to right in there next away match. However they will have to wait for there next away match as although their Fa Cup run in over, the FA Trophy road to Wembley will be starting back in front of the Welling faithful at PVR with a game against Chertsey Town on Saturday. Dulwich Hamlet were in the draw for the next qualifying round of the FA Cup and have drawn an away tie against Sailsbury (in which I would be lying if I said I knew anything about). However a seaside trip is next on the agenda for Dulwich Hamlet as they take on Hastings United in their first game in the FA Trophy (very jealous of this draw as it looks like there is a mini heatwave coming this weekend for the Hamlet fans).
Welling were at home for the third time in seven days but there was certainly more of a chill in the air tonight with a coffee being the drink of choice rather than a pint. The Wings recent form had attracted a bit of a crowd with long queues outside the stadium with fans eager to watch Maxwell men play again. The make up of the crowd was probably 98% Welling United fans which lead to a lot of support for the home team.
Match Report
As the summer turns to autumn and the leaves begin to change, there is one thing that hasn’t changed over the past few weeks, and that is Welling United’s form, as they won once again at home, turning PVR into something of a fortress this year, having won every game in the league and cup so far.
Just like Shergar (the racehorse), the Wings raced out of the blocks and looked to put themselves into an early lead when Anyadike found himself in behind the Ambers’ back line, but his squared ball for Bennett was deflected off the Cheshunt centre-back and towards the keeper, who had to react multiple times before he managed to grasp the ball with both hands. This wouldn’t be the last excellent save the Ambers keeper would make in this game. Welling continued to pile on the pressure and came close again when Nahum Melvin-Lambert found himself on the end of a cross, but his looping header would only brush the bar.
The game started to become more tightly contested as Welling United became frustrated with the linesman, as they continued to be flagged offside. This led to the game being slowed down and caused the Wings to lose some momentum. Miller-Rodney tried to inject a bit more urgency into the Welling team as he dived into a tackle on the sidelines but was a little late. The Cheshunt bench were convinced Miller-Rodney should have seen red, whilst Welling thought the referee’s yellow was the correct decision.
You could be forgiven for getting Welling United and Arsenal confused these days, as both clubs originated south of the river, both wear red, both have excellent defences, and both love a goal from a set piece. Today, that’s exactly how Welling opened the scoring, as another excellent delivery from Jamie Reynolds was turned into the back of the net by either Zak O’Keefe or an Ambers defender. Zak O’Keefe has been accredited with the goal, but from my angle, it looked very much like the telling touch came off a Cheshunt defender.
Welling continued to pile on the pressure before half-time and created a couple more half-chances, the best of them falling to Miller-Rodney, who had been everywhere in the first half. His chance came from his continued hard work, as he followed up a deflected effort and found himself through on goal at a tight angle. Once again, the Ambers keeper made himself big and produced another save to help keep his team in the game.
Welling were very much value for their lead going into half-time, and Maxwell would have been very happy with his team. He would have told them he wanted to see much of the same from his team in the second half, and that is exactly what he got.
Welling have scored some lovely goals this season, but their second in this game may be their best so far. Welling were popping the ball around beautifully before Zak O’Keefe picked out a ball over the top to Kaan Bennett, who looked up and picked out the perfect delivery for Melvin-Lambert. He found space between the two centre-backs and nodded home expertly past the Ambers keeper, who had made an outrageous number of saves up until this point in the game, but there was nothing he could do about Melvin-Lambert’s header.
Welling continued to control the game and almost scored a third when another wicked delivery was attempted to be claimed by the Cheshunt keeper, who made a little bit of a mess of it. The ball bounced off the bar and back into his arms, but you could easily argue he deserved this after he had made a number of exceptional saves.
The game began to meander as Welling eased up on the pressure and Cheshunt began to play some nice football. They managed to fashion a couple of half-chances, coming close with a couple of efforts from range, but none of these were on target.
Maxwell will be very happy with the Wings’ defence, as they were once again solid at the back. With Foley, Arthur, Bertram-Cooper, Majoyegbe and O’Keefe providing the foundation, there is a lot to like, as Welling have only conceded one goal in the league at home.
Welling United are back in action this weekend as they play Dulwich in the FA Cup, and they will be looking to continue their excellent form. Although this will be a tougher task, there should be a big crowd at Champion Hill, and Dulwich have started well in the league.
Things don’t get any easier for Cheshunt, as they take on a Lewes side who have enjoyed an excellent start to the season.
Jamie Reynolds celebrating after scoring with his first touch
Zak O’Keefe Celebrating his goal
Shomotun driving at his defender
Wings corner attacking the park end
A true technician of the sphere standing over the ball
A Wingate & Finchley foray into the Welling half in the sun
Sunny day at PVR
Zak O’Keefe lining up a long throw
Wings wallop Wingate & Finchley
Game 8
Welling United 4 – 1 Wingate & Finchley
Venue: The Anthony Martin community Stadium (Formerly Park View Road)
Goalscorers: Welling United – Zak O’Keefe (16), Jamie Reynolds (61), Ryan Kingsford (66), Kaan Bennett (72), Wingate and Finchley – Scott Kashkett (41)
Match Day Experience
Welling United squad remains stable but there were some additions to the stadium with Stella Artois along with two barrels of ale being added to the selection of beers on tap in the fanzone, although with an new added outside bar where you can grab your drinks quicker when the game is going on. After some pretty poor weather the sun was certainly shining over PVR and this helped bring the attendance up and there was certainly a buzz and positive vibe around the ground.
