Martell Taylor-Crossdale marked his Welling United league bow with the only goal as they beat Aveley in the opening fixture of the season.

He was one of seven players to be given Wings debuts by Rod Stringer, albeit two making their first appearances in their second spells. Another, Dave Winfield, had their first opportunity when meeting Gene Kennedy’s corner with a header that flew into the arms of goalkeeper Carey Bloedorn. Kennedy then had a shot blocked into the path of TJ Bramble whose first time shot went wide.

At the other end Harry Gibbs’ header from a contentious free kick was brilliantly saved by Rhys Lovett, and the Welling goalkeeper was again in action when pushing over Eze Ikechi’s effort following another Wings infringement.

Again Lovett was called into action when Gibbs headed Emmanuel Ogunrinde’s centre down towards the bottom corner however, the Welling goalkeeper was equal to it, making a good low save.

As half time approached, Welling had the upper hand and created chances. Bramble found Elliot Long wide inside the penalty area and his first time shot flew wide of the near post. Kennedy then forced his way through and made space for himself and shot just wide. Finally, Winfield headed down Kennedy’s free kick but nobody could get the final touch and Bloedorn tidied up.

Reece Grant replaced Bramble at the break and might have put Welling ahead without knowing too much about it, Taylor-Crossdale’s cross struck him inside the six yard box and rebounded narrowly past the post.

Just after the hour mark, the Wings scored the crucial goal. Taylor-Crossdale brought down a long pass forward and appeared to have gone the wrong way but then turned, cut back in, and fired into the top corner from twenty yards out.

Joshua Anifowose had an opportunity for the visitors when he forced his way through but Lovett made a good block with his feet however, Welling continued to have the territorial advantage and Long had a deflected shot saved.

Gibbs headed Aveley’s last hope over in the closing stages before Zain Walker’s powerful run enabled him to find Long whose shot was half blocked and held by Bloedorn.

Next Saturday, Welling hit the road for the first time this season when they visit Bath City..

Welling United: Lovell, Johnson (Mensah 87), Borg (Martin 59), Burchell, Winfield, Wells, Bramble (R. Grant 46), A. Grant (Cornish 71), Taylor-Crossdale (Walker 83), Kennedy, Long.

Goalscorers: Taylor-Crossdale (61)

Yellow card: None

Aveley: Bloedorn, Ring, Hallard, Ikechi (Carlyle 85), Gibbs, Beadle, Ogunrinde (Aileru 73), Hughes, Allen (Anifowose 48), Coleman (Hernandez 73). Sub not used: Bernal.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: None

Referee: Matthew Norton

Assistants: Nick Blogg and Nicholas Garside

Fourth Official: John Kane

Attendance: 678

Images courtesy of Dave Budden