Goal-shy Welling United lose 1-0 at Chelmsford City

BY MARK DOIG

Another defeat on the road for Welling United has left them in a very precarious position in the National League South table.

Despite have plenty of possession and territorial advantage when visiting promotion chasing Chelmsford City, they again failed to register a goal.

Not for the first time this season, voices from Welling’s opponents stated that the Wings do not look like a team in danger of relegation but the harsh fact is that this was the 11th time in 27 league games that they have not netted. The two league goals that they have scored since the beginning of December were an own goal and a consolation penalty – so it’s clear where the issue lies.

It was the hosts who had the better of the early exchanges and Welling goalkeeper Reice Charles-Cook was in action when he made an excellent low save on the line from Luke Jenkins’ header. Soon after, the Chelmsford player had another opportunity when a cross was blocked into his path but he shot wide.

David Kamara had Welling’s first chance when breaking through however Henry Gray, the Chelmsford goalkeeper, was out quickly to make an excellent block. Shortly afterwards, the hosts went ahead in controversial manner. In a challenge for possession Jermaine Francis and a Welling defender tangled legs and the referee pointed to the spot. Samir Carruthers stepped up and gave Charles-Cook no chance.

Antony Papadopoulos had a shot saved by Gray before his brilliant pass sent Adam Roscrow clear. The Welling striker bore down on goal and looked sure to score however Gray had other ideas and kept him out with a reaction block.

After the half-time break, both goalkeepers made regulation saves before Papadopoulos headed wide at the far post. Charles-Cook then kept Welling in the game with a stunning save from Jenkins’ downward header when he met a Carruthers corner.

Lachlan Byrd headed wide from a Cameron Green free-kick then Roscrow was off target with a first-time shot from another chance created by Papadopoulos. TJ Bramble had a shot saved before Papadopoulos was thwarted by a triple save by Gray. His first effort was from a free-kick out wide just outside the penalty area. He shot hard and accurately towards the inside of the near post but Gray made a great save. It came back out and his follow-up shot was saved. Again it came out and his third shot was smothered.

Joe Ellul, at full stretch, couldn’t force home Dominic Odusanya’s clipped cross and Welling’s last chance was gone.

Danny Bloor will spend the week trying to solve the conundrum of his team’s difficulties in front of goal ahead of their visit to Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN