Maloney brace not enough as Wings suffer defeat in five-goal thriller at Chippenham Town

BY MARK DOIG

Inform Chippenham Town claimed victory over Welling United in a rearranged fixture in Wiltshire on Tuesday evening.

Having claimed a crucial three points against Bath City on Saturday, the Wings were looking to follow up with another three points to extinguish any remaining relegation fears. Although they scored twice in a match for just the second time since mid-February, their defence, which had been so tight during that period, had a night off.

Coming into the match, Chippenham had gone 12 games without defeat and had won five on the spin before being held by Eastbourne Borough on Saturday. They came into the game full of confidence but were pinned back in the early exchanges.

Charlton Athletic loanee Dylan Gavin had Welling’s first effort when he turned in Ollie Tomlinson and broke away, shooting low beyond the far post. In their next attack, Welling went ahead. Christie Pattisson’s determination on the right wing allowed him to cross to the far post, where Taylor Maloney met it with a sweet volley that gave Will Henry no chance in the Chippenham goal.

However, the Wings only held on for five minutes – Joe Parker found himself in acres of space on the left-hand side, and his shot found its way inside the near post.

Another Pattisson cross struck the arm of a defender in the penalty area. Although the referee might have been unsighted, it was a surprise that his assistant didn’t raise his flag, leaving the Wings disappointed.

Owen Windsor almost took full advantage when breaking through easily, but he fired over. Soon after, the Bluebirds had another opportunity and made it count – Matt McClure got goal-side of his marker and fired home confidently.

Welling started strongly again in the second half and levelled from the spot when Chippenham Town defender Spencer Hamilton went to ground and handled Chi Ezennolim’s low cross. Although keeper Henry went the right way, Maloney’s spot kick was too strong and nestled into the bottom corner of the net.

Warren Feeney’s team continued to probe and looked the more likely to claim the three points. Gavin came close when firing powerfully into the side netting after Cameron Andrews’ pass had found its way through to him.

Against the run of play, with eighteen minutes remaining, the hosts went ahead. Once again, Welling’s defence was found wanting when Ed Williams was given room in the penalty area to fire home.

Substitute Kyrell Lisbie went on a solo run for Welling but did not get enough power in his shot to worry Harris. Kodi Lyons-Foster then headed wide in stoppage time – their last chance of winning a point had gone.

On Saturday, they host Hampton and Richmond Borough, still looking to win the points that will ensure safety from relegation.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN