Inability to keep a clean sheet again proved costly for Welling United as they drew at home to Slough Town in the Vanarama National League South.
They have shut their opposition out in just six league games in thirty-six outings this season, the last occasion being in mid-December. Having gone in at half time two-nil up against Slough, a strong second half would have been enough for them to claim three much needed points. Sadly, they were penned back by the Rebels’ long ball game and had to settle for a draw.
When the two clubs met in Berkshire earlier in the season, Welling had a three goal lead but had to hold on at the end after Slough had come back strongly with two goals of their own, and the return meeting was a similar ‘game of two halves’.
Although Slough had the first opportunity when Rhys Lovett blocked David Ogbonna’s drive and saved Johnny Goddard’s follow up, Welling were by far the better team in the first half.
Deon Moore headed over for the Wings before he set up Scott Kashket for the opening goal. He nicked it away from a defender and burst down the wing before squaring for Kashket to finish from close range.
One minute later they combined again when Moore did well on the right hand side before allowing Kashket to cut in from the bye-line and lift it over goalkeeper Charlie Horlock, and into the net.
Seeking the match ball, Kashket had another effort that was saved by Horlock. Then, with half time approaching, Welling had a further chance when Riccardo Di Trolio got on the end of Dan Martin corner but glanced his header beyond the far post.
Early in the second period Gene Kennedy stabbed an effort just wide of the near post from Jayden Davis’ low cross before Slough’s long ball tactics put the hosts onto the back foot. The Rebels pulled one back when Goddard’s free kick was headed home by Josh Jackman, and a nervy Welling team were forced to defend deeper and deeper. Goddard lobbed over and Edon Pruti was twice off target.
Henry Ochieng fired well wide with ten minutes remaining and it started to look as though Welling were going to see the game out. However that all changed four minutes later. Scott Davies belted another long diagonal pass, and this time the Wings failed to cut it out. Goddard controlled it brilliantly to put him through and he finished comfortably.
In the final minute of regulation time, the Wings had a chance to win it when Moore was allowed a free header five yards out but he planted it straight into the arms of Horlock.
Despite the point keeping Welling from dropping into the bottom four, they will definitely have felt that this was two points lost.
Welling United: Lovett, Davis (Burchell 59), Martin, Statham (Grant 88), Winfield, Di Trolio, Kennedy (Alabi 82), Quick, Moore (Walker 90+2), Kashket (Bramble 77), Kelly. Subs not used: None.
