Welling move clear of National League South relegation danger with Dover win

BY MARK DOIG

It was a very good Friday for Welling on Good Friday when they defeated Dover Athletic to give themselves a seven point buffer between them and the relegation zone.

Seven of the eight teams below the Wings suffered defeats, some of them heavy, and two Welling losses in fourteen league games has taken them away from a position that looked hopeless before the start of the run.

In truth, the game was far from a classic and clear cut chances were at a premium. Charlton Athletic loanee Jason Adigun tried to ignite the Wings and he had a number of attempts on goal but failed to hit the target, however, he was involved in most of their best moments.

George Nikaj had an opportunity for the Whites but his shot from a tight angle was saved by Reice Charles-Cook when pulling it back to Freddie Oliver might have been the better option. Adigun then created a chance for Welling when finding David Amoo. He threaded in Reece Grant whose stabbed effort went just beyond the far post.

Nick Dembele turned well on the edge of the Welling penalty area but Charles-Cook was out briskly to save at his feet. Then, just before half time, Welling went close when a corner was cleared as far as Lachlan Byrd whose first time volley flew just over.

After the half-time break, Amoo had a shot saved and Oliver was relieved to see his attempted clearance fly over, rather than under, his own bar – but chances continued to be few and far between as the teams sparred for openings.

Roman Charles-Cook drew a save out of his brother, and it fell for Dembele, but his shot was cleared off the line by Byrd. That proved costly for the visitors when Welling scored with eighteen minutes remaining. Reece Grant’s shot was blocked away for a corner and Di Trolio lost his marker before meeting Antony Papadopoulos’ delivery with a close range shot that gave Matthew Rowley no chance in the Dover goal.

While searching for a leveller, Dover left themselves short-handed at the back, and Gene Kennedy broke and sent Adam Roscrow clear, but his shot lacked conviction, and Rowley saved. Then, from a cleared Dover corner, Roscrow’s counter attack gave the Wings a two-on-one, but his pass was too heavy for Anthony Grant and he couldn’t get a shot away.

There were no further openings at either end and Welling completed part one of their Easter derby double with a vital three points. They visit Maidstone United on Easter Monday.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN