Welling United lose three-goal lead to draw 4-4 at Slough Town

BY MARK DOIG

Whist Welling United might have considered a point would be acceptable before the game, the way they lost a three goal lead at Slough Town left them very disappointed.

Having held a 4-1 lead and still being two goals ahead in injury time, coming away with a draw felt like a defeat.

Reuben Duncan came in for his debut at the start of an initial one-month loan from Millwall and he looked composed and not fazed by the physical aspect of the game.

Welling could barely have got off to a better start when Stefan Ilic fired home his team’s first ever goal at Arbour Park in just the third minute.

Dipo Akinyemi then had a one-on-one with Slough goalkeeper Jack Turner but could only shoot into his legs before Slough’s Paul Hodges was twice off target from outside the penalty area.

On 21 minutes Ryan Bird headed home a near post corner unmarked despite Welling having a player on the post but four minutes later, Welling were back ahead when a half clearance fell to Akinyemi and he lashed home.

Richie Danquah couldn’t quite head a Lionel Ainsworth free-kick on target for Welling then at the other end Warren Harris’ clever flick was well saved by Reice Charles-Cook.

Seven minutes before the break, Welling increased their lead. Ainsworth’s short corner picked out Ilic and his drive towards the far post was diverted home by Akinyemi.

Shortly after the break, Welling lost the excellent Chiori Johnson with what looked like a hamstring injury but they still extended their lead moments later when Anthony Cook curled a free-kick over the wall and into the top corner.

Another injury, this time to Kaleem Simon, hampered Welling further and Slough started to get some joy down the left hand side. Bird had another chance but hooked over before Matt Dench reduced the arrears with a crisp volley from Max Worsfold’s cross.

Cook hit a first time shot wide then Akinyemi twice came close, first lifting over Turner only for Sam Togwell to clear and then being crowded out by Turner and Togwell as he again burst through.

Two yellow cards in quick succession for Daniel Boateng reduced Welling to 10 men but after Togwell headed over from a near post corner, Welling looked to have the three points secured.

However, Slough had other ideas and one minute into injury time Warren Harris finished well from close range and in the final of the five additional minutes Worsfold slotted home after it fell kindly
for him with Welling’s defence at sixes and sevens.

Welling’s manager Brad Quinton may be happy that he now has two weeks to prepare before they visit Eastbourne Borough.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN