Welling United relegated from National League South

BY MARK DOIG

Welling United’s relegation from National League South league was sealed as they lost 4-0 at home to Maidstone United on Good Friday.

Following their trouncing at the hands of Hampton & Richmond Borough seven days earlier, Welling caretaker manager Brian Statham made five changes, some enforced and others tactical. Gene Kennedy returned from suspension and Jack Burchell, Scott Kashket, Dan Martin and Deon Moore were reinstated having been on the substitute’s bench seven days earlier.

Dan Quick had been recalled by Eastbourne Borough during the week while Maxwell Statham joined Chiori Johnson, Harvey Walker, Zain Walker and Dave Winfield on the injury list. Finn Ballard-McBride, Josh Redfearn and Martell Taylor-Crossdale joined Tyrese Briscoe on the bench with the fifth seat remaining vacant. Having played four at the back at Hampton, Statham went for a three with wing-backs against the Stones.

Jez Davies had Welling’s first chance with a fierce drive that was turned over acrobatically via the crossbar by goalkeeper Alexis Andre Jr. Kennedy then tried a curler that did not bend enough to go inside the far post.

It was Rhys Lovett’s turn to make a great save when he got down brilliantly to save a close range shot by Ruben Shakpoke. However, he was well beaten in the 18th minute when Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong sent Aaron Blair through and he fired home from just inside the penalty area.

Davies hit another powerful long-range shot and again clattered the bar before an injury to Moore meant that he had to be withdrawn with Redfearn replacing him. Shortly afterwards, Maidstone doubled their lead when Temi Eweka headed home from Ben Brookes’ corner.

Any hopes that Welling had of getting back into the game were ended six minutes into the second half through a calamitous goal. TJ Bramble passed back to Lovett and the normally reliable goalkeeper missed his kick allowing Berkeley-Agyepong to roll it into the empty net.

Andre Jr made another stunning save to claw out Scott Kashket’s firm header before Maidstone added a fourth. Another poor backpass left Lovett exposed and he mistimed his challenge and brought down Shaq Coulthirst in the penalty area. Brookes took the responsibility and sent Lovett the wrong way from the spot.

Although half an hour still remained, neither side had another shot on target and Welling’s first ever relegation from step two was sealed.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD