Fresh pain for Bloor’s Welling as they throw away two-goal lead in Dover draw

BY MARK DOIG

Welling United once again had to settle for a point when they visited Dover Athletic in the National League South.

Although they didn’t play as well as they have done in recent matches, Welling will still be ruing not winning, especially as they held a two-goal lead at half time.

They came close to going ahead early on when Dominic Odusanya found Tristan Abrahams who threaded it through to Jephte Tanga. Dover goalkeeper Billy Terrell read the situation and raced out to make the block challenge.

Tanga wasn’t to be denied for too long, though. Kain Adom spotted Terrell out of position and lofted it towards the far post for Tanga to bundle home from close range.

Archie Hatcher had a free-kick claimed by Welling keeper Ben Winterbottom, then delivered another to Charlie Naylor who headed it powerfully, but off target. However, it was Welling who scored a second. Adom was again the creator with a whipped in cross that TJ Bramble met with a guided volley inside the post.

Not being used to having a first-half two goal lead, Welling didn’t appear to know whether to stick or twist and Dover had a string of corners before the break, but only one goal attempt, a shot by Nick Dembele that flew well over.

After the interval, Dover continued to press and they pulled one back six minutes in. Joshua Anifowose slipped Paris Lock through down the inside right channel and he made no mistake when slotting home.

Zidan Sutherland fired high and wide before he hit a fine effort from 25 yards that clattered the bar with Winterbottom beaten.

Danny Bloor responded by making two changes and it appeared to stem the flow with Dover only having a shot from Anifowose that was well off target until the last five minutes. Sutherland missed a chance that he should have scored when firing over an empty net from three yards out.

Six minutes of additional time were signalled but that was extended due to Welling’s time wasting that included a yellow card, and Dover made the most of it right at the death. A needless free-kick was given away, and the delivery caused chaos in a packed penalty area before Naylor smashed it home.

Bloor’s Wings are back at home National League South action on Saturday when they host Slough Town.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN

Main Pic: Teammates congratulate with the scorer