Welling United end 2023 with derby draw against Dartford
BY MARK DOIG
Never-say-die Welling United claimed a last-gasp equaliser in their derby game with Dartford.
Although it took an own goal deep into stoppage time to earn them the point, it was the least they deserved with Dartford goalkeeper Ryan Sandford, on loan from Millwall, claiming the accolades and being named as man of the match.
There have been occasions this season when Welling have conceded late to drop points but their goal at Princes Park Stadium in the seventh minute of additional time saved them from being doubled by their local rivals. It was the Wings’ first goal and first point in four games and manager Danny Bloor will be looking at it to act as a springboard for the start of 2024.
Chances were at a premium early on with only Paul Rooney registering a goal attempt with a header that flew well over. However, in the 19th minute the hosts went ahead. Luke Allen crossed deep and Luke Coulson lost his marker before volleying into the bottom corner.
Allen shot straight at Welling goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom and George Alexander shot over before the Wings’ Kain Adom’s effort was deflected wide. As half-time approached, Adom came close again when Ike Orji crossed low and the Welling striker was unable to get a firm enough connection to turn it inside the far post.
Rooney headed wide before Welling went close. Antony Papadopoulos accepted a pass from Enoch Muwonge and strode forward before hitting a powerful low shot that hit the inside of the upright and flew out.
Winterbottom made an excellent save from Richard Chin before Taylor Curran blocked Alexander’s effort over the bar. At the other end, Tristan Abrahams had a shot deflected wide before Sandford made a stunning save to turn away Dominic Odusanya’s fierce drive towards the bottom corner.
Coulson had a great opportunity to finish the contest. Breaking quickly from a Welling corner, the Dartford captain found himself clear on goal with just Winterbottom to beat. He tried to clip it home but the Welling goalkeeper was equal to it and blocked it with his chest and shoulder.
Papadopoulos had a shot saved comfortably by Sandford before the stopper hd to work harder to dive and turn away TJ Bramble’s effort that was destined for the top corner. Former Wing Harvey Bradbury sent a free kick over for Dartford before Adom’s shot flew beyond the post.
In the final minute of additional time, Welling claimed a share of the spoils when Orji sent in a low diagonal cross and, in his attempt to cut it out, a stretching Moussa Diarra could only turn it into his own net.
Bloor knows that his team must build on the point when they start the new year with a home match against Aveley next Saturday.
PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN