Home woes continue for Welling United

BY MARK DOIG

Home woes continued for Welling United as they were narrowly beaten 1-0 at home by Oxford City on Saturday.

The Wings have only played four league games at Park View Road since October but have lost the last three and have now dropped to 19th in the National League South table.

For parts of the game they at least matched promotion-chasing Oxford but once the visitors went ahead they controlled the game and the Wings rarely caused them problems.

Olumide Durojaiye and Mason Saunders-Henry had early half-chances before Aaron Barnes found himself in a great position but was unable to control the ball and the chance got away.

Having failed to capitalise on their opportunities Welling almost found themselves behind when Jacob Bancroft was given an opening but his shot hit the underside of the bar and came out. They were gifted another chance when a needless free-kick was conceded but Nana Owusu sent his effort just wide.

Joe Iaciofano thought that he had scored but Arthur Penney showed why Peter Taylor was delighted to have extended his loan from Millwall by getting back and scrambling it off the line.

In the time added on for stoppages, Welling almost went ahead when Ade Shokunbi’s powerful drive rattled the post.

After the interval Welling again came out on the front foot and Ben Dudzinski had to get down smartly to save from Dipo Akinyemi. Aaron Barnes then almost caught the Oxford custodian out with a cross-shot that clipped the bar on the way over.

Although Welling weren’t made to pay for their missed chances in the first half they weren’t so fortunate in the second period and Oxford went ahead from their first foray. Iaciofano was played in well and his finish gave Jack Sims no chance in the Welling goal.

Oxford then sat back to protect their lead and snuffed out any flicker of hope that Welling might have had while looking dangerous on the counter. Twice they created good chances.

First Iaciofano fired over after making the opportunity for himself, then a long punt out by Dudzinski sent Elliott Benyon clear but Sims got down well to make the save.

Danny Parish headed wide and after Penney’s appeal for a penalty was turned away, Dudzinski saved from Tommy Davis to ensure that all three points were heading to Oxford.

Welling visit Braintree Town on Tuesday in a relegation six-pointer.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN

Main Pic: Tempers flare as Tommy Davis reacts to a challenge