More misery for relegation-haunted Welling United as they suffer third straight National League South loss

BY MARK DOIG

Early defensive blunders proved costly as Welling crumbled to their third consecutive home defeat.

Having gone three months unbeaten at the J Hearnden Skip Hire Community stadium, they have since been beaten at home by Eastbourne Borough, Dartford and now Aveley. Their 4-1 victory over league leaders Yeovil Town is now a distant memory and they are eight points adrift of safety with games starting to run out.

Although the Wings had the first half chance when Kain Adom poked wide, Aveley went ahead in the 11th minute. A cross should have been cut out and cleared easily, but it wasn’t and Nana Kyei took full advantage when firing home.

Four minutes later, Welling gave themselves a mountain to climb. More hesitant defending allowed Kyei to nick it away and set up Alex Hernandez for an easy finish.

Second time debutant Chiori Johnson, playing on the right side of a back three, had a shot for Welling that flew wide as they started to enjoy more of the territorial advantage. Adom had another chance with a deflected effort that was well saved by Jonathan North.

However, the Millers looked dangerous on the break and Charlee Hughes gave Kyei another opportunity that required a good low save by Reice Charles-Cook. Welling’s reprieve was shortlived, though, and they conceded again in first half stoppage time. Owen Cochrane’s cross found Hughes and he had far too much time to pick his spot and blast home.

There was still time for Welling to create and miss a great opportunity. Crossley Lema’s drive was well saved by North at the expense of a corner. Although Cameron Green’s initial delivery was cleared, it came back out to him and he crossed to the far post where Anthony Grant headed over from close range.

At half time, Welling manager Danny Bloor made a double change, bringing on youngsters Enoch Muwonge and David Kamara to replace Taylor Curran and Daniel Carr.

Muwonge had an almost immediate impact when cutting in and shooting only for North to make an excellent save. Kamara then tried his luck with an effort that was deflected wide.

Just after the hour mark, Welling pulled one back. Hernandez fouled Adom in the penalty area and a spot kick was awarded. In the absence of Tristan Abrahams, Adom was entrusted with the responsibility and he converted, sending North the wrong way.

North came out quickly to smother as Adom got in behind before Welling again went close when Green’s excellent angled low cross was fractionally out of the reach of Antony Papadopoulos who would have had a tap in.

Josh Chambers hit a shot straight at North and Antony Papadopoulos had a drive beaten out by North but they couldn’t breach the Millers’ defence again.

Next Saturday, they take a welcome break from Vanarama National League South action when they entertain Chesterfield in the FA Trophy.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN