Dipo Akinyemi scores twice as Welling mount impressive comeback to take a point off Eastbourne Borough
BY MARK DOIG
Dipo Akinyemi notched a brace as Welling United claimed an unlikely point at Eastbourne Borough.
Three Eastbourne goals in an 11-minute first-half blitz gave the Wings a mountain to climb but they kept plugging away and stunned the in-form hosts.
Welling struggled in all areas of the pitch for the first 45 minutes but a half-time dressing down by manager Warren Feeney, and a change in shape, resulted in the incredible comeback.
Charlie Walker and Jake Elliott had early half chances for the hosts, and Walker came close with a free-kick before James Hammond headed wide.
Midway through the first half, Eastbourne went ahead. Hammond had a shot blocked and it fell for Charley Kendall to finish by smashing it into the roof of the net.
Hammond shot over before Eastbourne doubled their lead when Mitch Dickenson stole in at the far post to meet a low free-kick and finish.
Harvey Bradbury was introduced for the injured Mason Saunders-Henry but before he had touched the ball, Eastbourne went three up. Ben Wells was caught in possession by Kendall and the Lincoln City loanee raced away to slot home.
Chris Whelpdale might have scored a fourth but Coniah Boyce-Clarke forced him wide and he was unable to hit the target.
Walker continued to search for a goal after the break, first firing over and then having a long-range shot saved comfortably. Greg Luer also had a shot saved easily but it was Welling who scored the next goal. Akinyemi had his back to goal but surprised Lee Worgan by back-heeling past him and into the bottom corner.
The pivotal point of the game came shortly afterwards when Kendall bore down on the Welling goal and tried to round Boyce-Clarke. Although Kendall went down, the Wings goalkeeper got enough of a palm on it for the Eastbourne appeals to be waved away.
Seven minutes remained when Welling reduced the arrears courtesy of an own goal by Trent Mahorn as he tried to clear Brad Stevenson’s long ball in.
Welling levelled four minutes later when Alfie Matthews found Akinyemi and he fired beyond a helpless Worgan.
Welling are back in action on Monday when hosting Dorking Wanderers, looking to build on their point that has taken them off the foot of the table.
PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN
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