Akinyemi keeps hot streak going as Wings earn precious point at Billericay Town

BY MARK DOIG

Dipo Akinyemi kept his hot streak going as he scored a crucial equaliser for Welling United at Billericay Town.

His seventh goal in seven games ensured that Welling remain six points above the basement club, who have played one game fewer.

It was far from straightforward for Welling at a wet and windy New Lodge and the hosts piled on the pressure early on.

They held out for 17 minutes before Billericay went ahead. Olu Durojaiye lost possession on the edge of his own area and, in trying to rectify the situation, Kristian Campbell conceded a free-kick. Toby Stevenson delivered, and it bobbled around in the six-yard box, falling for Femi Akinwande to bundle home.

Jack Sims made an incredible save to tip over Maxwell Statham’s sliced clearance before Zaki Oualah made his first save, getting down at the feet of Ade Shokunbi.

Durojaiye made up for his earlier mishap by levelling for the Wings. A corner was cleared into his path, and he fired low and hard through a crowded penalty area and into the bottom corner.

Billericay went back ahead when Akinyemi lost possession in midfield. Although Statham made a great block, it came out to Akinwande just inside the area and Elliot Johnson brought him down as he tried to hold it up. Former Charlton Athletic midfielder Greg Halford stepped up and sent Sims the wrong way from the spot.

D’sean Theobalds looked for a response before half time, but his shot flew just wide.

After a sluggish start to the second period Welling were forced into making two quick changes and both Bradley’s, Pearce and Stevenson, had positive impacts.

Stevenson fired over with a free-kick before Welling made a further change. Ben Allen came on for Shokunbi and Welling levelled soon after. Stevenson sent Allen clear, and he drew out Oualah before squaring for Akinyemi to slot into the empty net.

Both teams had chances in the closing stages when Anthony Jeffrey fired narrowly beyond the far post for Billericay before Akinyemi sent a curler just over for the Wings.

Three of the four additional minutes had passed before Welling almost won it. Campbell struck his shot sweetly, but Oualah made a superb save, turning it over when it looked destined for the top corner.

Although Welling manager Peter Taylor was pleased with the point, Welling still have plenty of work ahead of them to ensure that they avoid the drop into the Isthmian League.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN

Main Pic: Dipo Akinyemi turns away after levelling the scores