Welling United low on numbers but not in fight as they secure 3-3 draw with leaders Woking

BY MARK DOIG

Welling United once again defied the odds by putting in a superb performance to draw 3-3 at home to National League South leaders Woking.

The Wings maintained the best home record in the division whiole Woking held on to the best away record.

Welling were once again unable to fill their bench but showed the desire and work-rate to outplay full-time opposition.

Defender Thierry Audel had to play in midfield and his early brace put Welling in control.

Audel’s first goal came after 14 minutes when Gavin McCallum’s corner picked him out and his towering header flew inside the far post.

Then two minutes later he scored again. In-form Brendan Kiernan went past Josh Casey and crossed from the right. Although not at the easiest of heights, Audel volleyed home from the edge of the penalty area via the far post.

Four minutes later, Woking pulled one back. Casey broke away down the left wing and pulled back for Christian Jolley to finish.

It could have been worse for Welling but for great defending by Anthony Acheampong, who first cleared off the line before blocking Moussa Diarra’s follow-up shot.

Bradley Goldberg was sent away by Zack Newton but shot wide of the far post before Welling scored a third just before the break. Kiernan found Goldberg who beat Casey. His cross found Kiernan, who twisted to fire into the top corner for his 13th goal of the season.

Goldberg created a great opportunity but shot from a tight angle when he might have pulled it back.

Acheampong tried his luck but a defender made a superb block to divert it over the bar at the cost of another of Welling’s eight second-half corners.

Six minutes after coming on, Reise Allassani pulled one back. A long ball found him and he was allowed to turn and fire into the top corner.

Another substitute, Harvey Bradbury, created an undeserved leveller on 90 minutes with a low cross that Allassani forced home via the post.

Kiernan and Julien Anau both had injury-time shots saved by Craig Ross. The draw keeps Welling in fourth place.

Welling United: Wilks, Genovesi, Braham-Barrett, Audel, Hill, Acheampong, Kiernan, Mendy, Newton, Goldberg (Anau 86), McCallum (L’Ghoul 81). Not used: Agyemang, Quebe.