Low goal output the issue for Welling as they can’t break down Chippenham

BY MARK DOIG

On a wet Saturday afternoon Welling United could not do much more, other than to score a goal, as they were held by Chippenham Town.

Apart from the first 20 minutes of the first half, and the opening five minutes of the second period, Welling dominated and it was only a virtuoso performance from Chippenham Town goalkeeper Will Henry that stood between a draw and a convincing win for the Wings.

However, one goal scored in their last four games shows that Welling still have issues in that area. They play football that is pleasing to the eye and have been in contention to win nearly every game, but just 12 league goals in 14 games is the lowest output of any club in the National League South, and it’s clear where their problem lies.

Their other issue against Chippenham was a slow start to each half. Matt McClure missed headers when well placed at the beginning of each period. Jack Evans should also have done better when given space at the edge of the area in the opening exchanges before limping off injured midway through the first half.

When Welling started to press Jephte Tanga was twice thwarted by excellent saves by Henry. First Tristan Abrahams sent him clear through and he chose to shoot early but Henry got down well to make an excellent save to his right. Tanga then cut in from the right and shot with his left foot but Henry dived and threw up an arm to turn it over.

After McClure’s miss, less than a minute into the second period, Luke Spokes side-footed wide from close range after a long throw was knocked down into his path. From then on, they struggled to get into Welling’s half as the hosts worked on taking advantage of their sloppiness in playing out from the back.

Antony Papadopoulos was brought on and had a shot saved immediately by Henry before Kain Adom intercepted a pass out and found Dominic Odusanya. He measured his options and curled an effort towards the far post but Henry kept it out with a full-length diving save.

Adom did beat Henry shortly after but could only watch in frustration as his shot slapped the bar. Burchell, Tanga and Abrahams were all off target as Welling continued to press before a deflection from a Papadopoulos shot sent Henry the wrong way but it went narrowly wide.

Lewis White was brought on to give the defence something different to think about and he rounded Henry but was crowded out before he could shoot. He then did get a shot away but Henry was equal to it.

More sloppy passing at the back presented Abrahams with another shooting opportunity that Henry saved and the goalkeeper ensured that he would keep a clean sheet after he tipped over spectacularly from Amadou Kassarate.

The point won moved Welling one place up in the table but they remain in the bottom three ahead of their visit to Weymouth next Saturday.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN

Main Pic: Tristan Abrahams has a shooting chance