Hungerford 1 Welling United 2 – Wings record first away win of the season

BY MARK DOIG

It was sixth time lucky for Welling United as victory at Hungerford Town was their first away from home this season.

Although the scoreline suggests a tight game, an injury time Hungerford goal flattered the hosts who were second best throughout.

Goals by Danny Waldren and Anthony Cook ensured victory for the Wings, both goals assisted by clever Adam Coombes.

Coombes had the first goal strike with a thirty five yard free kick but Adam Siviter saved comfortably.

Another Coombes effort flew just wide of the near post when he met an excellent low Waldren cross first time.

Cook’s deep cross picked out Coombes and this time he did find the target but his headed home was ruled out for offside before the two combined again soon after but Coombes’ first time effort went wide.

Yan Klukowski shot wide for Hungerford after a free kick was headed out into his path but appeared to be lucky to remain on the pitch after a high challenge went through Theo Widdrington.

Rob Swaine thought he had scored but his header was headed off the line by Joe Tomlinson. Then, at the other end, Dan Wilks was finally called into action when saving easily from Zidan Akers.

Again Coombes was in the thick of the action when he headed over from Cook’s cross before the impressive Gavin McCallum had to be replaced by Nathan Green for what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

After Bradley Goldberg had a shot very well saved, Welling went ahead. Waldren went on a surging run and found Coombes whose perfect pass sent Waldren through and he fired home from the edge of the penalty area.

Immediately after the break a good passing move created an opportunity for Cook but his attempt to side foot around Siviter was too straight and the Hungerford goalkeeper completed the save.

Widdrington fired over then Goldberg had a shot saved as Welling probed for a second goal.

However, Hungerford had occasional moments and Tomlinson had a shot saved by Dan Wilks before Matt Jones shot well wide.

Swaine headed just over before Welling scored the crucial second. It was similar to the opener as Cook found Coombes and continued his run. Coombes awaited the right moment to return it with a low cross and Cook fired into the top corner with a great finish.

That should have been ‘game, set and match but Welling gifted the hosts with a goal when a mix-up betweenWilks and Ejiro Okosieme gifted James Rusby with an open goal and he took full advantage.

There was still time for the hosts to have a couple of set pieces but Welling defended them comfortably and claimed the win that put them within six points of the play-off zone whilst the Crusaders slipped to the foot of the table.