On a slick surface from the constant rain, Welling United finished their pre-season campaign with a hard fought victory over Millwall.

After their disappointing display against Bromley on Saturday, Welling were much improved against a Millwall side made up of reserves and trialists.

They enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but did not create a clear chance until Tom King, on load at Park View Road last season, punched out only as far as Oliver Sprague. His first time lobbed volley went just over for a Millwall escape.

It was short lived however as Danny Waldren’s slide rule through ball sent Harry Crawford clear only for Paul Rooney to bundle him over in the penalty area. Sam Hatton converted sending King the wrong way.

Crawford again broke away but his shot was saved by King then Jamie Slabber headed Hatton’s corner over with King beaten.

Chris Lewington was finally called into action just before the break, saving from Fred Onyedinma after Mitchell Nelson had held him up.

Another former Welling loanee, Josh Carmichael, fired over just before the break.

Early in the second period, Crawford shot across the face of the goal.

Alfie Pavey got clear of the offside trap but it didn’t sit up for him and Lewington did well to come out and block.

If Pavey was unlucky with that one, he should have done better with his next opening. A delicious far post cross from substitute Noah Chesmain, another that has had a loan spell with Welling, found Pavey in acres of space but he failed to hit the target with his header.

After a series of substitutions, King made an excellent save from Dean Leacock.

King was called into action again soon after, saving well from Bobby Devyne.

As the game entered its closing stages, Millwall searched for an equaliser.

Kyron Farrell went just wide with a free kick and Jamie Philpot had a shot saved by Lewington.

Chesmain went just over with a 25 yard volley before Harry Donovan missed a golden chance in injury time. Although he had plenty of time to take aim, he side-footed wide from the edge of the box.

Mark Goldberg, Welling’s manager, will have much about which to be encouraged, Centre backs Sean Francis and Leacock were very good together despite it being their first game as a partnership,  the midfield looked settled and Crawford and Slabber were a handful until replaced by Devyne and Jonte Smith who gave the defence problems of their own..

 

Welling United: Lewington, Nelson (Brand 82), Brown (Taylor 73), Corne (Jackson 82), Francis (Banton 63), Leacock (Castle 82), Hatton, Waldren (Whitely 63), Slabber (Devyne 63), Crawford (Smith 63), Sprague (Johnson 73).

Unused Substitute: Agu.

 

Millwall: King, Brown, Martin (Chesmain 46), Carmichael (White 75), Nelson (Bray 60), Rooney, Twardek, Farrell, Pavey, Onyedinma (Donovan 60), Wylde (Philpott 46).

Unused Substitutes: Sandford, Mcnamara.

 

Referee: Ian Fissenden,

Assistants: Darren Blunden and Chis Myatt.

Fourth Official: Ian Crouch.

 

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.