Jack Parkinson, Welling United’s player coach, dedicated their victory at Poole Town to club president Eric Brackstone who passed away one week earlier.

“It was nice to get the three points today, but it was nice to do it for Eric as well.” said Parkinson. “Eric was a massive part of the club and Eric was a massive part of me being at the club. He was a true gentleman. On that note I’d like to say that my thoughts go out to his family as it must be a tough time and it was nice to get three points for Eric as well.”

Giving his views on the match, Parkinson said “The pitch was horrific and the wind was strong so it was always going to be tough, and to be honest, they started better than us. We scored at a good time. It was a great ball in from Jeff (Jeffrey Monakana). It was nice for Harley (Willard) to come in at the far post and finish but we didn’t get out of the rut that we started in.

“They deservedly went in front. They had a couple of chances and it was a matter of trying to get in at half time because defending at that end was tough. It was like running through quicksand. We just needed to get in and re-group.”

After the break, Welling dominated and Parkinson said “The biggest thing was trying to move the ball quicker than we did in the first half and get the ball wide to the wide boys. Once we did that, I think we caused them a few problems where they were so narrow. We knew that if we could get the ball wide, or beyond as we did for Brad (Goldberg)’s goal, we were going to cause them problems. The little bit of composure from Drives (Callum Driver) down the side to win the penalty, that made a difference.”

Due to Elliott Romain’s return to Dagenham and Redbridge, one team change was enforced from the side that beat Eastbourne but it wasn’t the only change as Parkinson explained. “Everybody was fit but we felt that they play really narrow so we felt that with wingers we could hurt them if we got the ball wide. With Brad’s pace in behind and Joe (Healy)’s good in the air, Joe can play as a target man. It was harsh on Bradders (Tom Bradbrook) but it showed in the end that it can help.”

When Welling went on their good run earlier in the season, they often played with one out and out striker, with Healy in support and that was part of the thinking behind the selection. Parkinson said “It was a matter of ‘right, let’s go back to the drawing board and what worked on the run’. Joe and Brad were a big contribution to that and it showed today.

“With Jeffrey back to how he was at the start of the year, we’ve probably got the best winger in the league. To be fair to Jeff, he wants to play every week but he’s had a few niggles and he probably wasn’t quite right at times. We tried to get more and more out of him. He’s had a little break now.”

Another player who is missing out of the starting line up currently is Jack Jebb. “It’s been harsh on Jebby.” said Parkinson. “When we haven’t been on the greatest of runs we’ve just gone a little bit more compact. and having Olu (Durojaiye) and Connor (Dymond) in there but technically Jebby’s outstanding. He will get his chance again. He’s just got to be patient.”

Parkinson also feels that going back to that shape suits Goldberg who ended a barren spell with a brace against Poole. He said “We all know what Bradley’s capable of, He scored two goals today. He had a one on one in the first half and a one on one in the second half in which he got a shot off on both occasions, a good block in the first half and a good save in the second. He was massive for us today.”

Anthony Acheampong has returned to Welling on loan to play at centre half allowing manager Jamie Coyle to concentrate on his primary role. Parkinson is enjoying playing with his old team mate and said “What you get with Ach is that he’s a man and he’s a leader. He wants to win and he wants to win for the club as well.

“It was unfortunate having to lose Gayley (Ian Gayle) and Coylie’s come out as well but he’s made a massive difference and I think you can see that.”

Now with two good wins under their belts, Coyle and Parkinson now prepare plans for the visit of high flying Braintree Town.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.