Tag: soccer

Wings win again at Fortress Park View Road

Game 13

Welling United 1 – 0 AFC Whyteleafe

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

Goalscorers: Nahum Melvin-Lambert (15)

Match Day Experience

Welling United were back at home on Saturday and there was a bumper crowd down at PVR due to the international break, so there was a mix of the other local clubs fans down to watch the football and give the Wings a real backing. It was also a charity day down at PVR for local charity Ellenor, which included a half-time penalty shootout where for a two pound donation fans of the club could take a penalty on the PVR pitch.

Match Report

Welling United were back in action in the league on Saturday in which they have been flawless in the league so far either five wins from five at home and were looking to make it six when visitors AFC Whyteleafe came to town. The Leafe were promoted last season and have enjoyed a difficult start to the season only winning one game of their first ten.

Welling United started the quicker of the two teams and fashioned a chance early on in the game with some excellent work with Anyadike who had drifted in from the right and side and drove with the ball to the left wing and played a crisp one, two with Shomotun which allowed Anyadike to drive into the box, his cut back took a small deflection before the ball reached Kaan Bennett who scuffed his effort but the ball fell to Melvin-Lambert who couldn’t quite sort feet out kick enough and the ball trickled wide.

The Wings continued to pile on the pressure when Miller-Rodney struck the woodwork from the edge of the box and Shomotun squared the rebound of the effort to Cooper who’s effort from the edge of the six yard box was expertly saved by the Leafe keeper Slavomir Huk, the first of many.

The deadlock was broken by Wings talisman Melvin-Lambert from the resulting corner of the early wings pressure. Jamie Reynolds floated delivery to the back post was inch perfected as it evaded Leafe keeper Huk who attempted to claw the cross away. At the back post Melvin-Lambert had lost his marker and managed to tap the ball home home evading the AFC Whyteleafe defenders on the line who could only clear after the ball had crossed the line.

The AFC Whyteleafe team seemed to be incensed that there was a reason the Welling United openers shouldn’t have counted, however the ball looked to be about three yards over the line when it was cleared and there looked to be no foul anywhere in the box.

Welling United showed no sign of letting up as they looked to double their lead, when a lovely ball was played through from Zak O’Keefe from deep split the defence of AFC Whyteleafe and found an energetic Melvin-Lambert running down the right wing who attempted to the ball back to Anyadike, which was half cut out and cleared by the Leafe defenders but the ball landed at the feet of Miller-Rodney who struck the ball true but it was just off target.

Welling United came close once again when Anyadike whipped in a phenomenal cross from the right wing which was met but Melvin-Lambert who found himself between the two defenders but his header was excellently kept out by Leafe keeper Huk again, who was finding himself having quite the game.

The Wings has squandered a lot of chances in the first half and AFC Whyteleafe were looking to make the Wings regret it. The Leafe started to grow into the game as they fashioned there first shot the game when, the higher cut inside from the left hand side and hit his effort, however it didn’t test the keeper as it cleared the stadium. The Leafe would come a little closer moments later when the winger on the right hand side managed to skip past Jamie Reynolds and drove into the box and his cut back found the attacker but the Welling defence managed to snuff out the chance.

The Wings did however end the half the better when they did create one last chance to double the lead, when some more excellent work in the midfield found a pass to Anyadike behind the Leafe defenders and his square pass across the box looked like it was going to find Shomotun for a tap in but a Leafe defender managed get a toe to the ball and direct it behind for a corner.

There was halftime entertainment at PVR as their was a penalty shootout with fans of both teams taking penalties on behalf of Ellenor.

AFC Whyteleafe started the second half the better of the two and forced an early stop from Wings keeper Ogayi down at his near post from a snapshot taken on the edge of the box. The following corner was whipped in and looked incredible dangerous but the Leafe attacker could only get a glance on the header and send it wide of the post.

Welling United once again wrestled back the momentum and some excellent foot work by Shomotun who was having one of his best games in a Welling shirt, terrorising the Leafe defenders, his lovely slide through pass found Kaan Bennett who hit the ball across the six yard box but there was no Welling United player there to tap the ball back into the back of the net.

The game found itself, becoming increasingly stop start in the middle of the park and being more of a battle in the middle of the park, rather than the exciting attacking play. Both midfields were struggling to get real control of the game which lead to not many chance being created.
Although Sam Smith did come close late in the game when he battled his way through on goal but just as he was about to pull the trigger a Leafe defender came across at the last minute and got a toe to the ball preventing Smith from getting away a clean effort.

AFC Whyteleafe started to go more direct in the late stages of the game but the defence of Welling United where up to the task and where heading everything clear.

