Welling United recorded their highest senior win in the club's history when thrashing ground-sharers Erith & Belve-dere 8-1 in the FA Umbro Trophy second round at Park View Road on Saturday, writes Graham Bunce.

Gary Abbott scored five goals against a weakened Erith side, missing three players and striker Darren Adams on the pitch but clearly unfit to play.

Surprisingly, the Deres took lead in the 13th minute when a through ball found Adams on his own as the Welling defence moved out, and he slotted home.

Welling boss Tony Reynolds said the early goal was the wake up call his side needed.

He said: "You're always going to be happy with a 8-1 win and we played very well. We conceded an early goal, which was a kick up the butt for us.

"Before the game I asked the lads to give them a bit of respect, like the last month's other cup game when we only won on penalties, and they did.

"We created chances before conceding that sloppy goal, but after they scored we took all our chances."

Four goals in the last 10 minutes of the first half sent Welling in at the break 5-1 up. In the 28th minute, Abbott headed an equaliser from Steve Barnes' cross and, seven minutes later, Lew Watts scored a rare goal to put United in front.

Three minutes later Dave Powell rounded emergency goalkeeper Mickey Orme to make it three, and four minutes after that Abbott headed his second before Standen netted the fifth seconds later.

In the space of two minutes just before the hour-mark, Abbott scored to complete his hat-trick and the eighth goal came in the 83rd minute when Orme let Abbott's flick drop into the net.

Deres manager Mike Acland did not copmplain about the rout, saying: "It was a fair result. They played very well the best I've ever seen them play.

"Our makeshift goalkeeper did really well and he hasn't played all season, but he will be playing again. I'd say he was only at fault for one of the goals."

Reynolds had some comfort for his opposite number, adding: "It's disappointing it had to be against a team managed by like Micky Acland, who I respect and like a lot.

"When you put things into perspective, the Deres are going very well. Managers are coming down to watch them and they're no slouches.

"Overall, I'm very pleased, but I would sacrifice it for another win in the league.

"The boys gained a lot from the Reading cup-tie and this one. They're not short of confidence and I have a good squad."

Acland added: "I said beforehand that we'd either nick it or get hammered.

"All my subs were carrying injuries and, if I had a full team, then we may have had a chance.

"There is a big gap between the leagues and it showed. We hope to have Glenn Billenness back for the next game if he recovers from flu, but I'd rather lose that way in the cup than the league."

Meanwhile, United's Peter Overton, who was sent off at Reading, has been released by Welling after he played for a Sunday league team.

Reynolds said: "Peter has been one of our best players, but I cannot let him play for another team on Sundays.

"Obviously, some of his mates encouraged him to play, but we have got to have discipline at the club and I had to let him go."

On Saturday, Welling travel to Merthyr Tydfil in the Dr Martens Premier League, while Erith & Belvedere play Grantham Town at Park View Road, in the Eastern Division, kick-off 3pm.

December 4, 2001 13:05

Gordon Law