Sahr Kabba’s late first half brace fired Welling United to a third victory in eight days.
It looked as though the Wings and FC Halifax Town were going in at the break on level terms before Kabba, making his first start since his three game ban, netted twice in just over a minute.
Manager-less Halifax came into the game having lost all five of their previous away games and failure to make the most of some good opportunities ensured the run was extended.
George Porter, still yet to open his Welling goalscoring account, came close early on but after receiving Ricky Wellard’s clever pass, his powerful shot was tipped over by Matt Glennon.
Matty Brown, for the visitors, and Wellard for the Wings, were both off target twice before James Bolton flicked wide and Kingsley James had a shot saved.
James netted from a goalmouth scramble but the linesman’s flag had already been raised for offside.
Bolton was given freedom in the penalty area from another corner, but Tom King saved his header.
That proved to be costly as Welling went ahead shortly after.
Sam Corne rose well to meet Ben Jefford’s cross with a firm header, but Glennon should probably have done better. Kabba was alert to take full opportunity of the goalkeeper’s drop, sliding in to knock home.
Barely a minute had passed when Kabba scored again. This time Wellard was the architect. He held up well before inviting Kabba to run across goal. His first effort was beaten out but his follow up flew into the back of the net.
Tom King, Welling’s goalkeeper, registered a goal attempt early in the second period with a long punt that bounced once before going wide.
Brown headed wide for the visitors, then King blocked a James shot.
Jordan Burrow headed over when unmarked from a James cross before getting himself booked for diving in the penalty area.
Two goal-line clearances kept the Shaymen in the game. First an almighty scramble featuring Kabba, Wellard and Xavier Vidal ended with a hack off the line. Then George Porter suffered the same fate when his header beat Glennon.
Glennon made a double save from Porter and Wellard as Welling looked the more likely score.
Porter (twice) and Wellard had further efforts but there was no further goalscoring and Welling ran out deserved winners.
Having not kept an opposing side out since the opening game of the season, the Welling management were delighted with many aspects of the game.
Manager Loui Fazakerley said “Before the game, we did ask for a clean sheet. We knew we had goals in the team. Even though we won 2-0 and we’re very, very, very happy, we could’ve still scored further goals and we could still be a little tighter so there’s still room for improvement.
Defender Nortei Nortey had been out getting playing time for Leatherhead but had to be recalled due to injuries to Fazakerley, Zach Fagan and Harry Osborne plus suspension for Barney Williams. He made his full debut in the game against Gateshead last Saturday, and has played the full ninety plus minutes in all three wins.
Head Coach, Matt McEntegart said “Norts has stepped in there at right back. He’s very composed on the ball, defensively as well, he’s been impressive.”
Corne and Porter will spend the next four days at an England C training camp, before returning to prepare for Welling’s next match, next Saturday at Kidderminster Harriers.
Welling United: King, Nortey, Jefford, Lee, Chambers, Lokko, Corne, Vidal, Kabba (Awotwi 80), Porter, Wellard.
Unused substitutes: McEntegart, Osborne, Adeyinka, Obafemi.
FC Halifax Town: Glennon, Roberts (MacDonald 67), Brown, Bolton, Banton, McManus (Hattersley 89), James, Bencherif, Walker (Hibbs 72), Tuton, Burrow.
Unused substitutes: Porter, Racchi.
Referee: Mark Pottage
Assistants: Adrian Quelch and Samuel Ogles
4th Official: Matthew Lee
Welling star man: Sahr Kabba
Attendance: 653
Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.