Although a potential banana skin, Welling United saw off a resilient Barwell team to progress to the second round of the F.A. Cup.
As expected, it was not an easy game for Welling, and the hosts gave a good account of themselves.
Iyesden Christie had the first opportunity of the game but headed straight at Michael McEntegart in the Welling goal as the hosts had the better of the opening exchanges.
They won a number of corners as the Welling defenders repelled their attempts to create clear cut chances, and dead-ball specialist Alex Tomkinson kept them on their toes with some teasing deliveries.
However, at the other end, Welling looked dangerous and might have gone ahead when George Porter, returning from injury, broke free. Canaries’ goalkeeper Liam Castle did very well to beat out his effort but Reece Harris, following up, was thwarted by a stunning block by Liam Kay.
After Ant Carney and Tomkinson had failed to make the most of good opportunities, Welling went ahead.
Xavier Vidal’s delicious through ball sent Porter away but his effort came back off the inside of the post and back across the goal. While some might have stood still feeling sorry for themselves, Porter was first to the loose ball and passed back across the face of the goal for Ricky Wellard to bundle home.
Porter was then astounded not to be awarded a penalty when clattered by Declan Towers when about to collect a Harris cross.
When, the players returned after the break, Barwell enjoyed another busy spell, and Sam Corne made two brave blocks inside his own penalty area.
Kay missed Barwell’s best chance when firing over from close range after Callum Woodward’s tantalising free kick caused problems in the area.
Harris should have killed the tie but tried to be too cute and chipped straight into Castle’s arms as Barwell started to tire.
Their last chance came and went when Richard Lavery’s header was straight at McEntegart and Welling polished it off, five minutes into injury time.
Substitute Michael Bakare was sent clear by Wellard. Although Castle made another fine save from his first effort, he followed up to stab home.
Fazakerley was delighted to have got through a tricky tie to take the team into the second round. “The result was all that mattered. We knew it was going to be tough, and it was. The conditions were very tough. It was important we got the first goal.”
“It’s always the same when you miss chances. You wonder if it’s going to cost you.”
“We hope to get into that magical third round.”
During the week, Welling United director George Evans passed away. Fazakerley said “We spoke to the lads before the game. We dedicated the performance and we’re going to dedicate this win to George Evans.”
He was such a great man. He used to help us so much off the field and support us while we were on the field. He was there every Friday at training.”
The boys were very emotional when they heard the news but they’re happy that we got the win today and that we can dedicate it to George.”
Barwell: Castle, Lower, Nisevic, Kay, Towers D, Lavery, Tomkinson, Woodward (Gaunt 70), Christie (Towers J 59), Hickey (Brennan 76), Carney.
Unused substitutes: Hartopp, Punter, Wakeling, Hadland.
Welling United: McEntegart, Williams, Jefford, Taylor, Chambers, Lokko, Vidal (Bakare 72), Corne, Porter, Wellard, Harris.
Unused substitutes: Gagliardi, Osborne, Cumberbatch, Adeyinka, Kabba, Obafemi.
Referee: Steven Rushton
Assistants: Thomas Harty and Grant Taylor
4th Official: Oliver Bickle
Welling star man: George Porter
Attendance: 843
Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.