Mark Goldberg’s first game in charge of Welling United ended in a heavy defeat.

Although not helped by some shocking officiating, Welling did themselves no favours with another disappointing display.

Ade Yusuff had a couple of early chances but failed to find the power to trouble Tim Deacy.

Michael Rankine should then have put Altrincham ahead when bursting through but shot too high and saw his effort disappear into the crowd off the top off the bar.

It mattered little when Jordan Sinnott put the hosts ahead with a crisp finish just after the half hour mark.

Jake Moult was extremely lucky to escape with just a yellow card when he pushed his head into the face of Victor Caicedo after being fouled. The Welling player was also booked.

Any hopes that Welling might had of getting something out of the game were dashed by another poor refereeing decision. After Sinnott had a shot well saved by Marek Rodak, the cross that followed struck Ian Gayle on the arm at point blank range.

That as good as finished the game and Altrincham added a third early in the second half when James Lawrie was played into space to finish.

Welling created little and went further behind after 65 minutes although more awful refereeing helped the hosts. A massive push in the back of Sam Corne by Damian Reeves allowed him the freedom of the area and he took full advantage with a powerful header.

Rankine missed a couple of chances before adding a fifth in injury time when lobbing Rodak.

After the game Goldberg was disappointed with the outcome of the game “We weren’t dealt with the best cards today with certain decisions. I think that second penalty decision made a big difference today.”

“All in all, really the result wasn’t the most important thing today. It’s about what we learnt about the players. We don’t want to paint over any cracks. I’m thoroughly disappointed with the first result, I’m embarrassed by the first result and I’m sorry for all those travelling Welling fans.”

 

Altrincham: Deasy (Williams 75), Holness, Griffin, Moult (Richman 87), Havern, Leather, Lawrie, Sinnott, Rankine, Reeves (Savill 84), Ginnelly.

Unused substitutes: Heathcote, O’Keefe.

Goalscorers: Sinnott (33), Rankine (45+2), Lawrie (49), Reeves (65). Rankine (90+2).

Yellow cards: Moult (41)

 

Welling United: Rodak, Corne, Taylor, Lee, Gayle, Lokko, Porter (Daniel 57), Kargbo, Bakare (Caicaido 23), Yusuff (Kabba 53), Wanadio.

Unused substitutes: McEntegart, Nortey.

Goalscorers:

Yellow cards: Caicedo (42), Porter (55)

 

Referee: John Bushby

Assistants: Harry Hawkins and Luke Watson

4^th Official: Mark Cunliffe

Attendance: 1396

 

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.