11:41pm Saturday 23rd January 2010
By Mark Doig
AFTER three consecutive free Saturdays, Welling United entertained Thurrock for their first home game of 2010.
Reiss Gilbey had the first shooting chance of the afternoon but blazed his effort high and wide.
Welling then won a corner but although player-manager Jamie Day’s delivery was flapped at by goalkeeper Joe Woolley, Thurrock managed to get the ball clear.
Gilbey had to be replaced in the sixteenth minute after taking a knock but it did not appear to hamper Thurrock too much as they had the better of the opening half.
Shortly after the change, David Bryant wriggled his way into the penalty area and was tripped by Graeme Andrews. Leon McKenzie made no mistake with the spot kick sending Charlie Mitten the wrong way.
McKenzie came close to doubling Thurrock’s advantage. His first effort was blocked by Jack Parkinson on the goal-line and his follow-up effort was well saved by Mitten.
Craig Pope and Rob Swaine were both cautioned for fouls on Day as he tried to get his team moving again.
On 43 minutes, Welling equalised from just their second corner of the half.
Day’s delivery again caused mayhem in the Thurrock penalty area and the ball broke for Andy Pugh. Having made room for himself he shot fiercely at goal and Tommy Whitnell diverted the ball with his chest into the back of the net.
There was still time left in the period for Sam Cutler to get in a shot but Woolley was able to save.
Buoyed by the finish to the first half Welling had the better of the early exchanges in the second, although Day was booked for a foul.
Nine minutes in and Tony Finn replaced Loui Fazakerley making an almost immediate impact.
Cutler, Whitnell and Pugh combined to play Sam Hurrell in and when his shot from a tight angle was palmed away by Woolley, Finn collected and calmly played the ball back to Cutler. Although his first effort was blocked by a Thurrock defenders hand, he followed up to lash the ball into the back of the net for his first Welling goal.
Having been shackled by the impressive Jack Obersteller, former Welling player Matt Bodkin tried is luck on the other wing against debutant Carl Jenkinson but found him equally resolute.
Bryant attempted to win another penalty with a theatrical tumble but fooled nobody and was shown a yellow card for his efforts.
Feeding on a quick throw by Finn, Whitnell escaped his marker but his low cross was claimed by Woolley to deny Pugh, and Whitnell then shot high and wide after more good work by Finn.
Thurrock substitute Matt Paine was then substituted before Whitnell came close again. Woolley was able to slow the pace of the ball as Whitnell tried to slip it past him and Phil Anderson completed the clearance.
Another over exuberant penalty area collapse, this time by McKenzie, caused Thurrock manager Hakam Hayrettin to say something that he shouldn’t have to an official and he was dismissed from the dug out.
Welling were made to pay for not having made the game safe in the 78th minute when Andrews’ attempt to play the ball out was intercepted by Bodkin and he shot low into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area.
The hosts were denied a chance to win the game when substitute Michale Bakare was sent through by Cutler. Although Kenny Clark’s initial tackle outside the penalty area was good he then wrapped his legs around Bakare’s inside the penalty area to ensure he could not retrieve the loose ball. The assistant referee indicated a penalty but Mr Rock over-ruled him and waved play on. Bakare was cautioned soon after for a foul through frustration.
Welling United: Mitten, Jenkinson, Obersteller, Day, Andrews, Parkinson, Fazakerley (Finn 54), Cutler, Whitnell, Pugh (Bakare 74), Hurrell. Subs not used: Cracknell, Deane, Saunders.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/trade_directory/