Welling United lost 1-0 to Chippenham as fans return to Park View Road

BY MARK DOIG

In their first Vanarama National League South game in front of a crowd, Welling United slumped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Chippenham Town.

While the Wings conceded the only goal from a poorly-defended set-piece, they have only scored once in the two league games since their enforced 14-day Covid break, and that was a spectacular effort from Dipo Akinyemi with one minute remaining at Braintree.

Their lack of finishing ability again came to bear in the 10th minute against Chippenham. Ryan Blackman played a superb pass behind the centre-back that sent Akinyemi through but he angled his shot past goalkeeper Will Puddy and also the far post.

After that, Welling played a lot of football that was pleasing on the eye but without any end product, the nearest that they came being Lyle Della-Verde’s long shot which was saved by Puddy.

Marlon Jackson gave Welling warnings with a shot that was deflected just wide and another that was tipped on to the bar and over. However, it was Welling who had the last chance of the half when Della-Verde spun and shot just wide.

Early in the second half Akinyemi did superbly well to create space for himself but shot straight at Puddy before again using his strength to hold off the defence and allow Ade Shokunbi to go on a surging run but his low shot was saved brilliantly by Puddy.

Just shy of the hour mark, the visitors made a double change and took control of the game. Callum Gunner’s shot came back off the bar before the Charlton loanee goalkeeper Nathan Harness saved from substitute Bradley Ash after pushing away a difficult cross.

The deadlock was broken halfway through the second half when Joe Hanks’ near-post corner was met by Ash in space and he finished well from close range.

Chippenham might have increased their lead but for saves by Harness from Chris Zebroski and Hanks, the second falling to Ash who failed to hit the target.

Welling substitute Matt Everitt chipped a shot towards the top corner but Puddy saved comfortably. The last chance fell to Ash, who should have finished the game off in injury time.

Welling entertain Oxford City in the FA Trophy tomorrow hoping that a run in that tournament may lift their spirits ahead of their next league game.

PHOTOS BY DAVE BUDDEN