No happy playing return for Welling as they lost 3-0 at Havant & Waterlooville
BY MARK DOIG
Six months after their last competitive game, Welling United returned to National League South action with a 3-0 defeat at Havant and Waterlooville.
Steve Lovell, Welling’s manager, has a much changed side and only Ross Worner in the Havant goal played in the last meeting between the two teams in the 2019-20 season opener.
It was a tough ask for the young Wings team visiting a full time club but despite the defeat, they will have learned a lot from it.
One of Havant’s big name summer signings, Scott Rendell, was a threat from the first minute and gave the Welling defence a tough afternoon. Welling custodian Murphy Maloney made an early save from him but was powerless when in the seventh minute, Rendell flicked into the path of James Roberts who fired home via the post.
Rendell came close again when diverting a Joe Newton shot just wide before a foul on him gave Oscar Gobern a chance from a free-kick which he blasted over.
Roberts had a shot saved by Maloney, who then made a double save to keep out a shot from Newton and a follow up header by Rendell.
There was then some respite for the Welling defence when the Wings started getting some joy in more advanced positions. Lyle Della-Verde delivered a free-kick that was headed wide by Bradley Pearce then Worner had to be out sharply to smother as Della-Verde got beyond the Havant backline.
Just as it looked as though Welling were going to go in at the break with just a one goal deficit, Havant added the crucial second goal. Newton hooked back when reaching an over-hit cross and Rendell rose to head home.
Lovell responded by making a double substitution at the break to try and stem the flow. It was successful to an extent. Della-Verde had the first chance of the second half with a shot well saved by Worgan.
However, Havant still caused problems. Tommy Wright hit the post from 25 yards and Rendell had a header cleared off the line by Pearce.
Lucas Sinclair’s self-created chance ended in another Worner save, then Mahoney made an excellent save when turning over Newton’s shot.
Kai Brown came on and created an opportunity for Welling but Dipo Akinyemi’s first time shot went into the side netting.
The Hawks had the final word when adding a third deep into injury time when Billy Clifford fired into the top corner.
Welling are back in action next Saturday when they entertain Hungerford Town at Park View Road.
PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN
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