Victory over Eastbourne Borough ended Welling United’s two month win-less run.

Although the game was by no means a classic, Welling’s excellent defending meant that debutant goalkeeper Jonathan Miles was largely untested and the quality and work-rate of Elliott Romain at the other end proved the difference.

Also making his Welling debut, albeit his second one, was Anthony Acheampong and he was a giant in every way at the back.

Nine minutes were on the clock when he claimed his assist. Having received from Joe Healy, he squared to Olumide Durojaiye who fired beyond Mark Smith from twenty yards.

Romain had a couple of efforts that went wide before Shaun Okojie’s long range pea-roller, Eastbourne’s only effort on target, was picked up by Miles.

Having already been cautioned for chopping down Archie Johnson, Emmanuel Udoji was lucky to avoid a second yellow when felling Healy and was substituted immediately.

Shortly before half time, Tom Bradbrook was left shaking his head when his fierce drive was headed off the line by Will Hendon.

Chances continued to be a rarity after the break as Welling continued to control the match.

There was a nasty clash of heads that resulted in Callum Driver and Okojie both departing. That allowed new signing Harley Willard his Welling bow and he showed the Wings supporters what they might expect when going on a long thrilling run before firing wide of the near post.

Eleven minutes remained when Romain scored Welling’s second and it was testament to his willingness to chase everything. First he forced Harry Ransom into a long back pass, then his speed allowed him to chase it down.

Smith panicked and blasted his clearance straight at the Welling striker and had to watch it rebound into the net.

Unless Welling find a way of extending the loan, Romain will return to Dagenham and Redbridge. He signed off his spell with another goal in injury time when heading home Jack Jebb’s free kick.

As Welling have no game next week, they are trying to arrange a friendly with Dulwich Hamlet, depending on finding someone to host it.

 

Welling United: Miles, Driver (Willard 73), Johnson, Durojaiye, Acheampong, Parkinson, Dymond, Healy, Bradbrook (Monakana 65), Goldberg (Jebb 82), Romain.

Subs not used: Coyle, Jefford.

 

Eastbourne Borough: Smith, Udoji (Ransom 30), Hendon, Wills, Simpemba, Haran, McCallum, Torres, Okojie (Johnson 73), Odubade (Richards 63), Dawes.

Subs not used: Richards, Ransom, Johnson, Briggs.

 

Welling United:

Goalscorers: Durojaiye (9), Romain (79) & (90)

Yellow cards: Romain

Red cards: None

 

Eastbourne Borough:

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Udoji, Simpemba

Red cards: None

 

Referee:  Jacob Miles

Assistants: Marc Meeten and Jamie Wells

 

Attendance: 404

 

Welling star player: Elliott Romain

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.