Welling United 3-1 Oxford City
Welling bounced back from a difficult week with victory over Oxford City. It was a game that only really came to life in the 2nd half with all four goals coming in the second period.
It what turned out to be a cagey opening half, the first chance came in the 8th minute when Josh Ashby drilled a dangerous cross across the area but it evaded a crowded penalty box. Antony Cook was fouled just outside the area by Reece Fleet, Cook took the free kick but fired it into the wall and then put the rebound wide. The game then went slightly flat until the 36th minute when a lovely move saw Goldberg played into the channel before he supplied a cross that Coombes met on the half volley but his effort was deflected over for a corner.
Jack Self made space for a shot himself, but his effort failed to trouble Wilks as it went over.
As the half was coming to its conclusion the game started to open up and McCallum did well to create a shooting chance but his effort lacked power and King saved.
On half time, Adam Coombes looked to have his standing foot taken away from him in the area but referee Mr Staynings waved away very loud appeals from the Welling players and fans.
The end to the First half was a taste of what was to come in the second. Fasanmade had the first opportunity for City but he dragged his effort just wide when well placed. Soon after though Welling almost took the lead, Coombes was bundled over some 25 yards out, he then took the free kick and his effort was heading in but Craig King flung himself to his right to push away the effort. Bradley Goldberg then got into a good position but his effort was deflected over for a corner.
Just over the hour mark, Welling took the lead, Coombes saw a half volley from an acute angle blocked for a corner and from this set piece Welling scored. The deep corner was retrieved by Rob Swaine and his low shot into a crowded area smacked off of Conor Dymond and rebounded into the net.
The goal seemed to spark Oxford into life and they came back strongly. Sub Kyran Wiltshire got into a good position but he headed over when well placed. Wiltshire then saw an acrobatic effort cleared off of the line by Ming as Oxford poured forward. However the away side did equalise with 15 minutes remaining. Wiltshire was quickest to react to his original shot that was blocked and his effort crept under Wilks to bring the sides level.
However 45 seconds later Welling retook the lead. Sub Aaron Cosgrave picked up the ball out wide ran into the area were former Welling man Ben Jefford got sucked into a challenge and tripped Cosgrave. This time the referee did point to the spot, up stepped Adam Coombes and his powerful penalty beat King despite the goalie guessing the right way. Welling now looking to hit Oxford on the break saw Rooney go close after being set up by Cosgrave.
However they made the game safe in the 86th minute with a 3rd. Joe Anderson played a superb defence splitting pass to Coombes who beat the offside trap, before racing towards the goal and superbly beating King with a cool
finish to wrap up the game.
There was still time for Wilks to make a brave save at the feet of Fasmande. Before Oyinsan burst into the box and almost found the hat trick seeking Coombes but despite his best efforts he could not make contact with the ball.
Welling now have a week off after blistering start to the season which has seen them play five games in just 14 days. The Wings start a busy Bank Holiday weekend away at Chelmsford City on Saturday before returning to PVR for another Kent derby with Tonbridge Angels the visitors on Bank Holiday Monday.
Welling United: Wilks, Ming, Anderson, Dymond, Swaine, Rich-Baghuelou, Cook (Green 76), Rooney, Goldberg (Oyinsan 80), Coombes, McCallum (Cosgrave 58). Unused subs: Copeland, Agyemang.
Attendance: 424