The last chances of the game fell to Welling United and it provided one last chance for Leafe keeper to make himself the star of the game, Sam Smith free kick bounced right in front of Huk who parried into the path of Wings striker Azeez who looked like for all the world that he was going to finish and make it two but some how Huk managed to get a foot the ball and make an exceptional save, saving his best for last.

Welling United have now won all six league games at home this season, which has seen them go to the top of the table after this result. For Welling United this was a stark contrast to 12 months ago when they were sacking Lee Martin after a torrid start to the season. For AFC Whyteleafe they haven’t started the season as well as would have hoped after promotion last season, however there will be plenty of positives for the Leafe as although results haven’t improved a lot, the performances are getting better and before long they will start to find the results they feel they deserve.

Welling youth stars in Kent Senior Cup win

Game 12

Cray Valley (PM) 0 – 3 Welling United

Venue: The Mayne Arena

Goalscorers: Santino Norris (11), Nahum Melvin-Lambert (74, 90+1)

Match Day Experience

Cray Valley (PM), the PM stands for Paper Mills is a lovely little club based in Eltham. The Millers play their home games at the Mayne Arena which used to be named the Artic Stadium which was a personal favourite stadium name of mine. The stadium is located in the heart of Eltham, it is a 20 minute walk from the station and has many bus stops on. The Stadium itself is a quaint little stadium which was two seated stands, and three covered terraces in the stadium, the stadium comes equipped with a large digital score board, fan zone area, club store and a club house which has a bar with many great options. The pitch was in excellent condition considering the level that Cray Valley (PM) play at, and has the quirky element of being on a small slope so just like in Sunday league you can kick down hill in the second half.

Match Report

The Kent Senior Cup is a bit like Jersey Mikes Trophy (which will also be know as, Bristol Street Motors Trophy, Papa Johns Trophy, Johnstones Paint Trophy and the EFL Trophy, What a mental list of sponsors by the way). you only start to take it seriously once your close to the final. Both clubs will agree that they have bigger fish to fry with both teams aiming for promotions in their respective leagues. This meant that both teams had rotated using a mix of first team players and youth players which lead to an interesting tie.

Their were early fears in this game for the Wings when keeper Philip Ogayi went down within the first 5 minutes with what looked like a muscle injury, this would be an issue for any club but with Welling United (like a lot of non league clubs) not naming a keeper on the bench, their were worries the Wings would play almost a whole game with an out field player in goal. Thankfully the severity of the injury wasn’t as bad as first feared and Ogayi powered through the rest of the game.

The early stages of the game both teams were trying to figure each other out but also figure out themselves as many of these players wouldn’t have played together before. So building early chemistry for both teams was vital and it seemed the Welling boys clicked quicker than the Millers.

Just after the 10 minute mark the Wings made the break through when from a second phase of a set piece Sam Smith got on the ball on the left wing and delivered a whipped low cross into the Cray Valley (PM) box which youngster Santino Norris finished off beautifully. For a centre half Norris movement was akin to a striker.

After the Welling United opener Cray Valley (PM) started to grow into the game and started to get the ball down on the deck and play some crisp passes in the midfield and down the flank. Just before the half hour mark the Millers won’t believe they didn’t level the score line as a corner from the right hand side caused absolutely chaos in the he Wings penalty area as an almighty goal mouth scramble broke out and the Welling players will have been mightily relieved when the ball ended up in keeper Ogayi hands. Moments later Ogayi was called into action again when a slick Cray Valley (PM) move down the left hand side gave the chance for the striker to be laid in with a square pass across the box, the ball landed at the attackers feet about 12 yards out, centre of the goal but his effort was saved by the long legs of Ogayi.

Welling United started with a wing pairing of Troy Howard, who is still working his way back to full fitness and youngster Lionel Lazellari and there where shades of an Argentine in Lionels performance as he was causing a lot of issues for his full back. Troy Howard on the other side was equally as dangerous and Wings fans will be getting excited for his full return which it feels he is getting much closer to.

Momentum in this game swung back and forth and the Wings ended the half better with Kaan Bennett dragging an effort just wide from the penalty spot after some very tidy footwork. The Millers keeper was called into action moments later when he saved a long range effort from a Welling midfielder and Ade Azeez tried to follow up on the rebound but the keeper smothered him quickly.

Going into the half Welling United would have been the happier of the teams but there was enough encouragement for Cray Valley (PM) to believe that in the second half they could get back into the game.

At the half the Wings made two changes with exciting winger Lionel Lazellari and Kaan Bennett making way for two more youth talents Darnell Fuller and Cameron Ano.

Just minutes into the second half Welling United came close to making it two as Troy Howard beat his man on the outside and whipped in a dangerous cross with was palmed into a dangerous and looked to be falling to Azeez but he lost his footing at the vital moment and the chance went begging.

Just like the first half the momentum of this game swung back and forth like a newtons cradle as just before the hour mark Cray Valley once again came close. An attacking set piece on the Cray Valley (PM) right wing was whipped into the box and a Miller player managed to get a glancing header on the ball but it just wasn’t quite enough contact as the ball ended up just narrowly past the post.

The youth of the Wings will have the fans wanting more and the latest youth player to have a moment would be Darnell Fuller when a lovely slide pass had him in behind his defender but the angle was tight and with two men bearing down on him, he took his effort from the edge of the box and couldn’t only find the side netting.

The Millers once again wrestled back the momentum of the game and came close from another set piece as the ball was originally cleared but fell to a Cray Valley (PM) attacker on the edge of the box who curled an effort for the far post but it ended wide of the post.

The Wings responded to the Cray pressure with a couple more changes bringing on, Melvin-Lambert and Jamie Reynolds with Ade Azeez and Tyrell Miller-Rodney making way.

Melvin-Lambert has been in fine form this season and after coming off the bench in this cup tie it didn’t take long for him to make an impact when a long ball was played forward, and the Welling forward beat the offside trap and leathered the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the box past the Millers keeper would stood no chance.

This goal sucked a some of the belief out of Cray Valley (PM) as Welling United started to control the game, there was still plenty of fight from the Millers but they couldn’t quite create the cutting edge chance to get back into the game.

The scoring wasn’t done though when Welling United youngsters Cameron Ano another bright spark on the left wing twisted and turned on the left wing leaving his defender behind with, his low ball in the box found Melvin-Lambert who was about six yards out. His initial effort was saved well by the Millers Keeper but he couldn’t do anything when the rebound fell back to Melvin-Lamberts feet and he made no mistake the second time.

Melvin-Lambert could have had his hat trick moments later when Troy Howard went round the outside of his winger and delivered a low ball into the box, Melvin-Lambert got to the ball first but an excellent block from the centre half denied the Welling attacker his hat trick.

Overall it was a very productive night for the Wings with all of the young players performing incredibly well, three of the back four were from the youth team and they all looked solid with Norris even grabbing a goal. The other two youngsters in the back line Maragh and Ntoye can also be very happy with their performance as they didn’t put a foot wrong. Fuller, Ano and Lazellari were the attacking prospects for Welling United and they all showed real moments of promise with Ano and Lazellari causing havoc down the left wing and Fuller providing a threat playing in the number ten role.

Cray Valley (PM) don’t have a game this weekend, but are back in action at home next Tuesday against SE Dons, in a game that I may potentially go to as I very much enjoyed my time at the Mayne Arena. Welling United are back in action at home this weekend in the league after three consecutive cups ties. The Wings were in good league form before the cup ties and will be hoping to pick up were they left off in the league.

The Curfews call time on Wings FA Trophy run

Game 11

Welling United 2 – 2 Chertsey Town

(Chertsey Town win 5-4 on penalties)

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

Goalscorers: Chertsey Town – Gary Abisogun (26) Wayne Ridgley(79) , Welling United – Lekan Majoyegbe (35, 90+6)

Match Day Experience

Welling United were back home again and with the long international break in full swing, their was a bumper crowd in PVR with fans of local clubs such as Charlton Athletic, Millwall and Gillingham paying a visit to get their weekend dose of football. It may have been late September but the sun was shinning down on PVR.

Match Report

The Wings boss had chosen to make some changes to the Welling United side ahead of this FA Trophy tie, with new goalkeeper Philip Ogayi making his debut, Howard making his first start of the season, and Smith and Azeez finding themselves back in the starting line-up. The Wings’ opposition were a relatively unknown opponent, as Chertsey Town play their football in the Southern Football League Premier Division, a division Welling United haven’t competed in since 2004.

Welling United have been quick out of the blocks all season at home; however, on Saturday it was Chertsey Town who certainly started the quicker of the two sides. The first half-chance for the Curfews fell inside five minutes when an effort from outside the box looked dangerous but failed to test Ogayi. Chertsey continued to show positivity as, moments later, they had another good effort from outside the box. However, just like their previous effort, it was off target. The Wings battled hard in midfield but were struggling to get their foot in the game as the Curfews’ momentum was strong and Welling were just trying their best to weather the storm.

