Welling United’s defence passes Chelmsford test as Wings secure 1-0 win
BY MARK DOIG
Defence was key for Welling United as they claimed a 1-0 victory in a game of few chances at Chelmsford City.
Surprisingly for a former striker, Welling manager Warren Feeney is at his happiest when his team is keeping clean sheets and to bolster his defensive unit he has brought in Kodi Lyons-Foster on loan from Aldershot Town for the rest of the season.
Lyons-Foster played a leading part in keeping the hosts at bay in the backline which also included Rob Howard, Aaron Powell and Jamie Sendles-White.
Other than when they hit the crossbar in the first minute and drew a great save out of Myles Roberts deep into injury time, the Clarets rarely looked like breaching the Welling defence. At the other end the Wings also struggled to create openings and it was vital that they took advantage when offered any opportunity.
In the first minute, Harry Lodovica rattled the Welling crossbar with a curler from the corner of the penalty area but the visitors had the better of the next 30 minutes without creating much, Taylor Maloney striking harmlessly wide being their best. At the other end, the hosts thought that they had a chance when Lodovica lobbed it over the onrushing Roberts, but debutant Lyons-Foster got back quickly to force the Chelmsford number nine away from goal.
Early in the second half, Welling were given the opportunity that they craved. Goalkeeper Eddie Beach struggled with a dangerous cross and knocked over Dylan Gavin as he came in at the far post. The referee pointed to the spot and Maloney gave Beach no chance, firing into the top corner. The restart was delayed as the referee then brandished a red card to a member of the Chelmsford staff in the technical area.
Despite being behind, the hosts were unable to increase the tempo and Roberts was only called upon to make a couple of regulation stops.
Feeney gave a debut to Kyrell Lisbie, son of Charlton Athletic stalwart Kevin, with 10 minutes remaining and he gave the good contingent of Welling supporters a taste of what he has to offer with his pace and control.
In the final minute of stoppage time, Chelmsford came close to rescuing a point when former Wing Cameron James crossed and substitute Callum Jones flicked it on but Roberts made a superb reaction save to exemplify Welling’s determination not to concede.
This Saturday, buoyed by this important win, Welling host local rivals Dartford in front of what will be another big crowd at Park View Road.
PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN
Main Pic: James Dunne holds up play
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