Welling move a point closer to National League South safety after Maidstone draw

Welling United defied the odds by claiming a hard-earned point in their hopes of escaping relegation from the Vanarama National League South.

Hosts Maidstone United came into the game off the back of four consecutive wins with the aim of claiming a top three place which would mean a play-off bye followed by a home tie. However, after a tough opening half an hour in which Welling had to hang on, tactical substitutions by their management changed the course of the game.

Lamar Reynolds missed a good chance in the first minute before Matt Rush was thwarted by a brilliant save by Reice Charles-Cook who tipped his close range shot onto the post and out.

There were just four minutes on the clock when Maidstone went ahead. Former Wing Sam Corne played a one-two from a quick corner before picking out George Bentley at the far post and the centre-half headed home.

Charles-Cook made another outstanding save from Reynolds then Corne’s deflected shot clipped the post on the way out. Reiss Greenidge twice got on the end of Corne dead ball deliveries but was unable to find the target with either of his headers.

Rod Stringer reacted by making a change to Welling’s formation. Former Maidstone favourite Joe Ellul was withdrawn and the Wings went to a flat back four with David Amoo brought on to play wide right.

Antony Papadopoulos tried his luck for the visitors with a long range shot that whistled wide before Jephte Tanga, who started the season at Welling, created a chance for Rush whose attempt was kept out by another superb save by Charles-Cook.

Rush shot wide, then Greenidge headed over before Charles-Cook was again called into action when saving from Bentley.

Charlton Athletic loanee Jason Adigun created an opening for Welling and Reece Grant’s effort was saved well by Lucas Covolan.

Having got to the half time break only one down, Welling came out for the second half with vigour and looked the stronger side in the opening exchanges without breaking the hosts down.

Jack Munns was then introduced for his Welling debut and marked it with a goal nine minutes later. A loose clearance fell into his path twenty yards out and he arrowed his shot low inside the far post.

After that, chances were at a premium, although Amoo’s scissors volley from Adigun’s layback flew wide of the near post.

In the closing stages, Muhammadu Faal was pulled back as he threatened to burst through. Corne whipped in the free kick that evaded Greenidge before Sam Bone fired well wide from Tanga’s pull back.

It was another excellent point for the Wings who took another big step towards avoiding the drop.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN