Storm Arwen claimed an assist for Hungerford Town as they twice came from behind to defeat Welling United.

Rhys Tyler’s cross, with six minutes remaining, didn’t look too threatening but a gust of wind helped it to deceive goalkeeper Jack Sims and find its way into the top corner.

Aaron Barnes had Welling’s first shooting chance but he probably hit it too cleanly and Luke Cairney clung on to it. It took the hosts a good fifteen minutes to create their first opportunity when Ryan Seager slipped in Chris Flood but the veteran striker flashed it wide of the near post.

Flood then missed a great chance when the Assistant Referee kept his flag down allowing him a clear run at goal but when he attempted to round Sims, the Welling goalkeeper was equal to it and made a good save. 

Joe Muscatt found Che Krabbendam but his first time flick volley went wide of the near post. The Dutchman then blasted over when well placed after Barnes’ cross was only half cleared. Seager had another chance but Maxwell Statham got in the way and blocked it wide.

Sims made an easy save from Jake Evans’ long shot before Bradley Stevenson had a header saved by Cairney. 

As the game went into first half injury time, Krabbendam’s near post corner was not claimed by Cairney and Ade Shokunbi forced it home.

However, Welling were unable to take the advantage into the break when they allowed Seager a clear shooting chance. Sims made a great block but Flood was first to the rebound with a shot that was cleared off the line. Again, Welling were slow to react and Seager fired it into the back of the net.

Any thoughts that people may have had that the Crusaders would overwhelm Welling with the slope and the wind in their favour were proved unfounded and Muscatt’s shot flew inches wide with Cairney beaten. 

Just after the hour mark, Welling took a deserved lead. Muscatt sent substitute Mason Saunders-Henry away and he put his claims for a starting place forward with a crisp finish. Barnes then shot into the side netting before Hungerford were offered a great opportunity to level again. 

There didn’t appear to be anything wrong with Statham’s challenge but the referee decided otherwise and awarded the hosts a penalty. Seager hit it firmly but Sims guessed right and made the save. It came back out to Seager but Sims was up quickly and made a second great save. 

Muscatt hit another brilliant shot that was tipped over and from the corner, Bradley Pearce’s shirt was almost ripped from his back but the referee waved all penalty claims away.

Eleven minutes remained when a free kick fell kindly for George Smith and he rammed it home.

Sol Wanjau-Smith had a shot saved before Hungerford’s fortunate goal put them ahead for the first time.

Welling were unable to create another clear chance to try and force a penalty shoot-out and their F.A. Trophy hopes were ended at the first stage. 

Hungerford Town: Cairney, Tyler, Ram, Wilmouth, Smith, Berry-Hargreaves, Evans (Kyei 71), McGrory (Wanjau-Smith 60), Seager, Flood (Mbonkwi 71), Jones.

Subs not used: Angell, Crowther, Bosma, Bailey. 

Goalscorers: Seager 45+2, Smith 79, Tyler 84.

Yellow cards: None

Welling United: Sims, Barnes, Campbell, Statham, Pearce, Penney, Muscatt (Carr 82), Durojaiye, Stevenson (Parish 85), Krabbendam (Mason-Saunders 46), Shokunbi.

Subs not used: Ezennolim, Richards.

Goalscorers: Shokunbi 45+1, Mason-Saunders 62

Yellow cards: None

Referee: Tom Danaher

Assistants: Nicholas Metcalfe and Alexander Bradley

Attendance: 210

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.