Victory for the Welling United kept them in eighth place in the Vanarama National League South but increased the pressure on the clubs in the play-off places.

Adam Coombes made his second Welling United debut having been re-signed from Sutton United and Magnus Okuonghae came in on loan from Maidstone United, to replace Anthony Acheampong who had returned to Dulwich Hamlet.

Defeat at Wealdstone to an injury time goal five days earlier had hurt so Welling manager Jamie Coyle wanted a strong response and that is exactly what he got. “I don’t think that we deserved to lose at Wealdstone.” He said.

“Today, on a difficult pitch, I thought that we dominated the game. We could have been three up by half-time. We had three one on ones.”

After Welling had gone ahead they continued to look the more likely to score again. “We defended well individually and collectively. I said to the boys afterwards that I felt comfortable. I know that it only takes one knocked down free kick but apart from the offside goal we were comfortable.” The fact that Bailey Vose only had one save to make, and East Thurrock only had one corner, told its own story.

“Earlier in the season we lost 3-0 at home so it shows how far we’ve come.” said Coyle. Sam Higgins scored a brace in the first game but barely had a look in this time around and Coyle continued “He’s a quality striker at this level but Jack (Parkinson) and Magnus ( Okuonghae) kept him quiet.”

Coyle confirmed that he had asked Dulwich Hamlet to keep Acheampong for a longer loan period but his request was turned down. He admitted he was surprised but more than happy with his replacement. “I can’t believe that Ach and Michael Chambers were both on the bench for Dulwich today but Magnus was a worthy replacement.

“Jay (Saunders Maidstone manager) has got his two centre halves so Magnus wasn’t getting a game.

He has played over 300 league games and has a good character and is a good organiser.”

News of Coombes’ signing excited the Welling supporters and Coyle said “Adam’s signing shows that Mark (Goldberg) is backing the management team. We are delighted to have him as he is a quality striker at this level and we need three strikers in the squad.” He also confirmed that although Jamie Philpot’s loan period ends this week, he is hopeful that it will be extended.

Two new players in the spine of the team could be difficult to integrate and Coyle said “It was the first game for Jack and Magnus together and it was the first game for Adam and Brad together. They have just had the one training session so they did really well.”

Next Saturday, Welling United entertain Oxford City with Connor Dymond back in contention following his suspension so Coyle she have a full squad from which to select. “Although it’s a headache, it’s a good headache to have” he concluded.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.