Welling United end 2022 with victory over Tonbridge Angels

BY MARK DOIG

Welling United ended 2022 with a much needed 1-0 victory at Tonbridge Angels on Boxing Day.

They Wings had dropped into the bottom half of the National League South table after collecting three points from a possible 18, so the victory gained at Longmead was most welcome.

Warren Feeney’s team came out the livelier but could not create chances until a Taylor Maloney corner caused issues for the Tonbridge defence and fell into the path of Manny Parry. Unfortunately for the visitors, the Wings centre-back’s shot flew over.

Myles Roberts kept out a low Jamie Fielding driven cross down the other end and then got up quickly to beat out Jack Wood’s close-range shot before Jordan Greenidge was unable to head Louis Collins’ cross goalwards.

Jamie Sendles-White did well to nod a Devonte Aransibia header over his own bar before Roberts made another save to deny Angels captain Sonny Miles.

As the first half came to a close, the game threatened to boil over as Welling’s Amadou Kassarate and Tonbridge’s Scott Wagstaff were cautioned for fouls, Ade Azeez for his part in a goalmouth skirmish, and Greenidge for simulation as he went over Roberts in the penalty area.

Welling were again the quicker starters after the break and their good movement brought about the winner.

After Wood had shot wide for the hosts, Welling moved it well down the left wing with debutant Aaron Powell and Maloney both involved. It was played out to the influential Daniel Nkrumah, and his low cross was sidefoot volleyed by Azeez back across goal and inside the post.

Tonbridge’s leading scorer Collins tried to add to his tally but shot wide on the turn before Nkrumah hit the outside of the side netting with a low drive at the other end.

Greenidge thought that he had levelled but his firm header was saved brilliantly at full stretch by Roberts. Aransibia, playing against former team-mates, saw his long-range drive hit the bar on the way over.

It was not all one way though and Medy Elito did well on the left before picking out Maloney but surprisingly the former Charlton midfielder was just off target with his drive.

Welling had a wonderful opportunity to seal the victory when Azeez played it in behind a defender who lost his footing allowing Stefan Payne a clear run on goal. He drew out goalkeeper Jonathan Henly and slotted it beyond him only to watch as it came back out off the foot of the post.

That lead to a nervy last 15 minutes for the Wings but only a shot from Greenidge that was scuffed wide threatened them until they conceded a corner in the final minute of stoppage time. Henly went up and had two shots blocked at the cost of another corner. The Angels goalkeeper met it with a firm header that Roberts tipped over and there was no time remaining for a further corner.

The two teams meet again on New Year’s Day.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN

Main Pic: Ade Azeez celebrates with provider Daniel Nkrumah