Truly awful weather conditions in an open stadium greeted Welling United as Storm Brian played havoc at Gloucester City’s ground in Evesham.

As a consequence, the game was never going to be a classic and Welling had to dig deep to claim a gritty victory.

Manager Jamie Coyle felt that, although they weren’t at their best, the result was another indication of how they are progressing. “If we can come away from home in these conditions and not really be at it, and take all three points, it just shows the quality we have got now. It’s great.”

In the first half, they were playing directly into winds at forty or fifty miles an hour. One Dillon Barnes clearance caught the wind and came straight back to him and he had to control it and pass it out. “I’ve never watched a a football match in my life with those conditions.” said Coyle, “It was horrendous, absolutely horrendous.

“To get in at half time at 0-0 was our main aim really because we knew it was going to be tough with the wind turbine.”

After the break, he hoped that his team would have the lion’s share with the wind behind him but it did not work out that way. He said “I thought they (Gloucester) played really well. We struggled at times with the diamond rotating in midfield and we struggled with that out of possession but I don’t think either team in the second half did enough to win the match. It was just a game of half chances because of the conditions.“

Jack Richards came on at half time for his Welling debut in place of Christian Nanetti. He showed his value with the cross that resulted in the only goal. Coyle explained that he almost didn’t travel. “He was ill last night. He was sick and we were a little bit concerned. The plan was to give him the second half and he’s done really well.

“He came through my academy at Maidstone last year. He was phenomenal and he’s scored and got two assists for the first team already this season in the league above and he’s attracted real interest from a number of clubs. I think he’s been a little unfortunate not to be playing at Maidstone. If he can come in and add something a little different to what we’ve got, that’s great.”

Christie Pattisson’s chances of playing have been reduced as a result so he has gone back to Phoenix Sports on loan. Coyle explained “He has gone just to get some game time and get sharp. He was getting a bit frustrated where he wasn’t playing.

“He’s stepped up two divisions and he’ll have to be patient. He’s had four starts and he’s done well when he’s started but what’s key is when you do step up two leagues and you’re that young, you have to be patient. If not, it might not work out. He’ll get four or five games and we’ll assess it from there.”

There was a change of goalkeeper too, with Dillon Barnes back in for Kleton Perntreou. Coyle explained “Kleton’s been struggling with his back this week. It was quite funny because Dillon rang me and said ‘Can I train this morning with Colchester?’ and I said ‘Well you’d better come along just in case.’ so it’s a bit lucky otherwise we’d have seen Connor (Dymond) in goal again. He did really well. I know he didn’t have much to do but his kicking is really important in gale force winds.

Director of Football Tristan Lewis has recently changed from wearing a suit to a tracksuit and has returned to a place on the bench. Coyle explained “When I was playing, (Assistant Manager) Hugo (Langton) was on his own and it’s just another body to have some ideas off.

“It’s great to have him around. It’s a bit different to what we’ve got but he’s got an understanding of the game that we can use so there’s no point him sitting in the stand.”

The travelling Welling supporters were also praised. “Testament to them. It was the ugliest football game I’ve ever watched in my whole career. The conditions today, it was horrendous. It was windy, it was rainy, and they stuck by the boys and stayed for the end which is fantastic. I’d like to thank them on behalf of the players and the management. They’re sticking behind us and we’ll try our best to keep the wins coming.”

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.