Welling United 1 Hemel Hempstead 2 – Akinyemi scores again but struggling Wings fail to take a point

BY MARK DOIG

Dipo Akinyemi scored his sixth goal in six games but it was not enough to save Welling United from another home defeat.

It was hard on Welling as they dominated against Hemel Hempstead Town, especially in the second period, but they missed several chances and twice switched off’ from corners to end up empty handed.

For former Dulwich Hamlet striker, Akinyemi it was especially tough as he gave the Tudors’ back three a torrid afternoon and, as well as scoring, created nearly all of the opportunities that Welling wasted.

League debuts were given to new signings Elliott Johnson and D’Sean Theobalds by Welling manager Peter Taylor as he tried to arrest their poor run of results.

Openings were few and far between in the first 45 minutes when Welling were guilty of playing too much ‘long ball’ on a difficult pitch. They had a shout for a handball penalty in the opening exchanges when Arthur Penney beat Hemel goalkeeper, Craig King, in the air and chaos ensued.

They then had a gilt-edged opportunity around the half-hour mark when Akinyemi set up Ade Shokunbi but he looked on in horror as his effort was too high, clipping the crossbar as it went over.

There were no further real openings in a largely forgettable first period but it all changed in the third minute after the restart. Arthur Penney brought down Kristian Campbell’s deep corner and shot goalwards but it was deflected into the path of Akinyemi. Although his first effort was blocked, he was able to react first to stretch and prod it home.

He then sent Tom Derry through but he delayed his shot and the defence recovered then Akinyemi created another one-on-one for Shokunbi but he hit his shot at a good height for King and the goalkeeper was grateful to be able to keep it out.

Once again Akinyemi caused problems and surprised King with a fierce shot from a tight angle and the Tudors’ keeper was relieved to push it on to the outside of the post and behind. Aaron Barnes’ first delivery was cleared for another corner and his second beat King only for Gus Scott-Morriss to clear off the line.

Akinyemi had another shot deflected wide before Hemel stunned the crowd with an equaliser. Samir Carruthers delivered a far post corner and Joash Nembhard was unmarked to power his header home.

Substitute Brad Stevenson missed the next chance when King was unable to hold on to a corner but he was unable to keep his hook volley down and it flew just over.

There were two minutes remaining when Hemel Hempstead stole the win. A Carruthers corner was half cleared and Dan Wishart was not closed down allowing him to unleash a fierce drive into the roof of the net.

Taylor will now have a week to prepare his side for Saturday’s vital match at Billericay Town.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN