Welling United sign off 2024 with 1-0 home reverse to Chelmsford City
BY MARK DOIG
Shortcomings in the attacking third of the pitch again proved costly for Welling as they fell to defeat in a tight National League South game against Chelmsford City on Boxing Day.
They have only won by more than the odd goal twice this season and have scored more than one goal in a game on just two occasions since early September. As a result, when individual errors are made at the back, they tend to be crucial.
It seemed likely that this game was going to end in a stalemate until the Clarets grabbed all three points with an avoidable goal scored with five minutes to spare.
Daniel Martin had Welling’s first chance when he fired over after starting a move that involved Theo Alexandrou and Gene Kennedy. Martin then showed his defensive qualities when Chelmsford broke from a Welling corner. Charlie Ruff sent Osman Foyo away but the Welling wing-back sprinted back and timed his tackle to perfection.
Rhys Lovett got down to make a comfortable save from Foyo before Welling missed an outstanding chance. Again Kennedy combined with Alexandrou before delivering a low cross that just needed a touch but Josh Redfearn was unable to connect and the opportunity was lost.
Shortly before half-time, Welling almost fashioned another chance but TJ Bramble was at full stretch and Ted Collins made the save.
After the half-time break, Redfearn had a shot blocked wide after a Sam Cornish free-kick fell to him, then Cornish’s corner picked out Dave Winfield, whose header was saved.
Ruff shot wide for Chelmsford before Redfearn missed another great chance. He created it for himself by robbing a centre-back before beating another that left him one-on-one with Collins. He steadied himself and shot but it was too high and came back off the bar.
Cameron James shot over for Chelmsford before Kane Crichlow’s first-time shot flew wide of the near post. James had another chance that he curled wide from the edge of the penalty area before Foyo scored to claim all three points. Kalvin Kalala was allowed to cross and the former Wing diverted it inside the far corner.
Substitute Zain Walker had a shot deflected over and Winfield had a header saved easily before Welling’s last game of 2024 ended in disappointment.
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD