Management teams of both Welling United and Ebbsfleet United would have wanted this tie completed as soon as possible so it was almost inevitable that it was dragged out until two days before Christmas, and then for 120 gruelling minutes.

Despite the Fleet enjoying the greater possession and more chances in the first 90 minutes, Welling always looked dangerous with their slick passing and took a two goal lead into the break.

Chances came and went for the visitors. Matt Godden and Brendan Kiernan were foiled by a double save by Benji Buchel.

Alex Osborn hit the post from close range and Matt Johnson smashed the rebound over.

After Daryl McMahon fired over Welling stunned the Fleet by taking the lead.

Aristide Bassele was pulled back by Anthony Acheampong in the penalty area and Kiernan St. Aimie slotted home from the spot.

Zach Fagan cleared off the line from Godden then Kenny Clark headed wide.

Buchel held a powerful McMahon free kick before Welling scored a second with the move of the match in first half injury time.

Sam Corne picked out Malachi Hudson with a delightful pass. Hudson found Bassele and his clever back-heel wrong footed the Fleet defence to give Tyrone Marsh the type of chance he doesn’t miss.

Seven minutes into the second half, the Fleet pulled one back. Osborn broke free and put in a low cross that Kiernan buried at the far post.

With the momentum in their favour, Ebbsfleet continued to press and the introduction of Anthony Cook gave Welling further problems.

He came close immediately then McMahon was just off target.

Eventually the pressure told and from a half cleared McMahon corner, Cook hit a low shot inside the far post.

Cook then hit a free kick just over and Bricknell failed to keep a header down but neither team could grab the winner and extra time was needed.

As the visitors tired, Welling finally enjoyed some control and looked the likely winners.

Brandon Hall was called upon to make two vital saves in the first period, first from St. Aimie and then from Marsh.

Anthony Acheampong’s second yellow card looked to have made it even harder for the visitors but there was to be a sting in the tail.

After Chris Bush and Bassele had both gone close for Welling, McMahon broke away and crossed for Godden to finish at the far post.

Fleet manager Jamie Day will now look forward to crossing swords with his friend, Adrian Pennock, as the prize is a home game with Forest Green Rovers.

 

 

Welling United: Buchel, Williams, Bush, Gallagher, Fagan, Fyfield, St Aimie, Corne, Marsh, Bassele, Hudson (Penny 75).

Unused substitutes: Johnson, Kempton, Birch, Plummer.

Ebbsfleet United: Hall, Huke, Howe, Rance (Bricknell 28), Acheampong, Clark, Johnson,  McMahon, Osborn (Cook 70), Godden, Kiernan (Miller-Neave 105).

Unused substitutes: Hughes, Shields.

Referee: David Rock

Attendance: 616

Ebbsfleet star player: Daryl McMahon

Welling star player: Tyrone Marsh

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.