Victory over Chippenham Town took Welling United to the brink of the play off zone.

After a slow start to the season, Welling United have moved steadily up the table. Four consecutive league wins and six undefeated have given the supporters some joy after a couple of difficult seasons.

Dillon Barnes’ suspension meant that it was necessary to give a new goalkeeper Kleton Perntreou a debut and the former Crystal Palace custodian looked comfortable throughout.

He was the first goalkeeper to be involved when making a good save from Scott Twine and Will Richards headed over as the Wings made a slow start.

Jared Thompson was called into the action for the first time when saving Tom Bradbrook’s header at the second attempt from Jeffrey Monakana’s centre.

On the half hour mark, Jamie Coyle missed a gilt edged chance when heading over from Jack Jebb’s free kick but seven minutes later Welling did go ahead.

Jeffrey Monakana tricked his way into space before crossing for Joe Healy to head home from close range.

Four minutes later, Welling’s aerial strength again paid dividends. Another pinpoint Jebb free kick picked out Tom Bradbrook and he powered home his header giving Thompson no chance.

Josh Smile came on for his Chippenham debut at half time but within three minutes, Welling increased their lead. Christian Nanetti found Jebb who crossed for Bradbrook to head home his second.

Will Richards headed over for Chippenham before Perntreou had to be alert to save a long distance shot from Dan Bowman. Scott Donnelly’s free kick was claimed comfortably by the Welling custodian before he made another easy save from Smile.

That was as good as it got for Chippenham and Jebb drew an excellent save from Thompson when he curled a free kick around the wall.

Having been injured since Welling’s game at Bath, Bradley Goldberg came on as a substitute and notched a comeback goal seven minutes later. Ben Jefford crossed from the left and Goldberg converted confidently.

Moments later, he almost scored again but a last ditch challenge was enough to keep it out.

Now Welling can prepare for two long road trips in confident mood.

Welling United: Barnes, Dymond, Jefford, Durojaiye, Coyle (Gayle 81), Parkinson, Monakana, Healy,  Bradbrook (Phipps 70), Jebb, Nanetti (Goldberg 76).

Subs not used: Sinclair, Pattisson.

Chippenham Town: Thompson, Bowman, Jones (Donnelly 63), Tindle, Richards, Ferguson, Smith (Felix 75), Pratt, Guthrie, Evans (Smile 46), Twine.

Subs not used: Beeden, Horgan.

 

Welling United:

Goalscorers: Healy (37), Bradbrook (41) and (47), Goldberg (80)

Yellow cards: Healy, Durojaiye

Red cards: None

 

Chippenham Town:

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Evans, Smile

Red cards: None

 

Referee: Lee Brennan

Assistants: Tom Fell and Craig Kissi

 

Attendance: 595

 

Welling star player: Olumide Durojaiy

Images courtesy of Dave Budden