Welling United hammered 5-1 by fellow National League South strugglers Weymouth
BY MARK DOIG
After what was arguably Welling United’s best performance of the season seven days earlier, they collapsed against bottom of the league Weymouth in the National League South on Saturday.
Welling manager Rod Stringer was forced to make one change to his starting line-up that had played so well at Weston-super-Mare. Theo Alexandrou’s loan period from Dorking Wanderers ended so Maxwell Statham was brought back in. To accommodate the replacement not being ‘like for like’ Finn Ballard-McBride was pushed further up and Jayden Davis moved to a more central position.
In the early stages it looked as though it was going to be an enjoyable afternoon for the Wings’ travelling supporters.
James Alabi headed home from a Statham cross but was adjudged to have done so from an offside position. Then Ballard-McBride went on a long run only to be stopped by a block tackle from the Terras’ goalkeeper Will Buse.
However, it was the hosts who went ahead in the 20th minute when a corner was cleared as far as Brooklyn Genesini. He was not closed down and he fired into the top corner from 25 yards. Euan Pollock then flicked a header beyond the far post from a Brandon Goodship free-kick.
Buse, on loan from Yeovil Town, was again called into action when making a fine diving save from Dave Winfield’s header before Weymouth increased their lead. Another Goodship free-kick was not defended adequately and Jake McCarthy took full advantage to net from close range.
Two minutes later, Welling pulled one back when Davis crossed and Alabi headed home from close range.
Although the Wings had the best of the remainder of the first half they were unable to test Buse again and went into the break behind.
Eight minutes after the break, Weymouth’s Corey Jordan had to be withdrawn and replaced by Josh McQuoid. The substitute had only been on the pitch for three minutes when he extended his team’s lead. Goodship swung in yet another free-kick, Dylan Berry was unable to hold it, and McQuoid was on hand to stab it home.
That seemed to knock the stuffing out of the Wings and Thompson missed a great chance for Weymouth. It was not all one way, though, and substitute Zain Walker had an opportunity to bring the visitors back into the game but he skied his shot from the edge of the penalty area.
There were 17 minutes remaining when Weymouth made the game safe. McCarthy converted from the spot after Riccardo Di Trolio fouled Pollock in the penalty area.
Then, three minutes later, Genesini blasted another unstoppable long-range effort into the top corner.
Stringer will be hoping that some of his injured players will be available again by this weekend to give him options for their league match at home to St Albans City, which has now become very important.
PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN