By Mark Doig at Park View Road
ONE goal was enough to extend Welling United’s unbeaten run to three when they entertained Ramsgate in the Isthmian League Premier Division.
In their two previous home and away matches, Welling faced a Stanway Rovers team who played a narrow diamond midfield, attempting to crowd out the midfield. Then at Dartford they were up against a back three and a midfield bolstered by wing-backs. Welling won both matches comfortably without conceding a goal.
They were then faced with a further different proposition as Ramsgate mirrored the Wings’ shape while playing a more direct style looking to bombard the defence with long throws and dead balls, all delivered by Alfie Paxman. In the corresponding fixture last season, the Rams won four-one but Welling only had one starter from that game, Lekan Majoyegbe, and the visitors team was also much changed.
It took just five minutes for the hosts to go ahead when the impressive Zak O’Keefe delivered to the far post and Nahum Melvin-Lambert stretched out a leg to get the faintest of touches that diverted it home. That was his fourth goal so far this season, all showing his predatory prowess as having come from close range.
Miller-Rodney hooked over before the visitors had their only half chance of the half when Callum Jones’ near post header was held comfortably by Mackenzie Foley at the near post. O’Keefe shot over after making space for himself then Demaray Anyadike tested Jonny Henly with a fierce drive and the goalkeeper held on well. Just before half time, Melvin-Lambert had a shot blocked bravely by Raphe Brown.
After the break, the visitors tried to make the most of playing down the slope before Welling thought that they had increased their lead on the hour mark. Ryan Kingsford crossed low to the far post and Anyadike tucked it home, however the assistant referee flagged for offside.
Solomon Ogunwomoju came on as a substitute for Ramsgate and had an early sight of goal but dragged it wide of the near post. By this stage, Sam Smith had been introduced to the fray by Ryan Maxwell and his accurate free kicks caused problems, one of which was inches out of the reach of Nathan Bertram-Cooper.
Five minutes remained when the Rams should have levelled. A long Paxman throw was headed back out to him and his cross was diverted goalwards and cleared off the line by Chris Arthur. It came out to Ogunwomoju and sat up kindly only for him to lash it over from close range.
Deep into added-time, Foley saved from Jones and it again fell to Paxman. His cross picked out Dave Winfield who rose well but headed over.
Having won their last two games well, the Wings also showed that they have the ability to grind out victories, an attribute that they may well need in the long winter ahead.
Welling are third in the table ahead of a trip to Cray Wanderers on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).
Welling United: Foley; O’Keefe, Majoyegbe, Bertram-Cooper, Arthur (Bennett 86); Miller-Rodney, Blackman (Reynolds 68); Anyadike, Kingsford (Smith 64), Shomotun (Ufuah 68); Melvin-Lambert (Azeez 76).
Substitutes not used: None.
