Victory over Bath City extended Welling United’s unbeaten league run to nine games.

Their three points gained leaves them needing one more win to guarantee a place in the play-offs.

They got off to the best possible start scoring with just two minutes on the clock. A poor challenge gave Welling a free kick. Gavin McCallum delivered to the far post, Anthony Acheampong headed back, and Thierry Audel side-foot volleyed home.

After that it was pretty much end to end football with neither club creating many clear cut opportunities.

Arnaud Mendy headed wide from a McCallum corner before Joe Raynes drove powerfully but too straight and Dan Wilks held on well.

Brendan Kiernan shot wide for Welling then Raynes was unable to finish off an impressive Bath move.

Again, McCallum was in the thick of the action but his shot was saved comfortably by Ryan Clarke then Wilks had to get down smartly to save from Freddie Hinds

Kiernan then sent Mills away and he looked as if he was going to over-run it but still got a shot in that Clarke had to turn around the post. Then another good Bath move ended with Hinds having a shot saved by Wilks.

In the second half Bath continued to pass well through midfield and David Watkins controlled a long pass well but shot meekly at Wilks.

Another McCallum low shot was well held by Clarke and the Bath goalkeeper was again in action when saving from Bradley Goldberg.

However, the next opportunity went to Bath and they levelled from it. Kevin Amankwaah crossed from the right and Sean Rigg ghosted in at the far post to head home from close range.

Me Bettamer and Julien Anau were brought on for Welling and the latter created an opening when crossing to Kiernan. His pull back was behind Mills and he twisted to shoot but it went well over.

Bettamer then missed a great chance to put Welling ahead after Kiernan’s clever flick fell for him but his fierce shot flew just wide.

Then, at the other end Wilks made an excellent low save from Watkins who arrowed a shot towards the bottom.

Four minutes remained when Welling scored the winner. Anau sent a brilliant through ball to Mills. His first touch gave him the opportunity to slot beyond Clarke.

There was still time for Bath to have one more chance but Adam Mann’s shot came back off the underside of the bar.

Welling now have the London Senior Cup Final on Tuesday before their last four league games

Welling United: Wilks, Ming, Braham-Barrett, Mendy, Audel, Acheampong, Kiernan, Ijaha, Mills (Rooney 90+), Goldberg (Bettamer 67), McCallum (Anau 67). Subs not used: Orlu, Genovesi.

Bath City: Clarke, Amankwaah, Straker, Smith, Batten, Cundy, Watkins (Pryce 85), Raynes, Hinds (Stearn 74), Rigg (Mann 67), Morton. Subs not used: Wiles-Richards, Romanski.

Welling United:

Goalscorers: Audel (2) Mills (86)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Bath City:

Goalscorers: Rigg (59)

Yellow cards: Batten

Red cards: None

 

Referee: Scott Jackson

Assistants: Michael Marsh and Jack Harris

Attendance: 711

Images courtesy of Dave Budden

 

Welling star man: Anthony Acheampong