Match Report
Both teams were back in action after wins in there FA cup replays with Welling United squeezing past Faversham Town whilst Wingate & Finchley had and easier time of it as they beat Felixstowe & Walton by two goals to nil.
The Wings started the better of the two teams applying lots of earlier pressure down both flanks with Anyadike and Shomotun both being given a real license to run at their full backs. Welling United’s early pressure would soon tell when Anyadike won a corner in the 15th minute of the game. Sam Smiths low bouncing delivery was met inside the 6 yard box and hooked home by Zak O’Keefe scoring his first goal in senior football (I think).
Wings continued to pile the pressure on the Blues defence and thought they had doubled their lead when a marauding run from Zak O’Keefe lead to him slipping in Anyadike on the right hand side before he laid the ball across the box to Melvin-Lambert who tapped in from close range only to be denied by the linesman flag. Zak O’Keefe who was really enjoying himself out there today had a chance for a second goal when an almost identical corner was whipped in by Sam Smith and once again O’Keefe was first to it, but this time it was just wide of the post. The right hand side of the Welling attack with Anyadike, O’Keefe, Smith and Bennett also drifting over was causing real problems for the Wingate & Finchley defence, and once again a dangerous cross from Anyadike found Melvin-Lambert in the middle of the box who was stretching at to reach the ball but couldn’t get quite enough on it to direct it goal wards.
Wingate & Finchley started to grow into the game and managed to get their foot on the ball more often and started to string together some nice patterns of play, the Blues were quite intent on playing the ball on the deck and had some lovely little player in the midfield who could certainly pick a pass but couldn’t always match the physicality of the Wings midfield, especially of Blackman and Smith who were everywhere and certainly not scared of putting a tackle in.
Wingate & Finchley did find an equaliser just before the break after a clearance lead to a footrace between Wings centre half Cooper and Blues attacker Shamalo in which the attacker got to first, before rounding Wings keeper Foley but scuffing his attempt across the box, but the ball falling his fellow attacker Kashkett who’s first attempt was stopped on the line by the scrambling Foley but his rebound found the back of the net.
At the break Welling made a change taking off I form sticker Melvin-Lambert who looked to be carrying an injury and bringing on Tuesdays match winner Ryans Kingsford. It was the substitute who had the first chance of the second half when Blackman’s cross from deep found the diving head on Kingsford but was expertly kept out by the Wingate & Finchley keeper.
Whilst Welling were certainly in the ascendancy the game had a feeling that it was going to enter a lull and Wings Boss Maxwell certainly noticed this as he made two changes on the hour mark bringing on Howard for Shomotun and Reynolds for Smith. Jamie Reynolds made an instant impact on the game as his first job was to take a free kick in which his cross-cum-shot evaded every body in the box including the keeper and found itself nesting in the back of the net. The Wings were certainly fired up with the crowd really getting behind them as they put on the high press with the Blues still attempting to play out from the box. This would cause them a real issue when the keeper was caught over playing by Kaan Bennett who robbed the ball and hit an effort on the half turn which was half saved by the Wingate keeper but Ryan Kingsford was Johnny on the spot to finish into the empty net. Things just kept getting better for Welling as from a quick corner between Reynolds and Kingsford would lead to Reynolds delivering one of the most delicious balls you are likely to see to the back post where Kaan Bennett had lost in marker and headed in past the keeper to make it three goals in ten minutes for the Wings, quickly taking the game away from Wingate & Finchley.
From this moment onwards the game was pretty much done and both sets of players played the final twenty minutes like they already knew the result of the game, there where half chances for both teams with the Blues looking to make the scoreline more respectable and Wings looking to bolster there goal difference.
Wingate & Finchley certainly played some pretty football at times but it also became there downfall a moments as well with Welling United applying a press and the midfield of Blackman, Smith and Bennett coming out on top of the battle in the middle of the park. Wingate & Finchley have endured a real mixed bag to start the season picking up just the eight points from seven games leaving them sitting 16th in the table, however they have played some of the pre season favourites to challenge the top end of the table so will be hoping for some favourable fixtures so they can start to put a run together, starting on Tuesdays game against Aveley. Whilst Welling United are really enjoying life under Maxwell sitting second in the league with only Enfield Town having a better record than the Wings. Todays game also marks 10 games at home without a defeat, the turn of Wellings form under Maxwell truly has been making PVR a place no away team wants to come, and a place where Welling fans are becoming expectant of a good performance and three points. Wings next game is against Cheshunt on Tuesday who lost three nil today so, Maxwell and his team will be hoping they can continue the good run of form at home.
Ryan Kingsford Stepping up to take his winning penalty
Welling celebrating Anyadikes opener
A cross defended well by Faversham
Faversham Free Kick as they piled on the pressure
An early Welling corner
A game under the lights at PVR
Wings fly past Lilywhites in FA cup replay
Game 7
Welling United 2 – 1 Faversham Town
Venue: The Anthony Martin community Stadium (Formerly Park View Road)
Goalscorers: Welling United – Demaray Anyadike (39), Ryan Kingsford (90+3,Pen), Faversham Town – Tommie Fagg (63)
Red Cards: Faversham Town – Matthew Newman (90+1)
Match Day Experience
First game under the lights at Park View Road this season in an FA cup replay, the Welling United ground staff and volunteers did a great job getting the ground ready considering the Wings were meant to be playing in the FA trophy at Artic Stadium before the replay was scheduled. The attendance was slightly down from previous home games due to the short turn around from Saturdays game and the replay begin scheduled.
Match Report
These two teams faced each other just three days earlier in the FA Cup, which ended in a 1–1 draw at Faversham Town’s home ground, Salters Lane. The replay would provide an equally tight and tense game between the two teams, with Welling United being in the division above Faversham Town.
The Wings started the brighter of the two teams, applying pressure to the Lilywhites’ defence early in the game, with wingers Anyadike and Shomotun creating havoc for their opposing fullbacks, whilst Melvin-Lambert was doing his best in the middle, occupying the thoughts of both centre-halves at all moments. Early in the game, Welling provided a lot of huff and puff and pressure on the Faversham back line, winning a fair amount of corners and free kicks.
The Wings’ midfield was playing some good stuff, with Blackman providing a solid base for Kaan Bennett and Jamie Reynolds to show off their attacking abilities. Bennett was enjoying himself in the No. 10 position, picking up some cute positions and causing issues for the Faversham midfield and defence, who didn’t quite know where he was. Jamie Reynolds is a true technician of the sphere; every time the ball was at his feet, he picked a perfect pass to start an attack.
Welling United had applied a lot of pressure in the first half, and five minutes from half-time they got their reward. Anyadike produced an excellent curling effort from the right corner of the box after Nathan Bertram-Cooper found himself in the penalty area, battled hard to win the ball, and laid it off to Anyadike.
The second half became much more even, with Faversham having 45 minutes to save their FA Cup journey for the season. The Lilywhites were playing about 10 yards further up the pitch. Despite the pressure applied by Faversham, Wings keeper Foley was yet to be pulled into action. However, that would soon change, as some smart play down the Lilywhites’ left wing would create an attempt from the edge of the box, which Foley was equal to, tipping the ball behind for a corner. From the following corner, Faversham would bring the game level after a delicious delivery caused chaos in the Welling box, with Tommie Fagg bundling the ball over the line.
Moments later, it could have gone from bad to worse for the Wings as Faversham looked to be through on goal before the referee called it back for a foul on Welling defender Louis Ramsey. Faversham Town looked to have had the upper hand in the game, which is when Wings boss Ryan Maxwell made the change to bring on Troy Howard for Fumnaya Shomotun. This was Troy’s second appearance back from injury after having a stellar campaign for the Wings last year, playing a key part in their survival last season.
It wouldn’t take long for the Wings to wrestle back the momentum, and they thought they had found their lead when a deep cross from Ramsey was volleyed in by Anyadike. However, the linesman had raised his flag to dampen the mood in PVR.
Moments later, the Wings couldn’t believe what happened when Troy Howard, who had made a real impact on the game, beat his fullback and whipped in a phenomenal ball into the box. It found Melvin-Lambert between the two centre-halves, but he somehow only found himself in the back of the net, with the ball trickling wide, proving that he (Nahum Melvin-Lambert) was indeed human.
As the board went up indicating there would be three additional minutes of added time, it very much looked like the game was heading to extra time. This was before Foley launched the ball forward, which was flicked on by Melvin-Lambert to substitute Ryan Kingsford. Kingsford was dragged down by Newman, which from my angle looked about a yard or two outside the box. However, the referee pointed to the spot, reached into his red pocket, and brandished a red card for Matthew Newman.
Ryan Kingsford, who had won the penalty, was set to be the taker, and he showed great composure to send the keeper the wrong way and send the Wings into the next round of the cup.
The final whistle brought about some handbags, but I’m not really sure what started it all off, as I was checking my bet to see if it had come in. Spoiler alert: it hadn’t. There were great scenes after the match, as the Welling players clearly enjoyed their late winner and will be glad to have come out on top of this tie after a tense 180 minutes.
In the next FA Cup qualifier, the Wings will take on Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill, a tie that will excite some fans and bring worry for others. Next up in the league, Welling United will take on Wingate & Finchley, whilst Faversham Town will be playing their next game just down the road as they take on Cray Valley (PM) at the Artic Stadium.
Goalscorers: Welling United – Ade Azeez (38), Cray Wanderers – Rob Strachan (45), Ade Yusuff (81), Ola Ogunwamide (84), Alex Hernandez (89)
Red Cards: Welling United – Lekan Majoyegbe (56), Cray Wanderers – Henry Molyneux (75)
Match Day Experience
Bank holiday Monday saw the clash between Cray Wanderers and Welling United with a bumper crowd at Flamingo Park as Cray Wanderers very generously invited season ticket holders of Ebbsfleet United to the game for free due to the on going situation at Ebbsfleet United. The bumper crowd and bank holiday saw vibes high in the sun with long queues at the bar and grill as the match going crowd looked to make the most of the weather.
Match Report
Welling United took the lead in this game as a dangerous Sam Smith free kick was nodded back across goal by Lekan Majoyegbe with Ade Azeez was most alert in the middle of the box as he beat both centre half and keeper to the ball and his outstretched toe knocked the ball past the keeper. This was about as good as it got for the Wings as only moments later the Wands were level when a dangerous corner was whipped in by Hernandez and at the back post Strachan nodded past Foley in the Wings goal on the stoke of half time.
Both teams must have had rousing speeches at half time as both teams came out of the second half fired up causing pretty feisty affair in the second half. The ref choose to get his cards out early to try and get control of the game which lead to Lekan getting booked for a soft foul on the half way line, then moments later picking up a second yellow card when he jumped into Wands keeper Molynuex which he took great exception to and started a brawl in the penalty area.
Cleary amped up it was moments later when Molynuex would see himself dismissed and he claimed a cross into the box looked to get a quick counter started but juggled the ball and handled outside the box which sent him for an early shower.
Ten against ten was how we was and it could have gone either way but three quick fire goals from the Wands against a tiring Wing side saw the game fall out of sight for the Wings. The first for Ade Yusuff from the penalty spot after Wings keeper Foley had bought down a Cray attacker in the area. Moments later Ola Ogunwamide provided a moment of magic in the game as he volleyed home from outside the box as Wings only managed to half clear a corner and Ogunwamide connected ever so sweetly. Hernandez then found himself on the scoresheet as Cray Wanderers worked the ball well down there right hand side before squaring the ball to Hernandez who finished well.
FA Cup action up for both of these teams next as the Wings will be looking to bounce back against Faversham and Cray Wanderers will look to build momentum as they take on Lewes.
Subbed off Kingsford after his excellent performance
Ramsgate defender at full time
Players embracing each other after a tough battle
Wings Soar to Third Victory on the Bounce
Game 5
Welling United 1 – 0 Ramsgate
Venue: The Anthony Martin community Stadium (Formerly Park View Road)
Goalscorers: Nahum Melvin-Lambert (5)
Match Day Experience
Back home again after last week’s derby delight with the Welling fans spirts high and even the rain couldn’t dampen the mood. My guest at the football at the on Saturday was my quite hungover sister who isn’t much of a football fan, however she did quite enjoy the game and the experience. Ramsgate bought two full coaches worth of fans and more would have made their own way there and they certainly added to the atmosphere with a group of loud fans and a drum.
Match Report
Welling kicked off the bank holiday weekend double header with a home game against Ramsgate, who have enjoyed a mixed start to the season with two wins and two losses but an incredibly impressive 4 -0 win over St Albans City who will be promotion hopefuls.
The Wings raced into the lead after just five minutes when Zak O’Keefe whipped in a delicious cross over the Ramsgate keepers head and it was that man again Melvin-Lambert who managed to find himself on the end of the ball and bundled it in, sending the Welling fans into an early frenzy.
Welling continued to knock on the door looking for a second goal, with some lovely one and two touch football in and around the Ramsgate penalty area, with chance falling to Miller-Rodney with a shot from the edge of the box in with he blazed over, and Zak O’Keefe having an effort from a similar area and his effort meeting the same fate. The best chance for Welling United to double there lead fell to star right winger Anyadike when a phase of play down the Wings right hand side led to him barrelling down on goal from a tight angle but his shot was well held by the Ramsgate keeper.
Ramsgate did eventually find there way into the half and certainly ended the half as the stronger team without really creating a chance of note. The Rams found a lot thier success in the middle third but were lacking the cutting edge in the final third, with Foley commanding his area and claiming the crosses.
Ramsgate came back out of the second half a looked to pile the pressure on Welling and had the first chance of the second half when the there winger dragged a shot wide of the post from just outside the area. The game started to ebb and flow with Wings winger Anyadike having a goal ruled out for offside after a lovely ball across the box from Kingsford but the attacking midfielder was judged to be offside as he crossed the ball. Wings captain Nathan Bertram-Cooper also struck the post from a sumptuous Sam Smith free kick.
As the game ticked over the 80th minute and the scoreboard stopped working it was Ramsgate who started to pile on the pressure, pushing Welling United further back and more under duress as there where plenty of heart in mouths moments before last ditch tackles and block were made by the wings defenders. The closest the Rams came was deep into stoppage time when the ball feel to Rams Forward who was bearing down goal but Welling keeper Foley made and excellent one on one save with the re-bound falling to a Ramsgate player who clipped the ball to the back-post as a Rams player rose highest but headed just over.
Welling United have now won 3 in a row and have picked up where they left off from the end of last season (bar the Leatherhead game). Welling have won four of their first five games this season and have kept 4 clean sheets with the defence providing a solid base and the attacking starting to click. Ramsgate head back home for the second game of the bank holiday weekend double header, where they will be playing the leagues new boys AFC Whyteleafe in a game they will be keen to bounce back in.
Welling United vs Dartford is a game that both sets of fans will have circled on there calendar and will make the effort to the there. With the two stadiums situated just a 5.7 mile drive from each other it is always a well attended game for both home and away fans. Home and away fans were in fine voice during the game, although as the game swung the way of the Wings , it was the Welling faithful who could be heard loudest and longest. The fan zone had a DJ pre game to up the vibes and create an atmosphere which certainly worked and the Dartford Grill served a cracking burger.
Match Report
On a sunny afternoon in Dartford, it was a game to remember for the Wings as they won at Princes Park for the first time since Antony Papadopoulos scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup in a 3-2 victory in 2023. Once again, it was three goals that did the trick for Welling on Saturday. Welling United have notoriously struggled at Princes Park, with this being their first victory in the league there in eight years.
Welling started the brighter of the two teams, with some early pressure and some dangerous crosses whipped into the Darts’ box, which were well dealt with by the Dartford back line. The Wings’ first chance came when Sam Smith laid the ball off to Ryan Kingsford, whose shot was saved by the Dartford shot-stopper.
Dartford grew into the game and came close when Max Fiddes struck a true effort towards goal, which was expertly saved by Mackenzie Foley. The Darts came close again when a loose ball from a corner fell to a Dartford player, who blasted over from close range. The game started to heat up and became much more end-to-end, with Welling having a goal ruled out for offside (it was a couple of yards offside). The game reached a flashpoint at a Welling corner when the game’s first handbags came to fruition. This was then followed by an incident moments later between Melvin-Lambert and Dartford centre-half Joe Tennent.
They say the best time to score is just before half-time, and that is when first-time Wings skipper Nathan Bertram-Cooper popped up with his first goal for the club. It was a delicious whipped free-kick from Sam Smith, which was nodded onto the post by Bertram-Cooper. However, the ball landed back at his feet, and he remained composed enough to slot the rebound home.
The Wings came flying out of the traps in the second half and quickly doubled their lead when last week’s standout player, Demaray Anyadike, crossed from the right-hand side and Nahum Melvin-Lambert found himself between the two centre-backs before finishing with a delicate touch.
Things just kept getting better for the Wings. As Dartford pushed to get back into the game, they became more open at the back, and Fumnaya Shomotun took full advantage of this when he picked the ball up at the halfway line and drove at the Dartford defence before finishing into the bottom-right-hand corner.
The rest of the game passed without any real event as Welling United saw the game out. Dartford couldn’t quite muster enough to start a comeback, while the Wings fans were in fine voice for the last 30 minutes of the game, really enjoying themselves in the September sun at a venue that has caused them so much heartbreak in the past.
This result leaves both teams with nine points from a possible twelve. Dartford will be hoping this was just one of those days and will be looking to bounce back next week against Burgess Hill, while Welling will be hoping they can build on this result and continue their momentum into the double-header bank holiday weekend.
Will Arsenal retain there title, are all three promoted clubs and the race for Europe
As the 26/27 season rolls around there are nine new managers, three new clubs and five new rules. So time to crack open the fortune cookies, dust of the crystal ball and try and predict the unpredictable
20th – Ipswich Town
Last Season: 2nd (Championship)
Key Signings: Julio Enciso, Emersonn, Abdul Fatawu, Issa Diop, Daizen Maeda
Ipswich Town have made a total of 12 new signings and have a new manager in Gary O’Neil after Kieran McKenna decided to take his leave. The Tractor Boys finished 2nd in the championship last year but never really hit the heights of there 23/24 season where they played some exceptional football and scored dramatic late winners. Last year many expected them to bounce back in which they have but more due to the failings of Middlesborough and Millwall than them being a cut above. There is only one thing to say about Ipswich and that is that you fear for the.
Fulham have been pottering along in the Premier League the last few seasons never looking like going down but never looking like troubling the top end. With Marco Silva leaving along Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez. Fulham has the feeling of a club that has been meandering along for a while and will now find themselves in a dog fight. Álvaro Arbeloa is a complete unknown as manager and is very much being thrown in at the deep end.
18th Nottingham Forest
Last Season: 16th
Key Signings: Ousmane Diomande, Douglas Luiz, Gustavo Sá, Xaver Schlager
Another team another new manger although this is becoming quite the norm for Forest as they are on their 5th manager since last September. Oliver Glasner seems like quite the hire on paper but he is a man who isn’t afraid to throw his toys out of the pram when something happens that he doesn’t like, mix this with owner Evangelos Marinakis fiery personality this just seem like a recipe for disaster. This was a tough prediction to make as I could just as easily have Nottingham Forest in 8th and qualifying for Europe as being relegated but the I just think the clash of personalities in the head offices will lead to disruption on the pitch.
17th Hull City
Last Season: 6th (Championship, Promoted through Play-Offs)
Key Signings: Konstantinos Tzolakis, Nobel Mendy, Jens Hjertø-Dahl, Óscar Zambrano, Lucas Herrington
Hull City were odds on to be relegated from the Championship last season and went and got themselves accidentally promoted through the play-offs last season under the leadership of Sergej Jakirović. Many people will have the Tigers finishing rock bottom with some even making the claim that they will beat Derby Countys record of 11 points (spoiler alert they won’t they record will never be beaten). Yes there owner is a little bit eccentric and could easily disrupt the season, but I think there is enough ambition from the club to stay up and a lot of fight in the players to stay up. Making the MKM Stadium a place difficult to visit will be key to the survival of Hull City and hopefully the Tigers will be the best aeration in Hull this year beating The Deep (Aquarium).
16th Everton
Last Season: 13th
Key Signings: Hayden Hackney, Brennan Johnson, Christian Nørgaard, Merlin Röhl, Tyrique George
Nil satis nisi optimum (“Nothing but the best is good enough”) is the club motto for Everton Football Club but maybe it is time for a change. After building the magnificent new stadium on the Bramley Moore Docks everyone expected this to be the moment that the Toffees to kick on. But there signings whilst good haven’t rocked the boat and it would be a massive surprise to me if David Moyes starts the next season as the Everton boss.
After 25 years away Coventry City are back in the Premier League and I believe that they are hear too stay, with manager Frank Lampard and owner Doug King it feels a bit like a match made in heaven. Last season the Sky Blues where a class above the rest of the championship and I think they will carry the momentum of last season forward into this season, with some shrewd signings and a Coventry Building Society Arena which will be bouncing I think Coventry will have more than enough to stay up this season.
Last seasons Conference League Winners lost there manager to Nottingham Forest and have replaced him with highly rated French manager Pierre Sage. Palace will also be competing in the Europa League this season and showed last season that they struggled to balance the Thursday – Sunday schedule but with a year experience under there belt, I think they will deal with it better this year round. Selhurst is still one of the tougher places to go to and I think the Eagles won’t be in any trouble of the drop this year but wouldn’t be surprised to see them bow out of European football in an early knock out stage.
13th Sunderland
Last Season: 7th
Key Signings: Thomas Meunier
The Black Cats were the surprise package of the Premier League last season finishing 7th and qualifying for the Europa Leauge. Although they haven’t done a lot of business this summer there key business has been in keeping players at the club such as Brobbey and Xhaka. I don’t expect Sunderland to be pushing for Europe again this season having to now juggle the extra games but with the squad they have and Régis Le Bris at the helm I can’t help but thinking they are going to be more than okay this season.
It’s been another summer of turmoil for the Magpies, with Tonali, Guimarães and Gordon all leavings for pastures new. Also among the departures was long term manager Eddie Howe who has been replaced with the largely unproven Matthias Jaissle. Many have tipped Newcastle to struggle more than me but I believe there signings of last summer are going to better this season (they can’t be worse). Mixed with no European football and a hungry fanbase, the Magpies are going to win there fair share of home games but I don’t see enough quality too trouble to the European spots.
11th Brentford
Last Season: 9th
Key Signings: Mamadou Sangaré, Jaidon Anthony, Jannik Schuster, Callum Wilson
Keith Andrews first year as the Bees boss was more than impressive after many had suggested that they would struggle to avoid the drop, but in reality Brentford only missed out on going on a European tour on goal difference. Igor Thiago is a menace in the box scoring 22 goals in the Premier League last season (23 in all comps) and will be looking to pick up where he left off last season trying to put the World Cup behind him. My only worry for Brentford is they relied heavily on set pieces last year so if they are less effective from them this year they could struggles to score the goals that gave them the edge last year, however they are a well run club with a manager who seems in charge with looks like a recipe for success.
Last season was AFC Bournemouth best season on record finishing as 6th. The Cherries played some exceptional football under Andoni Iraola last season with Alex Scott and Junior Kroupi being the stand out players. With Iraola leaving Marco Rose has been tasked with the job of continuing the upwards trajectory of the south coast based side. This season will be the first in Europe for AFC Bournemouth which will bring around its troubles, managing the game loads but the project is on the right path and Cherries fans should be looking forward to another fun season.
9th Leeds United
Last Season: 14th
Key Signings: James Trafford, Tarik Muharemović, Harry Wilson, Nico Elvedi
Leeds United finished 14th last season after worries that they would struggle. This season they have made some exciting signings to help bolster the squad, Daniel Farke who was under pressure at one point last season showed he had what it takes to manage at the highest level. I have Leeds as high as 9th but this is more if they are able to keep there front line fit, if they can keep the front line fit and firing with addition of Wilson I think the Elland Road faithful will be in for a season to remember.
8th Brighton and Hove Albion
Last Season: 8th
Key Signings: Luka Vušković, Zadok Yohanna, Pascal Struijk, Costinha, Michael Svoboda
Fabian Hürzeler is entering his third year as the Brighton boss, with there being steady improvement, this is the year when they can truly disrupt the top of the Premier League, the Seagulls business model of buy young and sell high has worked for them so far in there Premier League and I see no reason why that won’t continue. The Seagulls will be competing and almost expecting to win the Conference League this season, however this commitment is why I think they won’t quite crash the top 6.
7th Tottenham Hotspur
Last Season: 17th
Key Signings: Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul Van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi
After back to back 17th place finishes Spurs have truly splashed the cash this summer to get themselves back on track. Roberto De Zerbi came in towards the back end of the last season after Igor Tudors disastrous spell in charge and steered the north London based club to safety. With no European commitment, Tottenham should bounce back into Champions League contention but just missing out due to trauma of the past few years as well as the squad depth just not quite being there, a cup run in either the Carabao or the FA Cup wouldn’t go as a surprise as new look Spurs will look to put a trophy on the board as soon as possible/
6th Manchester United
Last Season 3rd
Key Signings: Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans
Manchester United have been a team in turmoil since Sir Alex Ferguson left the football club. Last season Micheal Carrick came in and provided some stability and pushed his team on a run that saw them in end in 3rd position. Manchester United have had an under whelming summer so far but do look likely to complete the sign of Carlos Baleba in the coming days. Whilst many fans of Manchester United will be positive ahead of the season under Carrick Middlesborough fans will be quick to point out that in the second season he struggled when his tactics where found and he was unable to change and adapt. The Red Devils are back in the Champions League as well this season so they will have to make sure they make full use of there squad and rotate to avoid player burning out by the start of spring.
5th Aston Villa
Last Season: 4th
Key Signings: Johan Manzambi, Joāo Gomes, Zion Suzuki, Matteo Ruggeri, Alejandro Garnacho
Is this the way to Barcelona, was the chant on terraces at Villa Park last season as they aimed to be back in the big time once again. Unai Emery is proving himself to be one of the top managers not just in the Premier League but in Europe itself and Villa fans will be thankful that they are going into another season with the Spanish man in charge. Morgan Rodgers will be a big loss as will Ollie Watkins if he is to leave to the Saudi Pro League. Villa Park will be crucial to Aston Villas success this season in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Villa also won the Europa League last season and will look to go deep in the domestic competitions to add silverware whilst in the golden Emery era.
