Basingstoke Town 1-1 Welling United (From News Shopper)

Basingstoke Town 1-1 Welling United

3:49pm Sunday 29th November 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(0)

ALTHOUGH unable to extend their sequence of consecutive wins or league clean sheets, Graeme Andrews’ second half equaliser was enough to stretch Welling United’s unbeaten run to seven games at fifth-placed Basingstoke Town on Saturday.

On a heavy pitch the game was never likely to prove a classic and Welling’s passing game was hampered severely.

David Pratt had an early opportunity with the Wings’ defence looking for an offside flag but he dragged his shot wide.

Pratt was again involved when the Dragons early dominance was rewarded. Basingstoke’s centre forward burst into the penalty area and Ryan Johnson’s clumsy challenge resulted in the award of a penalty kick. Matt Warner stepped up and finished emphatically sending Charlie Mitten the wrong way.

Tom Williamson then shot wide for the home team before a good Welling move between Loui Fazakerley and Andy Pugh almost played Lee Clarke in but his shot was blocked by Fraser Franks.

Basingstoke failed to hit the target again when a Wings defensive miscommunication allowed Jide Ogunbote a shot at goal.

Charlie Mitten had to be alert to hold a Pratt header but he was rarely troubled due to the excellent work by centre halves Andrews and Jack Parkinson.

Welling started to show signs of improvement and Franks defended well to thwart Fazakerley.

Moments later the Wings wide man was involved again drawing a save from Craig Atkinson, having been played in by Pugh.

Tony Finn was flattened by a poor Matt Finlay challenge which went unpunished a minute before half time and had to be replaced by debutant Jack Obersteller at the start of the second half.

Williamson shot wide from distance for ‘Stoke but it was a much improved showing from Welling in the second half and the visitors soon drew level.

Michael Deane’s long free kick was met by Graeme Andrews who headed powerfully into the top corner with Atkinson stranded.

Sam Hurrell’s last piece of action was hitting a snapshot wide as soon after he was replaced by Sam Cutler, also making his league bow for Welling.

Pugh had a golden opportunity to put the Wings ahead from a poor piece of defending but his lob over Atkinson floated wide of the gaping net.

Searching for the elusive winner in a worsening downpour, Fazakerley’s near post shot was pushed away by the Basingstoke stopper, and Atkinson was in action again soon after making an unorthodox save with a slide tackle on Pugh.

Pugh had a late shot saved although Basingstoke could have nicked the points when Gary Frewen shot wide.

Welling United: Mitten, Johnson, Deane, Clarke, Parkinson, Andrews, Finn (Obersteller 46), Hurrell (Cutler), Pugh, Whitnell (Hobbs 80), Fazakerley. Subs not used: Bakare, Day.