Welling United completed their third victory in a row with victory at St Albans City and manager Bradley Quinton was delighted.

“Happy days.” he said. “Another solid performance at the back. We gifted them a goal with a little mistake but you can’t blame anyone. The wind was swirling a bit and they threw everything at us at the end. I think that we defended very very well and it’s looking very good. The boys are listening. We’re creating lots of chances.”

Dipo Akinyemi scored both Welling’s goals and Quinton purred, “He’s on fire at the minute. He’s got that spark back in his eye. He’s disappointed that he didn’t score before his first with a header but then straight after, a minute later, bang, goal. He’s been superb in training. He’s worked really, really, really hard. I’m pleased for him.”

Dean Snedker, the St Albans goalkeeper, was probably the hosts’ start player making a string of fine saves. Quinton said “Could’ve been a hat-trick (for Akinyemi). Bradley Goldberg’s a bit frustrated at the minute for not getting on the score-sheet. Korrey (Henry) as well had some chances.

“Aaron (Cosgrave) in the first half. Adam Coombes came on and did well, worked hard for us as well. I’m praising the boys when they deserve it, and they deserve the laurels today. It’s down to hard work. We had Greenie (Nathan Green) out as well today. He’s a class player, and Swainey (Rob Swaine) as well who’s close to coming back so there’s competition for places.”

Explaining the reason for Green’s absence, Quinton said “His groin. He wanted to play but on Thursday night he was assessed and he was touch and go but I’d rather look after players who I need, who I know what they can do to exploit and hurt other teams rather than have them out and sit up in the stands for five weeks. It’s no good to me. It’s no good to the board.”

Whilst Connor Dymond, who filled in at left back, is a leader on the pitch, Quinton was keen to point out that he is not the only one. “This is what we spoke about in the dressing room.” he said. “Other people, not just Connor, are starting to talk and come out of their shells, which is fantastic. The desire and discipline to win and work hard for each other, in the dressing room and out on the pitch, it is showing.

“Connor would probably put the goalkeeping gloves on if you asked him. He’s the type of player, as I was as a player, that you put everything in. You leave everything out on that field and that’s when you get your reward, and that’s what people appreciate, the hard work. Fair play to him. He did well.”

Quinton has made one change off the pitch in adding his own Physio, Tyler Overton. He explained “I’ve brought in Tyler who was with me at Braintree and was with Maidstone. We want to welcome him. It was good to get him on board as well because he’s very good at what he does.”

On the playing front, the loan spells of Cameron James and Diaz Wright from Colchester United were due to expire after the St Albans game but Quinton had good news for Welling supporters stating: “We agreed today. It’s going to be extended. The boys are happy to do that and ultimately we need to welcome them with open arms because they’re two great additions. They’re going to be noticed and they’re going to do well for us to be extended to the end of the season.”

Also having signed is Che Krabbendam who was a free agent having left Dover Athletic early in January. Quinton explained “Che’s done well. He’s been with us for a few weeks and scores a lot of goals. He works hard and wants to get on the ball. He’s learning how I want to play, how the boys play. He scored a load of goals when he was at Staines. He can play on the wing. He can play in the hole, in the pocket, as well. Very Quick feet. He’s one to watch.”

Finally, Quinton had a word for the supporters who travelled to Hertfordshire two week’s running. “I’d just like to say thanks to all the fans for coming again. It’s good to have the radio station up and running and I’ve heard that there’s a race night next week so I’ll be there.

As long as I win one race I’ll be happy with that and I’ll make sure that all the boys stay for at least one or two orange juices. It’ll be good to see some faces.”

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.