Welling United still not completely clear of National League South relegation drop after defeat at Chippenham Town

BY MARK DOIG

Welling United suffered a 4-1 defeat at Chippenham Town in the National League South on Saturday afternoon.

In the first period, Welling had the advantage of the slope in the pitch and a strong wind, and went in at the break a goal to the good. However, the hosts made the most of the conditions after the interval and scored four times. In truth, the scoreline was harsh on the Wings who suffered just their second defeat under manager Rod Stringer.

David Amoo was handed a full Welling debut and almost marked it with a goal in the early minutes when his low shot was well saved by the hosts’ goalkeeper Will Henry. However, the Chippenham custodian was powerless to stop the Wings from going ahead in the ninth minute. Having won a corner, Cameron Green delivered deep. Riccardo Di Trolio arrived late to meet it with a header into the six-yard box that was turned home by Jack Burchell.

Jason Adigun had a low shot saved by Henry before Burchell found Sonny Fish whose fierce drive flew just over. Adigun created another opportunity for Fish whose effort was blocked out for a corner before the forty-five minutes that Welling dominated came to a close.

After the interval, Chippenham looked to impose themselves with captain Matt McClure leading from the front. First he nodded forward to Tom Owen-Evans who could only fire into the side netting, then he hit a low shot that was saved well by Reice Charles-Cook.

Despite now playing up the slope and into the wind, Welling again started to ask questions, and Henry had to dive full length to keep out a well-struck Antony Papadopoulos drive. The Bluebirds’ goalkeeper was again in action shortly after when making another good save from Fish.

Twenty second half minutes had passed when Chippenham equalised out of the blue. Luke Haines strode forward and shot from thirty-five yards and his effort flew just inside the post. Burchell then cleared off the line from Luke Spokes before the Bluebirds went ahead. Tyreke Johnson crossed from the left and it caught the wind and sailed into the net.

Searching for an equaliser, Papadopoulos had another effort saved by Henry before Chippenham added a third with nine minutes remaining. Ed Williams set up Tom Owen-Evans and he fired high into the net.

To add insult to injury, Chippenham scored again in the closing stages. Tom Mehew crossed to the far post and Johnson finished from close range.

Stringer will now prepare his squad for the Easter programme in the knowledge that his team may still need two or three more wins to guarantee safety.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN