Category: On the Terrace

Wings clipped by stunning Hamlet display

Game 10

Dulwich Hamlet 4 – 1 Welling United

Venue: Champion Hill

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).

Wings ease past Ambers

Game 9

Welling United 2 – 0 Cheshunt

Venue: The Anthony Martin community Stadium (Formerly Park View Road)

Goalscorers: Zak O’Keefe (29), Nahum Melvin-Lambert (58)

Match Day Experience

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.

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.

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.

Wands cast Wings aside

Game 6

Cray Wanderers 4 – 1 Welling United

Venue: Flamingo Park

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.

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.

Derby Day Delight for Wings

Game 4

Dartford 0 – 3 Welling United

Venue: Princes Park

Goalscorers: Nathan Bertram-Cooper (44), Nahum Melvin-Lambert (51), Fumnaya Shomotun (59)

Match Day Experience

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.

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.