On a sultry night Welling United entertained a Millwall eleven as both teams continued to build up fitness and work on tactics prior to the start of the new season.

There was little to choose between the two teams in the first half and Millwall’s 2-0 lead at the break was somewhat flattering to them.

However, they controlled the second half and although they rarely worked the Welling goalkeepers they had little to worry about at the back as they had Welling chasing shadows as they passed the ball around the Park View Road pitch.

Results are of little concern in these games although Wings’ manager Jamie Day will be pleased when his team scores again after two games without a goal.

Starting brightly, Welling thought they had opened the scoring in the opening minutes. A massive goalmouth scramble saw Kieron St Aimie fire goalwards but Lions’ goalkeeper Denzel Gerrar scooped it out, apparently before it crossed the line.

Magaye Gueye served notice of the danger he would pose with a run down the wing that was thwarted by a good tackle by Barney Williams.

Harry Beautyman shot wide for Welling then Rod Young did likewise having made space well, however he had other options that might have been more fruitful.

Jamal Fyfield headed a corner downwards and Gerrar had to be on his toes to turn it away as it looked like it could loop into the net.

After 25 minutes, the visitors went ahead. Another strong burst by Gueye saw him clear of the Welling defence and his clinical finish gave Lee Butcher no chance.

Although only a friendly, Millwall were lucky not to pick up a couple of yellow cards first when Jeremy Walker’s cynical foul halted Young in full flight, and then when Joshua Siafa appeared to tread on Fyfield.

Three minutes were left on the clock before the break when Millwall doubled their lead. A shocking back pass was intercepted by former Welling youth player Aiden O’Brien. The striker, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Aldershot Town last season, fired low into the bottom corner.

Butcher thwarted Lions’ substitute Sofine El Bekri with his legs in the early minutes of the second half and Kyron Farrell hoisted the rebound well over.

Fyfield was unable to keep his header down from a Young free kick but Jack Powell came close to setting up a third however Butcher was able to tip his chipped cross off the head of O’Brien.

Millwall then controlled the game, which was interrupted constantly by substitutions, but only had a shot well wide from Ben Thompson to show for their possession.

Both teams ended with ten men as they had players injured after using all their substitutes and referee David Rock chose not to allow replaced players to return.

 

Welling United: Butcher (Axol 80), Williams, Fyfield, Gallagher, Fagan, Bush (Jefford 60), Beautyman (Mersin 70), Young, Gorman (Day 60), St Aimie, Ouani (Corne 60).

Millwall: Gerrar, Siafa, Walker (El Bekri 46), Powell, Wood, Farrell (Twardek 57), O’Brien, Philpott (Antoine 46), Gueye (Thompson 57), Webb (Peters 76), J. Goodman (Parr 62).

Referee: David Rock.

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.