Despite being sent off, Jamie Coyle was thrilled with Welling United’s well deserved victory at Havant and Waterlooville.

Both he and goalkeeper Dillon Barnes were dismissed in the closing stages but Welling held on despite having an outfield player, Connor Dymond, between the sticks.

He said “I thought that the boys in midfield really won the battle as well as played through today, and it was nice to see. Joe Healy caused loads of problems in the hole. Olu (Olumide Durojaiye) won the battles, constantly shielding the back four, and Jebby (Jack Jebb)’s popped up with two goals and was a constant threat with his third man running in the box..

Goal scoring opportunities have been hard to come by in recent games, but the offensive side of the game was much improved at Havant. Coyle said “We created some real good chances. I’m really pleased with the boys.

“I can’t fault them today. There’s only been one game this year that I’ve really questioned them. They’ve been spot on. They’re working hard and they’re listening and that’s all that you can ask for. I thought that we thoroughly deserved the win.”

Coyle continued “We’ve got a great dressing room in there. The lads stick together and work hard. We can accept bad performances but we can’t accept lazy performances. Everyone has really dug in They’ve had to with nine men.”

Captain Dymond’s first thing he had to do after going in goal was face a penalty that he saved. Coyle said “I’m really pleased for Connor. I thought he was outstanding before he even went in goal. Apparently, there’s a bonus for penalty saves so he’s over the moon.”

Eli Phipps’ work rate also drew praise from Coyle. “We know what we’re going to get from Eli.” he said. “He works really hard and he’s a nightmare for the two or three centre halves. He was on his own today and he was superb.”

After Barnes had been sent out, he wondered if he was going to avoid a second yellow. “It (Barnes’ dismissal and Dymond donning the green shirt) went on for a little while and I was trying to hide amongst the crowd.” he said. “The referee’s got it right. I can’t complain. I’ve gone in to block the shot and he’s flicked it over me.”

It’s not the first time that he has been sent off in a Welling shirt. He explained “I got sent off on my second or third game for Welling when I was here before, against Staines away.”

Although being knocked out of the F.A. Cup a week earlier was disappointing for the club, it gives Coyle and his management team the opportunity to work with the team on shape and tactics. He said “We’re going to have four training sessions and hopefully a friendly on Tuesday week. Tom (Bradbrook) will be back and hopefully Bradley (Goldberg) as well so they need some minutes under their belt.”