Welling United’s win over Truro pulls them clear of National League South relegation zone

BY MARK DOIG

Six weeks ago, Welling United looked to be nailed on for relegation, however, they now find themselves above the drop zone.

Seven National League South games undefeated has allowed them to claw back the nine-point deficit and they now find themselves two points above the drop zone following victory over Truro City.

The Wings could easily have found themselves further behind than a one goal deficit at the break as they struggled to cope with the more direct and physical football than they have faced of late. Joe Ellul cleared off the line in the first minute after Tyler Harvey intercepted Reice Charles-Cook’s pass out and shot goalwards.

Goalkeeper Charles-Cook atoned when saving from Andrew Neal, Dan Sullivan and Dan Rooney but was powerless to stop Truro from going ahead just short of the hour mark when Sullivan broke through and finished confidently.

Charles-Cook then made another outstanding save when a sliced shot fell into the path of Neal. He hit his effort first time but the Welling goalkeeper got across and kept it out.

Whatever was said in the changing room at half-time seemed to have the desired effect as within five minutes of the restart, Welling were ahead. They equalised when awarded a free-kick on the edge of the side of the penalty area for a bad foul on Crossley Lema and they took full advantage. Cameron Green whipped it in low and hard. Although it was cleared off the line as far as Gene Kennedy and he smashed it home from 15 yards.

Two minutes later, Welling scored again. Charlton Athletic loanee Jason Adigun led a break from a Truro corner and played it out to the right where Reece Grant squared across the face of goal for Sonny Fish to finish at the far post.

After a further 13 minutes, Truro showed that they weren’t prepared to concede defeat without a fight and they levelled with a goal out of nothing when Harvey hooked an effort from 25 yards that flew inside the far post.

Less than 15minutes remained when Welling scored what turned out to be the winner. Adigun was the creator, he found space to pull it back to the edge of the penalty area and Antony Papadopoulos met it with a sweet strike that gave Truro goalkeeper James Hamon no chance.

Fish had a shot beaten out after more good work by Adigun before Harvey and Adam Porter both shot over for the visitors in stoppage time.

Manager Rod Stringer was in no mood to over-celebrate after the game in the knowledge that a couple of defeats could put them back in the mire, but four wins and three draws have certainly given the club cause for optimism.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN

Main Pic: Gene Kennedy, left, opens the scoring for the Wings