Welling held at Concord Rangers (From News Shopper)

Concord Rangers 1-1 Welling United

9:53pm Saturday 22nd September 2012 in Football By Mark Doig

AFTER a bright start Welling United failed to capitalise and were forced to settle for a draw at Ryman Premier club Concord Rangers.

Despite scoring early, and creating further opportunities, the Wings conceded in the second half and now have a replay to overcome on Wednesday in order to progress further in this year’s F.A. Cup.

Jamie Day’s corners caused problems to the hosts and from his first one the ball was only half cleared as far as Kiernan Hughes-Mason’s but his first time volley flew over the crossbar.

Good Welling football saw Jake Gallagher, making his full debut, and Joe Healy combine well to allow Jack Obersteller a sight at goal but he also fired over.

Loui Fazakerley’s superb through ball sent Hughes-Mason away however he was stopped at the expense of a corner. Day’s fifteenth minute delivery was met by Ross Lafayette who, having evaded his marker, gave Michael Jordan no chance with a firm header, Lafayette chased another through ball and lobbed the onrushing goalkeeper but had neither the accuracy nor the power to double Welling’s lead.

Harry Elmes gave the visitors a warning when forcing his way through but shooting wide of Jamie Turner’s goal but Welling were soon on that attack again. Gallagher tested Jordan with a daisy cutter before former Wing Steve King’s header out was returned first time with an effort by Healy that flew wide as Jordan struggled to get across.

Another Welling corner, this time from Obersteller, produced an opportunity that Scott Kinch headed wide from close range.

Jordan then made a good save from Lafayette after more fine work by Gallagher before the first half came to a close.

Tony Stokes’ deep free kick sailed wide of Turner’s goal however Welling’s next saw Hughes-Mason’s cross headed out as far as Day whose volley back flew into the training area beyond the ground.

Healy had a shot scrambled wide by Jordan and from Obersteller’s corner, Fraser Franks headed back to Lafayette whose effort went over.

Elmes was cautioned for hacking down Healy,then the Wings’ midfielder collected a fine cross field pass from Gallagher before cutting in and letting fly with a shot that Jordan did well to tip over the bar. Obersteller’s corner was met by Ben Martin but his header was gathered easily by Jordan.

The game was delayed in unusual circumstances as it became necessary to straighten the framework of the goal at the sewage works end of the ground.

Welling paid for their failure to finish the contest when in the 76th minute, Martin fouled Elmes in the penalty area and Rangers’ striker picked himself up to convert confidently.

Although Welling had a couple of late chances, they never really threatened and both clubs settled for a draw and replay.

Welling United: Turner, Fazakerley, Obersteller, Day, Martin, Franks, Kinch, Gallagher, Hughes-Mason (Baker), Lafayette, Healy. Unused substitutes Clarke, Mott, Main, Fairweather-Johnson.