If there was anything that the Welling United management team learned from their defeat at home to Wealdstone was that they need to find a replacement for Adam Coombes.

Co-caretaker Welling manager Tristan Lewis said “In fairness we I don’t think we deserved to lose the game whatsoever. We didn’t deserve anything on Tuesday (2-2 draw at Bishop’s Stortford) but we certainly deserved something today. People will look at the score and see that we’ve lost at home but in fairness, our goalkeeper’s not had to make a save. All he’s done is pulled the ball out of the back of the net.

“We’ve missed some absolute gilt edged chances. I think that Adam Coombes has looked an even better player today by not playing for us.”

He went on to say “The goalkeeper’s pulled off two unbelievable saves, one from the free kick, one from Danny’s (Waldren) strike but they were from outside the box. It’s not like we were cutting them apart and it was chance after chance. Did we look like scoring? I don’t think either team really did. It looked like a nil nil game throughout.

“I’ve had experience where you stay up because there’s three teams worse than you. We can’t be using that here. We can’t risk that. It’s too big a risk to take. I’ve reminded the players that if you look at the league table, seven points (the current buffer) can change very quickly.

“I remember being down there with Hayes and Maidenhead won six of their last eight. Things can change very quickly so we need to be aware of that. The only thing we control is ourselves, and that’s what we need to do.”

Rhys Murrell-Williamson was, arguably, Welling’s best player, someone who Lewis knows well. “I had Rhys at Hayes for two years. He can do that (put in star player performances). He can be very frustrating as well and I’m sure the supporters will see that in the coming games. Certainly, he got us on the front foot and I’m pleased for him. He can do that. He’s probably had a bit of a stop start year.

“I thought he was our best player. He was certainly an offensive threat and he’s as good on the other side. I think he tired at the end as he did work so extremely hard  It was no surprise to me as I know what he’s capable of.”

Confirming that Welling are looking to resolve the gap left by the departure of Coombes, Lewis stated “I think today has cemented the thought that we can’t get away without trying to replace Adam. We’d already had a few conversations. I think we all wanted to see Walks (Dan Walker) play through the middle with Harry (Crawford) off him. I don’t think it’s been as effective as we wanted it to be.

“When you look at the chances we’ve had, a proven goalscorer would takes one of those and there’s no question that by Tuesday, hopefully, we’ve got irons in the fire, hopefully we’ll have one of them in, maybe even two.

“We know who we want and we think that they’re within the budget so if we can make it happen, we will.

A possible option to play up front might have been Pierre Joseph-Dubois, but Lewis confirmed that his injury problems still persist. “He’s done a little bit on the pitch before (the game) but he’s still not ready. He did a bit of running but it’s still a little bit sore but he’s getting closer day by day.”

As far as the situation regarding his caretaker role was concerned, Lewis said “Have I come in here to be the first team manager long term? No. (Director) Mark (Goldberg) knows I don’t want the job long term. Harry (fellow caretaker co-manager Wheeler) knows that as well. My job is slightly different in looking at the academy stuff and building that up.

“In the short term, we’re all here to get points. If a change is made, I’ll be supportive of what ever’s right for the club. I think that we all just need to make sure that we do our best to get enough points to stay up. Mark and the board will look at what’s right for the club.”

Finally, on fringe players, Lewis confirmed that Archie Johnson has gone out on loan to Thamesmead Town for some playing time. “He’s gone to get some games under Tommy Warrilow. Mark sorted that one out. He’s got a bright future. He’s only a young lad and he needs to go and get match experience.”

Joey Taylor’s loan period at VCD Athletic has ended, but Lewis expects Goldberg to get him further games elsewhere.