Welling United win at Hemel Hempsted but boss Danny Bloor still sacked

BY MARK DOIG

Welling United claimed three precious points at Hemel Hempstead Town in their National League South fight against relegation.

However, that was overshadowed by news that filtered through during the evening that the Wings’ manager Danny Bloor had been dismissed. It was an unexpected turn of events and was especially strange timing after such a good performance.

Bloor started the day by making one change to the starting 11 who lost so unfortunately at Chelmsford City five days earlier. Josh Johnson, on loan from Oxford United, came in at the expense of Adam Roscrow and new signing Mbunya Alemanji was given a place on the bench. That meant that Antony Papadopoulos was asked to play further forward.

Kaylen Hinds had the first shot of the match for the hosts, but fired well over before Antony Papadopoulos tested Tudors goalkeeper Craig King, who responded with a palm-stinging push over the bar. TJ Bramble headed wide and took a clout from King after the ball had gone before Michael Folivi’s header flew over.

Crossley Lema got on the end of a good Welling move before a fairly uneventful first half came to a close.

George Williams had the first effort of the second period with a shot that Reice Charles-Cook could not hold. It came out to Folivi, who was flagged offside.

Alemanji was introduced for his debut up front allowing Papadopoulos to drop to midfield where he could be of more influence and two minutes later, Welling went ahead. Papadopoulos’ shot was too hot for King and David Kamara, following it up, tucked it away.

Ten minutes later, King had to withdraw with an injury and the Tudors were glad that they had a goalkeeper, James Taylor, on the bench.

Bradley Quinton’s team tried to find an equaliser but were reduced to hopeful efforts rather than clearcut chances. Folivi, George Williams and Joe Re were all off target and Welling came closer when Alemanji’s goalbound shot was deflected just wide.

Lachlan Byrd, still searching for his fist Welling goal, headed over before five minutes of stoppage time was signalled. Bloor made a substitution, bringing on Taylor Curran for Bramble so the additional time was extended. In the sixth minute, Welling doubled their lead when Alemanji’s strength and pace was too much for the host’s defence and he surged through before slotting home.

Two minutes later, George Williams notched a consolation with a close range finish after his first effort had been saved.

On Tuesday, Welling host Hampton & Richmond Borough with news awaited on who will take charge from the dugout.

PICTURES: JEMMA SEAR