Just past the halfway mark of the first half, the Curfews opened the scoring. A flowing move down the Chertsey left-hand side of the pitch saw a cross pulled back from the left wing across the Wings’ penalty area, where it was latched onto by Gary Abisogun, who wrapped his left foot around the ball and found the top corner, past the diving Ogayi, who stood no chance of saving it.

The Curfews’ opener sparked the Wings into life as they started to get their foot on the ball and play some attacking patterns, and it wouldn’t be long before Lekan Majoyegbe scored the Welling equaliser. It all came from a lovely, floated cross from the Wings’ left flank, which was won at the back post by Nathan Cooper, who headed the ball back across the six-yard box. Azeez attempted to get a toe on the ball at the near post before Majoyegbe bundled the ball home at the back stick.

Welling United really then put their foot on the gas up until the halfway mark, with both wingers, Howard and Shomotun, swinging in crosses which the Curfews’ centre-halves dealt with well. There was a real moment of magic when Shomotun showed excellent footwork on the left flank, escaping two defenders in a move Houdini would be proud of before driving into the box and having his attempt cleared. The Wings’ midfield started to pull some strings before the half was up, with some superb passes in behind the Chertsey defence; however, Welling United couldn’t muster a clear-cut chance from these moments.

You could forgive the Welling faithful for thinking the second half would start the same way the first ended, but it was once again the Curfews who looked to try and stamp their authority on the game, with Chertsey midfielder Wayne Ridgley being a cut above everyone else on the pitch at that moment in time. Despite the early momentum, the Curfews hadn’t created the chance they needed to put themselves back ahead in the game.

Welling United manager Ryan Maxwell had made a couple of changes at half-time to try and help his team push on, and after about 15 minutes of the second half he made another change, bringing on Wings star winger Anyadike, who recently signed a new contract at Welling United. It was immediately clear why Welling United were so keen to tie Anyadike down, as his movement was instantly an issue for the Chertsey Town defence. His runs in behind provided a different challenge for the Curfews’ defence.

Although it was a different Welling United attacker’s run in behind which would lead to a guilt-edged chance, as a ball from midfield found Ade Azeez, who was bearing down on goal. Azeez attempted to round the Chertsey goalkeeper, but the keeper managed to get a glove to the ball, causing it to get caught between Azeez’s feet. He did manage to get a shot off, but it was blocked by the goalkeeper, although the referee didn’t seem to see it that way.

Welling United would continue to pile on the pressure, with top scorer Melvin-Lambert also making his way onto the pitch, adding another layer of threat to the Wings’ attack. A couple of half-chances were mustered by the Welling attack; however, nothing really of note came from them.

As the game entered its final ten minutes, Welling United had a long throw via Zak O’Keefe, which they were hoping to capitalise on, but it was Chertsey Town who punished the Wings instead. As the ball was half-cleared, Welling United tried to press and win the ball back, but a ball from left-back Conor Lee found itself at the feet of Chertsey star man Wayne Ridgley just inside his own half. Ridgley looked up and saw he didn’t have any real options, so took matters into his own hands and drove at the heart of the Welling United defence before unleashing a rocket of an effort into the top-left corner, so perfect that there was no goalkeeper in the world who would have even got close to it.

Welling United had been on top for the last 20 minutes of the game, and the wonder strike had rocked them a little as they really huffed and puffed but couldn’t quite muster a chance. The dream of penalties was fading away.

That was until Majoyegbe stepped up.

Just as the game looked like it was getting away from the Wings, they had one last effort and had flung both of their centre-backs forward. A ball into the Curfews’ box caused some chaos and wasn’t quite cleared as it landed at the feet of Majoyegbe, who volleyed home with all the confidence and technique of a striker. This brought about some wild celebrations in the Welling end, with fans and players alike celebrating as they had forced a penalty shoot-out.

Both teams will feel that they could have gone through in normal time, with Welling United having the better of the chances. However, Chertsey Town, having led until the 96th minute, will have been heartbroken.

Penalties are the best way to win a game, but the worst way to lose, and unfortunately it was bitter for Welling United in the shoot-out as the Chertsey players were perfect from the spot, both on the scoreboard and in execution, with Wings keeper Ogayi having no chance of saving any of the spot-kicks.

The victim of the shoot-out for Welling United was standout full-back Zak O’Keefe, who had played a great game prior to the penalties. His penalty sent the Chertsey Town keeper the wrong way, but he had just leant back too much and his penalty only found the Wings fans behind the goal and not the back of the net.

Welling United will feel disappointed to be out of two cup competitions in a week, but have another bite of the cherry as they face Cray Valley Paper Mills on Tuesday in the Kent Senior Cup. Chertsey Town will also be in action on Tuesday, but this will be in league action as they take on Poole Town.

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.