Payne hat-trick seals five-goal thriller for Welling against National League-bound Ebbsfleet

BY MARK DOIG

Vanarama National League South status for 2023-24 was guaranteed for Welling United when they defeated champions Ebbsfleet United at Park View Road, courtesy of a Stefan Payne hat-trick.

Having struggled on home soil for large parts of the season, the victory over the Fleet was their third consecutive victory on their own turf, a run that has been crucial in keeping them out of the danger of relegation.

Starting down the slope towards the road end, Ebbsfleet showed why they had blown so many teams away this season. Their slick movement stretched Welling, with a common outlet being Darren McQueen on the right wing. Twice he cut in and took aim with his left foot, but both times, he curled over.

He had a further opportunity when meeting a deep cross with a first-time volley that flashed just too high before he created an opening for Shaquile Coulthirst, which the Fleet striker flicked goalwards, drawing a save out of Kai McKenzie-Lyle.

They combined again to put Ebbsfleet ahead. A long cross-field pass picked out McQueen, who exchanged passes with Coulthirst before firing home. Soon after, Greg Cundle eased his way in from the right and rolled his shot just wide of the far post.

Eventually, Welling settled into the game and started to pose threats of their own and levelled with just over ten minutes remaining before half-time. Medy Elito delivered a free kick, Manny Parry headed back across goal, and Payne’s shot was deflected past Mark Cousins.

Christie Pattisson might have put Welling ahead soon after, but his ferocious drive was beaten out by Cousins.

McKenzie-Lyle did well to deal with a difficult low Cundle cross before Coulthirst headed wide just before the break.

Fewer than four second-half minutes had passed when Payne claimed the goal that put Welling ahead. Cousins did well to save from Ade Azeez, but it came out to Payne and found its way home.

Cundle hit the far post with a flick, but Welling’s pressing made it more difficult for the visitors to move it around and caused the error from which they extended their lead. James Dunne caught an indecisive defender in possession and forced it into the path of Payne. He looked up and curled it beyond Cousins.

Azeez fired over as Welling picked off Ebbsfleet on counter-attacks, and they might have increased their lead with five minutes remaining. Dunne clipped towards the far post and Parry rose but couldn’t find the target with his close-range header.

Josh Wright pulled one back the day before running the London Marathon when firing home from Coulthirst’s cutback deep into injury time, but they were unable to fashion a further opportunity.

Two games remain for the Wings and manager Warren Feeney will not allow the season to peter out now that they are safe, wanting to take momentum into the start of next term.

PICTURES: MICHAEL BROWN