Harry Wheeler, joint caretaker manager of Welling United, was delighted with his team’s result that puts them into the hat for the FA Trophy Third Round draw.

His team belied the fact that they are fighting relegation when winning at local rivals Bromley who ply their trade in a league higher.

Winning the battles in the middle was very important to Wheeler. “Dominating midfield was the key. It was a real scrap. Our aim was to try and get the ball out wide as quickly as possible and our central midfielders did that

“I don’t think we started well. When they got their goal it wasn’t the best start you could ask for. We know that they’re dangerous with set pieces but it was one we could deal with. The ball was decent but it wasn’t unstoppable. We had the chance to clear our lines a couple of times but unfortunately we didn’t.

“After they scored either their momentum was going to increase or ours was going to pick up and we were going to start controlling the game and that had to start with the two central midfielders. They did it and we saw a positive turnaround.

“We knew the pitch wasn’t going to be great because of the weather in the week and that it was going to be a battle. Some players show that they can adapt to the circumstances and we managed to manage the game.”

Although the equaliser was a little fortuitous being a cross that went in, Wheeler said “When you put good balls in, it’s always going to ask questions and our centre forward (Harry Crawford) running across the goalkeeper’s line was enough to cause it to go in but it’s all about the delivery. I thought Danny Waldren was excellent.”

Speaking about Adam Coombes’ spectacular winner, Wheeler said “It’s not the first time he’s done it. Adam Coombes is a very good player. I thought he had a good game. I thought he was quieter second half but he had that little bit of quality. He’s done it before, against Dartford with the same free kick. The thing with Adam is that you know if he has one chance it’s likely it might go in.

“There’s always interest from other clubs when someone’s scoring goals. Adam’s very happy. Adam’s just doing his work and keeping his head down. He’s attracting interest but he’s been turning clubs down to stay here. Adam enjoys it around here, enjoys the management team, enjoys the other players and scoring goals.”

Wheeler confirmed that although at present his position is only an interim one, he was enjoying it. “It’s game by game. We’ll keep seeing how the results go and pushing on and we’ll take it from there. As long as we’re winning games, that’s the main aim.

“I enjoy the role. I did it last season at a different club. I enjoy it just as I’d be just as happy going back to coaching or assistant manager. When you’re winning you’re always going to enjoy it.” He joked “ Last week (after defeat at Hemel Hempstead) the answer might have been different.”

Goalkeeper Chris Lewington was back in the team earlier than was first feared following his injury. He threw out more than he kicked and Wheeler explained “Chris was struggling just on striking the ball. It was literally precautionary. We could’ve not played him. We could’ve played Harry (Girling), and Harry’s unlucky not to have started, but Chris felt that he was fine and we took the risk today and I think that it paid off. The save he made just before half time from Blair Turgott was at a very important time.”

“Chris is very good at one v ones. He did it as well against Margate on Boxing Day.”

There had been questions about Welling’s fitness earlier in the season but looking strong for ninety minutes on a heavy pitch should put that notion to bed.

“It was a testament to their fitness. They’ve been working really hard. Tuesday again we worked really hard fitness wise. Everyone knows that football starts with work rate. It doesn’t start with talent and once the work rate’s there everything else will come to it. If you work hard and you apply yourselves in the right way, whatever happens after that, you can be proud of yourselves.”

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.