Welling start fast but high-flying Weston-super-Mare claim all three points in National League South clash

It was another difficult afternoon for Welling United when they were beaten at home by Weston-Super-Mare.

Weston were unbeaten in all competitions since losing their first two matches of the season. Last season, they were one of the best footballing sides in the league, but this term, they appear to have added the steel that is needed to go to the next level.

In a game that was far from dirty, the fussy referee found reason to brandish no fewer than nine yellow cards, eight in the second half, as the stop-start aspect of the period worked in the visitors’ favour.

There could barely have been a better start for Rod Stringer’s Wings when going ahead in the second minute. Anointed Chukwu brought down a long pass and played it into Elliot Long. He returned it to Chukwu, who made space for himself before rifling it into the bottom corner.

Reuben Reid then had an effort for the Seagulls that clipped the top of the bar, apparently via a touch by goalkeeper Rhys Lovett as a corner was awarded.

Chukwu then surged through after excellent work by Daniel Martin, but his clipped-through ball ran away down the slope, allowing Weston goalkeeper Max Harris to claim just ahead of Gene Kennedy. Shortly afterwards, Harris did well to tip over an over-hit Martin diagonal cross that looked to be dipping just under the crossbar.

Ten minutes before half-time, Anthony Grant became the first player to be cautioned for a foul on former Bromley winger Luke Coulson. James Dodd whipped in the free kick, Welling didn’t cut it out, and Reid headed home from close range.

Three minutes later, Welling conceded again. Dave Winfield handled outside the penalty area and the referee was ready to award a free kick until his assistant suggested it was inside the box. Coulson took the responsibility and hit the spot kick accurately and powerfully enough to beat Lovett.

Dodd should probably have made it three before half-time, but he shot wide from fifteen yards.

After the break, chances were at a premium. The play was not able to flow as substitutions and soft bookings disrupted it. Long had a couple of half chances, first being thwarted by a close-range block after good work by Kwaku Donkor, then he hooked over from Chukwu’s knockdown.

Just under twenty minutes remained when Weston scored their third. A long clearance left Welling’s defence beaten, and Coulson broke through. He went around Lovett before slotting home.

Two minutes were left on the clock when Welling finally threatened again. Martell Taylor-Crossdale broke through and went down under a challenge. He appealed for a penalty a little too vociferously and was added to the referee’s list for dissent.

Stringer has little time to pick up his charges as they are in action again on Tuesday night, away to Worthing.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN