Welling United 1
Newport County 1
Saturday 08 April 2006

Adrian Pennock welcomed back Barry Ashby to the starting line-up with the ex-Gills defender making his first start in over a month. Matt Bodkin and Steve Perkins also returned to the squad replacing Adrian Clarke and Che Stadhart who dropped to the bench.

Newport who had won their last four games before today were quick out of the blocks and it only took them 15 minutes to snatch an early lead. The initial cross from Jason Bowen failed to be cleared by the Wings defence and the resulting scramble saw the ball fall to Bowen who smashed the ball home.

However, it took the home side a matter of minutes to respond when they drew level through Martin Carthy. Jamie Day's inch perfect header set-up Carthy who sublimely knocked the ball over the head of Exiles keeper Tony Pennock into the back of the net.

Just minutes later Carthy should have added a second to his and Welling's tally when an excellent Danny Kedwell cross found an unmarked Carthy in the six-yard box, but the midfielder somehow managed to head wide. Further chances for both Danny Kedwell and Steve Perkins went astray and the two sides went into the break all square.

Newport had the better of the second period as the Wings performance dropped and the visiting side grew in confidence.

Welling will count themselves lucky that they got away with a point as Newport missed an abundance of chances.

Matt Green went close to restoring Newport's lead when his side-footed shot was inches away from hitting the back of the net. Sam O'Sullivan saw his fierce shot fly just wide of the post as the Wings continued to allow Newport further chances at goal.

Che Stadhart had the only real opportunity for the Wings forcing Pennock into a good save but it wasn't until the final few minutes that the game came into life. When Barry Ashby jumped to divert a right-wing cross out of play it seemed to strike the arm of the Wings defender. The linesmen flagged for the penalty but the referee awarded Newport a corner much to the annoyance of the Exiles fans and players.

However, the controversy continued when four minutes into stoppage time a goalmouth brawl broke out with all players (other than Jamie Turner) involved. It required the assistance of both the Welling and Newport benches to break up the brawl before referee B.Knight judged Danny Kedwell to be the main culprit and sent the striker off.

Welling travel to Dorchester Town next Saturday with a win essential if the Wings want to keep in touch with the top 5.

Click Link for Audio Interview with Adrian Pennock (2.9MB-Small File)

Interview with Welling Manager Adrian Pennock

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