Welling look class above in clash of National League South form teamsh

BY MARK DOIG

Welling were 2-0 victors over Bath City in the clash of two form teams in National League South.
City had won their previous four home games with only goal difference  separating the two teams, but the gulf looked far greater as Wings put in an excellent and professional performance to go third in the table.

Nassim L’Ghoul tested Bath goalkeeper Ryan Clarke in the first minute and the Romans’ custodian was happy that he somehow kept it out.

Craig Braham-Barrett tried his luck from 25 yards but his shot took a deflection off Adam Mann and flew over.

Welling took a deserved lead on 25 minutes. A long free-kick was flicked on by Danny Mills and Gavin McCallum nipped in ahead of a dithering Clarke to finish with an opportunist flick.

McCallum fired into the side netting after L’Ghoul and Mills again combined well.

Jack Batten had a great chance to put Bath back on level terms when meeting a long free-kick but he headed it directly at Wilks.

Ross Stearn tried his luck from a wide angle but Wilks was never going to be beaten at his near post.

Welling got caught on the break from their own corner but Mann was unable to keep his shot down.

Welling have seven players out injured and suffered a further blow when McCallum had to limp off with a hamstring strain. Julien Anau replaced him.

The change did not hold Welling back and they continued to probe. Jack Jebb had a shot blocked before a low Anau cross at the end of a thrilling run was too hot for Clarke but the keeper was fortunate that it came out to a defender who hacked clear.

Busy John Paul Kissock dispossessed Kevin Amankwaah and found Jebb who in turn found Mills. He again combined with L’Ghoul but the Frenchman fizzed his shot over.

Another Stearn effort from a tight angle was beaten out by Wilks before Bath had a great opportunity.

John Mills looked through but the outstanding Arnaud Mendy made a fantastic tackle. It came out to Stearn but follow up shots by him and Mills were kept out by a double save from Wilks, the second of which was brilliant.

Finally, Welling scored a clinching second goal. L’Ghoul was again in the thick of it giving Jebb the chance to cross. Mills got in ahead of Clarke and knocked it up away from the goalkeeper before slotting it into the unguarded net for his first competitive goal for the Wings.

He might have added a second in injury time when once more played in by L’Ghoul but on this occasion Clarke was equal to it.

Welling are two points off the top of the table but take a league break on Saturday as they go to Hereford United in the FA Cup.

Photos by Dave Budden