ANDY Ford has praised his Welling squad for the way they responded to going 4-0 down at Hednesford in last night’s FA Trophy game.

The Wings appeared to be dead and buried midway through the first half when the Unibond Premier leaders raced four goals clear to seemingly guarantee their place in the next half.

However, Charlie Sheringham pulled one back before the break and second half strikes from Sanchez Ming and a third goal from Rob Quinn set up a tense final 10 minutes for the hosts.

Hednesford ultimately held on to their narrow advantage, but Welling manager Ford says his side have plenty to be positive about after a remarkable recovery.

He explained: “I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a game where we’ve been 4-0 down so early on.

“All credit to the players though because they worked extremely hard to get back into it and there was certainly no raising of the white flag from us, which is something I would never be prepared to tolerate.

“It wasn’t to be in the end but I can’t fault anybody.

“We are probably about three players short at the moment because of suspensions and Moses Ademola going back to Brentford and are finding it a bit hard to fill the gaps.”

However, Ford was able to offer some good news to Wings fans on Ademola.

He added: “He has gone back there because they are a bit short at the moment.

“As I understand it they are looking to sign new players and hopefully then he will be able to come back here.”

Welling attempt to bounce back from their Trophy exit on Saturday when they entertain Bishop’s Stortford in the league.

With the Wings in play-off contention, Ford admitted last night’s result may not necessarily be the end of the world.

The manager said: “The play-offs have always been our number one priority this season and it is very hard to fight on two or three fronts.

“Whether we make the play-offs is ultimately what we will be judged on at the end of the season.

“Bishop’s Stortford have just changed their manager and brought in some new players, but they have been a bit inconsistent recently.

“It is a good chance for us to get back to winning ways and one we will be looking to take.”