Wings crash against Stortford

DESPITE being fifth in the league going into this match, Welling United have struggled in most of their league games against the relegation threatened teams and in cup games against lower league sides.

On Saturday, this again proved to be the case.

Missing the creativity and flair of the suspended Lee Blackburn and Sanchez Ming, Andy Ford handed a full debut to Delando Smith and welcomed back Sonny Cobbs, who had missed the midweek game at Hednesford through a ban of his own.

After Lee Protheroe had a first minute free-kick easily gathered by goalkeeper Nicky Eyre, Welling had to wait nine minutes before taking the lead.

In a move twice involving Smith, and in which Protheroe and Rob Quinn were also prominent, the newcomer threaded through a delightful pass which was dummied by Charlie Sheringham into the path of Ryan Johnson.

Johnson drew out Eyre and slotted into the bottom corner.

With that, Johnson became the latest of a number of players to have scored their first Welling goal against Bishop’s Stortford.

Unfortunately for the home fans, this was to prove to be the high point of the afternoon.

Stortford came close to equalising when, following a good save by Clark Masters, Lewis Smith was given a free shot at goal which was cleared off the line in spectacular fashion by Protheroe.

A Tony Sinclair header into the arms of Eyre and a mazy Delando Smith run which came to nothing were the best Welling could manage in the first half, before an Orlando Smith cross-cum-shot went beyond the goal just before half-time.

The visitors started the second half stronger and after winning a couple of corners and a free-kick, levelled in controversial style.

Duane Jackman got the wrong side of Sinclair from a long ball upfield.

While Sinclair’s untidy challenge probably was a foul and a penalty was warranted, it was hard to see exactly where in the penalty area the offence took place and whether this made him the last man, so the red card that which followed appeared harsh.

Danny Green stepped up and buried his spot kick, giving Masters no chance.

Delando Smith set up Orlando Smith soon after, but his shot came back off the post with Eyre beaten.

This was the last of the action for both players as Welling manager Ford had to sacrifice them and bring on Graeme Andrews and Jack Parkinson in a re-organisation following the sending off.

Following another good save by Masters, Fazackerley came close for the hosts, beating the six foot plus Paul Goodacre in the air before outsprinting him.

Sadly for Loui Fazackerley, his shot went just wide of the far post.

When the visitors went ahead, there was again an element of doubt in the validity of it.

Fazackerley appeared to have been fouled by ex-Welling left back Narada Bernard, but no free-kick was given by Mr Venamore and a lumped clearance saw Sam Higgins outsprint the Wings defence to strike low into the bottom corner.

Despite being one man short, Welling again came close when the outstanding Fazackerley struck the post while being clattered by Eyre and Goodacre.

A horrible foul by Grant Cooper on Fazackerley shortly after showed how concerned about him the visitors were.

In fact, the award of just a yellow card seemed somewhat lenient, especially in light of the earlier red for Sinclair.

Another Fazackerley shot was saved before Dorian Smith came on for Quinn shortly before the four minutes of added time were signalled.

This was to be Smith’s first appearance since being injured at Whyteleafe at the beginning of October.

During injury time, Welling won two corners and goalkeeper Masters came up for both.

The first one came to nothing when Masters failed to retreat quickly enough and the crowd were treated to the very rare sight of a goalkeeper being caught offside.

Bishop’s Stortford scored their third goal from the second corner in stoppage time.

Protheroe’s delivery was poor and the visitors were able to hoof the ball upfield.

Although Cobbs did well in holding off Higgins, the quickly advancing Danny Harris was played in to roll home his shot into the empty net from about 30 yards out.

Welling: Masters, Protheroe, Cobbs, Quinn (Dorian Smith 90), Matthew McEntegart, Sinclair, Delando Smith (Graeme Andrews 58), Johnson, Orlando Smith (Parkinson 58), Sheringham, Fazackerley. Subs not used: Stevens, Morgan.