Welling United’s home woes deepen after 1-0 defeat to Taunton Town

BY MARK DOIG

Further home troubles struck Welling United as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Taunton Town last night.

One goal was enough to beat them as they again failed to notch at Park View Road. They have won just four of their 19 league games on their own turf and Taunton inflicted their 10th home defeat.

Welling have found the net just once in their last five games at home and have not been victorious in front of their own supporters since New Year’s Day.

George Alexander scored a hat-trick at Slough in mid February but in eight games since then they have scored a miserly two goals. Conceding late goals has also become a bad habit that they need to break quickly if they are to collect the points needed to keep them out of the bottom four.

Myles Roberts was the first goalkeeper called into action when claiming Jay Foulston’s flicked header before Sadik Balarabe created havoc in the Taunton penalty area causing desperate blocks to thwart shots from Stefan Payne and Ade Azeez.

Ollie Chamberlain’s shot was parried out by Roberts but he was up quickly to smother as Mat Jarvis hoped to be in for a tap in. Cameron Evans had a shot deflected by Kodi Lyons-Foster for Roberts to save before the on-loan centre-back was in action at the other end when heading a corner into the arms of Jack Bycroft.

Lloyd James had the last two efforts of the first half, both from long distance, and both wide.

After the break Zac Smith was on target from distance but Roberts saved easily before Welling’s Aaron Barnes headed wide from Rob Howard’s cross. Christie Pattisson then tricked his way into a good position but his shot was blocked by the legs of Bycroft.

Smith had a shot saved by Roberts after Joe Guest got behind the Welling defence and squared before the Wings were robbed of a great chance of their own. Azeez was sent clear and pushed it past Bycroft only to be blocked illegally by the goalkeeper to stop him from rolling it home. The referee took his time but surprisingly only brandished a yellow card.

Bycroft’s let-off hurt Welling further when he made a great save from Alexander’s volley before the Wings were hit by another decision that went against them.

Jamie Sendles-White was deemed to have bodychecked Jarvis and a penalty was awarded. Smith struck it to his left but Roberts guessed correctly to save. Unfortunately for him, it went straight back out to him and he buried the rebound.

There was no comeback for Warren Feeney’s team and he will have to pick them up quickly ahead of their home game with Bath City on Saturday.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN

Main Pic: Zac Smith follows up to score for the Peacocks