Welling bounce back from crushing Weymouth defeat with St Albans draw
BY MARK DOIG
Following their crushing defeat seven days earlier, Welling United manager Rod Stringer wanted his team to bounce back when hosting St Albans City in the Vanarama National League South.
Stringer made two changes to the team that had been defeated five-one at bottom club Weymouth, welcoming back goalkeeper Rhys Lovett who was injured on New Year’s Day, and Chiori Johnson, who had missed Welling’s last four matches.
Sam Cornish also returned and was given a place on the substitute’s bench, and he was joined by Harvey Walker who broke his leg in pre-season training, and was yet to make his debut. On the debit side, Maxwell Statham was not fit and TJ Bramble was also not ready to return.
It was clear that fitness was going to be important in this match as the recent constant rain made the pitch very heavy and had it not been for some volunteer supporters helping the groundsman, the game would not have gone ahead.
Early on, the visitors netted through Gio Rasulo but it counted for nothing as he had strayed offside, before both teams battled to create openings in the tough conditions, not helped by the persistent hazy rain.
Johnson forced his way through for the Wings but was thwarted by a last ditch well timed tackle at the cost of a corner. Dan Martin delivered and Dave Winfield headed towards the bottom corner, however, goalkeeper Michael Johnson got down well to turn it around the post.
Aiden Dausch, on his St Albans debut, had a shot from fifteen yards that missed the angle of bar and far post as the first period ended in stalemate.
At half time, Stringer was forced into making a change as Johnson was unable to continue and was replaced by Josh Redfearn, thus giving the Wings more attacking options.
However, it was another substitute, Zain Walker, who came close to scoring around the hour mark. He had already had a shot kept out by the visitors’ goalkeeper when he went on a strong run down the left and forced a good save out of Johnson who pushed it into the side netting.
Thirteen minutes remained when Welling broke the deadlock. Martin created space for himself before crossing to Jayden Davis and he directed his header back across goal and into the net via the far post.
Hopes that the Wings could hold out to claim an important three points were dashed when they conceded eight minutes after going ahead. Brandon Mason sent over a great cross that Alfie Bendle touched and it hit an unfortunate Winfield and flew just inside the far post.
As the match moved into stoppage time, the visitors came close to snatching a winner when Mason again caused problems and Riccardo Di Trolio made a great block to keep his effort out.
Although disappointed not to win, it was important that Welling did not lose to a team below them in the relegation dogfight.
PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN