Daniel Martin scored the only goal as Welling United claimed three big points against Enfield Town.

Having looked well in control, Rod Stringer’s Wings had to dig deep when they were reduced to ten men with over half an hour to go. However, they held firm and claimed the win.

Anointed Chukwu had the first chance for the Wings with a powerful drive that Rhys Forster did well to turn over. Sam Youngs then headed wide from Micky Parcell’s cross for the visitors.

Elliot Long looked on for his first league goal until Xavier Benjamin made a brave block but the Towner’s escape was short lived. Daniel slung in a low corner from the right and it found its way straight into the net.

Long created further problems when finding Martell Taylor-Crossdale who shot across the face of goal.

As the first half went into stoppage time, Alex Lankshear was tumbled in the Enfield penalty area and a spot kick was awarded. Taylor-Crossdale stepped up but his standing foot slipped as he made contact and it came back out off the top of the post.

After the interval, Welling continued to look the more dangerous and Long had a shot deflected wide after being set up by Kwaku Donkor.

Everything changed when Lankshear made what appeared to be a clean tackle on Harley Mills. He was shown a yellow card and, having been cautioned harshly seven minutes earlier, was sent off.

Play was then broken up by a series of substitutions and, although Enfield had more possession, they only had a shot by Lennon Peake from long range saved easily by Rhys Lovett to show for it until the game entered the final ten minutes.

Lovett was called upon to make an excellent save from Youngs when he headed a cross by Billy Leonard towards the bottom corner at the far post.

Martin blasted a free kick over for the Wings before Rod Stringer’s team had a great chance to finish off the game. Debutant substitute Josh Redfearn was sent clear by TJ Bramble and he rounded Forster before seeing his shot cleared off the line by Benjamin.

Lennon Peake had a low free kick well held by Lovett and Daniel Cox had one last effort with a header that went well over.

Two wins in four days has improved Welling’s position in the league table and will give them a big confidence boost ahead of their visit to Dorking Wanderers on Saturday.

Welling United: Lovett, Donkor, Martin, Statham, Winfield, Lankshear, Cornish, Kennedy (Kelly 90+4), Chukwu (Redfearn 68), Long (Bramble 76), Taylor-Crossdale (Johnson 63). Sub not used: Pegrum.

Goalscorer: Martin (26)

Yellow cards: Martin, Lankshear, Lovett, Bramble

Red card: Lankshear

Enfield Town: Forster, Agjei-Hersey (Leonard 74), Mills (Knight 84), Parcell, Benjamin, Cox, Youngs, Tuck, Ottaway, Hutchinson (Beckles-Richards 71), Smith (Peake 66). Sub not used: Payne.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Tuck, Benjamin

Referee: Harry Wager

Assistants: Andrew Tregoning and Daniel Doyle

Fourth Official: Scott Rudd

Attendance: 492

Images courtesy of Dave Budden