Brad Quinton’s first home league game as manager of Welling United ended in an important victory for his Wings over Hungerford Town.

After the game, Quinton explained how it was a reward for the hard work that the team have put in since he and his management team took over. “These players are getting fitter and fitter.” he explained. “We need to work hard with them and ultimately that’s what we’re going to do.”

On the match itself, Quinton said “It was a game that two teams are fighting for their life at the minute so we were going to concede goals but it’s how we react and how we finished there. We made some substitutions, pinned them back. We were positive and went for the game and we came out with three points.

“The boys have got an opportunity. I think they put everything on that pitch today and they all worked hard. I was very proud of them today, to carry on and not give up at home. They showed their commitment to the fans and that’s important.”

Two players were signed on loan on Friday as Quinton looked to build on his squad. Romoney Crichlow-Noble has signed from Huddersfield Town for the rest of the season and striker Bradley Rolt has signed for a month from Peterborough United.

Crichlow-Noble’s signing was necessary with a central defender about to leave the club. Quinton said “Jay Rich, congratulations to him by the way, has passed his medical and we wish him all the best. Another good talent for the future and I’ll be proud to see him playing, hopefully in the prem one day. He’s going to be joining Crystal Palace as early as next week so well done Jay.”

Captain Rob Swaine was also absent. “Swainey, a bit of a knee injury.” he said. “Possibly, medial. We’re not too sure. We’ll see how it goes. We’ll give him as much treatment (as we can) to try and get him back as soon as we can. He knows his body. He’s another important player for us as well moving forward.”

The players recruited mean that there is real competition in the squad. Quinton said “Everyone in this team, no-one’s guaranteed a shirt at the moment. (Dan) Wilks is the only one, possibly. That’s how we play. That’s how we coach. You have to perform. You have to work otherwise you could lose your shirt.”

Two players on loan from Colchester United, Cameron James and Diaz Wright, ran the midfield and each scored. Quinton purred “Those two boys, I think they’ll do well for this club.” However, he was equally pleased with the other newcomers. “Harold (Joseph) is a great character. He’s a winner.  

“Romoney can play in many positions. I think he’s got a great future. Dan Cowley’s done fantastic for me allowing the lad to come along and be here for the rest of the season so thanks Dan and Nicky Cowley at Huddersfield.

“You have to work within a budget and that’s something that I always do. They have been great, Mark (Goldberg) and the board, and that’s what we’ll stick to.”

Quinton has a large back room team and he confirmed that he believes that to be important in his preparations. Like many who help out at Non-League football teams, the majority of them are unpaid. “These staff members are like my family. They love being around what we’re doing.

“We’ve got a goalkeeping coach now and Dan Wilks is over the moon with that because he can work on things that he might have done wrong or what he’s done positive. Ben Sawyer’s great with goalkeepers. He’s a good friend of mine. He was with me at Braintree and at Enfield. He and Dan will work really well and they’ll complement each other.”

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.