4th Liverpool
Last Season: 5th
Key Signings: Jérémy Jacquet, Victor Munoz, Ronald Araujo
Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing season last year after their title defensive was pretty much over in March. Whilst they haven’t been super active in the transfer market this summer they will be looking for last years signings to make a bigger impact this season under new head coach Andoni Iraola, Wirtz and Isak in particular will be looking to put last year behind them and start a new under Iraola. Youngster Rio Ngumoha will also look to find himself in a bigger role this season contributing more to the starting line up. The reds still look a little way off competing for the title but one would expect they will have more than enough to secure Champions League football.
3rd Chelsea
Last Season: 10th
Key Signings: Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson
Chelsea once again have been busy in the market signing 10 players so far and one would expect this number to rise before the end of the summer transfer window slams shut. Xabi Alonso is the new man in charge at the Bridge and he comes with a reputations of playing 3 at the back. Whilst his time at Real Madrid didn’t go exactly as theyhe would have hoped, people will look at recent managers of Real Madrid and point to the fact that a number of high quality managers have struggled. The Blues have no European football this year which should help them get used to Alonso tactics as they will have more time together to train and get the shape nailed on. Third should be considered a massive success for Chelsea this season and I see no reason why they can’t finish here unless off field issues with the owners take centre stage and start to effect what is happening on the field.
2nd Manchester City
Last Season: 2nd
Key Signings: Elliot Anderson
Pep Guardiola left City at the end of last season after winning the domestic double and his former assistant and ex-Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to take the reigns. If the Community Shield is anything to go by City will be miles of Arsenal, but it will be closer than people think. Haaland is still best striker in the world and wingers Semenyo and Doku will come into there own as the season goes on, whilst there will be a difficult transition period between Pep and new look Manchester City, they won’t be miles off the top and if they find a run of form that this squad can be capable of them will push Arsenal all the way. Manchester City need to do more business before the window shuts as currently there is a Rodri sized hole in the middle of the park, and losing a leader like Bernardo Silva will not be easy to replace.
1st Arsenal
Last Season: 1st (Champions)
Key Signings: Bruno Guimarães, Christos Tzolis
Champions again Olé Olé, Champions again Olé Olé. It is hard to look past the Gunners defending there title, with most of there suspected title rivals going through periods of transition, Arsenal are in a strong position to win the title again. They were the best team last year and have used the transfer market smartly to improve there team again this year. Arsenal biggest worries will be the burnout of key players such as Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka who have played almost every Arsenal game in the last two seasons and then both endured a busy summer on England duty. Another point of conversation will be is Victor Gyökeres good enough to lead the line, he scored 15 Premier League goals on the way to the Gunners title win last season but many will look at the centre forward position still as a position of weakness. Overall the Gunners have improved, were the best team last year and there title rivals are in turmoil, hard to look passed them.
Nine months will pass when we come back to look at these predictions and some may age like milk whilst others may make me look like a prophet. But that’s why we play the games because anything can happen, just look at Leicester City 2015/2016.
Back home again today at PVR for the visit of Stanway Rovers, with the EFL kicking off again today and local clubs Millwall and Charlton both in action, attendance numbers were slightly down from last week but those who did make it through turnstiles were treated to a brilliant bounce back performance from the Wings.
Match Report
Bouncing back after Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat to Leatherhead would have been top of Welling’s wish list this week and, come Saturday afternoon, they more than got what they were after. Demaray Anyadike was the star of the show, scoring two and assisting one. The Rovers full-backs will certainly be glad to see the back of him.
There was a tense feel around PVR today, as much of the feel-good vibe from last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Whitehawk had been knocked out by Tuesday’s 4-1 loss to Leatherhead. Wings boss Ryan Maxwell had made a host of changes to the squad from Tuesday’s defeat, with Blackman, Shomotun, Bennett and Melvin-Lambert coming into the side to change the attacking and midfield dynamic, and it certainly paid dividends.
The first half an hour passed by without too much action, with Welling certainly the brighter of the two teams and having more control of the game. However, the best they could muster was a shot from the edge of the box after some good attacking play down the right-hand side.
The first real chance of the game fell to Stanway Rovers, as a long throw once again proved a difficult test for the Wings’ defence, with Welling relying on a smart stop from keeper Foley to keep the scores level.
However, this save seemed to spark the game into life, as moments later some quite special work from winger Fumnaya Shomotun saw him manage to wiggle away from two Rovers defenders in the tightest of spaces before delivering a delicious ball into the box. The ball wasn’t cleared fully and was recycled well by the Wings, with Bennett finding Anyadike on the edge of the box. He then rifled a low, powerful shot past the keeper, who could do nothing about it.
Unlike the first half, the second half didn’t take any time to get going, as both teams came out of the dressing rooms fired up by whatever had been said to them at half-time.
Once the game had settled down a little, it was the Kent-based outfit who once again found themselves on top. Moments later, Anyadike turned provider with some great work down the right wing, terrorising the full-back before whipping in a dangerous low ball which Melvin-Lambert found himself on the end of, tapping in from three yards out and making it two in two home games for the new striker. It could have been three in two moments later, as he showed excellent strength to hold off the Stanway centre-half before dragging his effort just wide.
