A top versus bottom clash between Welling Town and Rochester United had crucial influence at both ends of the table ahead of todays Southern Counties East Division One league match at Bayliss Avenue.

With Welling slow out of the blocks, it was Rochester who took the initiative and on the 10th minute a penalty from Darren Marsden was well saved in the Welling goal from keeper Jack Moore, with the follow up shot being smashed wide.

On 24 minutes, Sam Bailey burst from halfway and was fouled 40 yards out by a Rochester centre-half who, claiming he won the ball, was lucky to perhaps not see a card and a harsher reaction from the referee. The resultant free kick coming to nothing.

Although Rochester had easily had the better start from the game, on 31 minutes good play and a ball in from the right by Enoch Adjei deserved better and sadly went out the back post and a potential chance was missed.

Half Time 0-0

On the front foot in the second half, Welling had a good chance when Jordan Samuel was in on goal on the right hand side but his chipped shot was agonisingly just over the bar. Shortly after a drilled shot from Marlon Patterson was just tipped wide by the Rochester keeper.

On 65 minutes Rochester hit the crossbar, and immediately play broker to the other end where Harry Gamble shot inches wide for Welling.

Slight controversy on 75 minutes meant a foul on a Welling player gave a free-kick. The quick kick was taken putting Welling in on goal one-on-one only for the referee to pull things back unhappy with the quick move.

GOAL! 84 minutes. Rochester attacking had a great chance on the break, which was well defended, only for Welling to them themselves counter and Ryan Golding tapped a cross in to the empty net for his 24th of the season. Cue huge celebrations from all Welling players.

The game fizzled out without further incident, but huge credit to Rochester United who could, and should, have been in front in the first half, and well done to the Welling players for riding the storm and coming out with another key win in their chase for promotion.

Full Time Welling Town 1-0 Rochester United

Welling Town: Brown, Dylan, Piro, Patterson, Wells, Mensah, Samuel, Gamble, Golding, Adjel (c), Bailey

Subs: Couzins, Taylor, Brown, Zapo

Rochester United:

Images courtesy of Dave Cumberbatch