On the road, Welling United’s form has been reasonable this season, but at home it has been a disaster.

When Hemel Hempstead Town visited on Saturday, it appeared that Welling were going to end their pointless home run. Dean Morgan. On debut, gave them an early lead, then Adam Coombes added a spectacular second. For a while, it looked as though it was just how many Welling would score as Tudors goalkeeper Jamie Butler kept his team in the game with some fine saves.

Then, just after the hour mark, it all went horribly wrong. So scared were the defence in adding to the seven penalties already conceded, that they allowed Jack Kelly to dribble through non-existent challenges and roll the ball into the net.

Two minutes later, Hemel levelled with a goal that Welling manager Mark Goldberg described as bizarre. The ball was allowed to bounce in the penalty area and flew over Chris Lewington’s head for Jake Robinson to tap home.

Their misery was completed when James Potton was given the freedom to lob Lewington with four minutes remaining.
Welling are again at home on Tuesday evening, entertaining Eastbourne Borough in a game that Goldberg described as “three points is a must”. He watched Saturday’s game from the director’s box but is likely to be back in the dug-out for this match.

Away from home the Sports started with consecutive 3-1 defeats at Hampton and Richmond Borough and Gosport Borough. They then won 2-0 at Hungerford Town and drew 1-1 at East Thurrock United.

On Saturday they visited Poole Town where they again drew 1-1. Next Saturday is F.A. Cup day so a victory for Welling would give them a massive boost ahead of their mini break in the league.

Image courtesy of Dave Budden