Although the Wings wouldn’t have to wait long for their third of the game, as from the resulting goal kick, the Rovers keeper scuffed his kick, which Demaray Anyadike was sharpest to react to, robbing the ball off the full-back, racing through and finishing expertly. That made it two goals in four minutes and surely put the game beyond the reach of the Essex-based team.
Maxwell used this moment to start making changes, as Reynolds, Ufuah, Kingsford, Azeez and Smith all made their way onto the pitch.
The next flashpoint came when a superb long pass was played through to Anyadike, who was in a footrace with the Rovers keeper. The keeper made it to the ball first but was judged to have handled it outside the box, despite his protest to the linesman, who was standing mere feet away.
After a short discussion between the linesman and the referee, they decided a yellow card was fair and, on the basis of everything and the context of the game, it was probably the smart decision.
For any Wings fans feeling aggrieved by the referee’s decision, they would have forgiven him moments later when he pointed to the spot after Ade Azeez was brought down in the box.
There was a discussion over who would take the penalty, as it looked like Sam Smith was the designated penalty taker. However, with the scoreline and time left to play, it appeared they had let Anyadike step up to take the penalty for a chance at his hat-trick.
Unfortunately, for the first time in the game, what Anyadike had touched hadn’t turned to gold, as his penalty crashed off the post and was scrambled clear.
The scoring wasn’t finished, though, as moments later the Welling keeper rushed out of his box, winning the ball just in front of the Rovers striker before delivering an unbelievable long ball up to centre-back Nathan Cooper. He nodded the ball down to Ade Azeez, who beat the onrushing keeper to the ball and slid it past him.
It was a goal reminiscent of an old-school big-man knockdown to a little man; however, in this case, it was big man to big man.
Welling will be pleased to have put the Leatherhead result behind them and start to build some real confidence going into the derby with Dartford next week, who have won three from three.
Stanway Rovers have had two successive promotions in the last two years and have found life in the Isthmian Premier Division a little trickier, only picking up one point from a possible nine.
It’s hard to know after three games how the table will look come April, but it’s my feeling that this year Welling will be looking up the table and chasing the play-offs, whereas Stanway will be looking over their shoulders, hoping they can escape the drop.
The travelling Welling faithful in the second half
Views from the second half after the sun had set
A corner flag
A Night to Forget
Game 2
Leatherhead 4 – 1 Welling United
Venue: Fetcham Grove
Goalscorers: Leatherhead – Anas Igozouln (15, 19), James Dickson (40), Mark Waters (44). Welling United – John Ufuah (90+1)
Match Day Experience
A short 40 minute train ride from central London, Leatherhead is suburban little town situated on the right bank of the River Mole in Surrey. The walk from the station to the ground is a straight forward and pleasant walk through a park and down a main road. Once you reach the stadium you will be greeted by lots of friendly faces selling programs, raffle tickets and entry. The stadium has plenty to offer before the start of the game with a fan zone equipped with a bar and a food stall selling burgers, award winning wings and more. For a small suburban team recently promoted to the Isthmian Premier Division they were well back and well supported for a Tuesday night game, although the beautiful weather may have played a small part in some of this.
Match Report
A night to forget for the Wings, as their unbeaten start to the season ended at the hands of Leatherhead, who were deserved winners.
Welling United could have argued that they started the better of the two teams, as some early pressure led to a sequence of corners that they were unable to capitalise on. However, this early pressure would soon be forgotten as a strike from Igozouln started what was to become an unforgettable night for the Tanners, as his effort from the edge of the box curled into the top corner. It wouldn’t take long for Igozouln to double his tally for the night, as three minutes later he scrambled home a long throw from Barrington.
Just as the Wings were starting to play their way back into the game, James Dickson’s cross-cum-shot found itself looping over Foley (Welling GK), who could do nothing to stop it reaching its destiny in the back of the net. Moments later, things went from bad to worse for Welling as Mark Waters drove forward with the ball before finishing smartly low into the bottom-right-hand corner.
It was a strange half, as Leatherhead were deservedly in front, but Welling will feel themselves a touch unfortunate, as everything the Tanners touched turned to gold.
The second half was a much more positive showing from the away side, who battled hard until the very end. Subs Melvin-Lambert (who scored last week), Jamie Reynolds and Ryan Blackman certainly made a difference when they entered the fray, as Melvin-Lambert struck the post after a good bit of “good old centre-forward’s play”. Blackman and Reynolds would also have efforts towards goal in the second half, but unlike the Tanners, the Wings didn’t have the same luck in front of goal, with Leatherhead keeper Sonny Wheeler pulling off some smart stops.
Welling did eventually get on the scoresheet with a John Ufuah consolation effort late in the second half. After good work down the left-hand side from Fumnaya Shomtun and Kaan Bennet (also both substitutes), the ball found itself at Ufuah’s feet, whose deflected effort gave the travelling Wings fans something to celebrate.
Overall, it was a night to forget for Wings fans, and there will be many who will feel disheartened with the result and scoreline. But, as Jimmy Greaves once said, “it’s a funny old game”, and this is something I think we can attest to here. Although Leatherhead deservedly won, there were still plenty of positives for Welling to take, and on another night, with a different bounce of the ball, it could have been a whole other story.
