Just as they had done two months earlier, Welling United and Havant and Waterlooville served up an exciting game of football.

In September, the National League South game between the two clubs ended in a two-all draw. This time, in the F.A. Trophy, the Wings went one better with a three-two victory.

Missing Amadou Kassarate, Myles Roberts and Jay Simpson, the Wings were down to bare bones and Jake McCarthy had an early chance for Havant, which he headed over.

Billy Clifford had a half chance but failed to connect cleanly before Welling went ahead. Yasir Kasim’s quick feet wrong-footed the Havant defence which allowed Sam Cox to whip in a low cross. Stefan Payne’s effort was blocked at close range by Jake McCarthy and it came out to Ade Azeez. His first effort was cleared off the line and came back out to him. He made no mistake with the rebound, bundling home from close range.

Taylor Maloney’s corner was headed over by Medy Elito before Welling scored again. A long free kick by Kai McKenzie-Lyle was flicked on by the head of Payne to Azeez and he lobbed over House and inside the far post.

McKenzie-Lyle got down sharply to block a shot from James Roberts and then recovered quickly to claim the loose ball off the foot of Danny.

Payne created an opportunity when getting to the bye-line and pulling back to Maloney, but McCarthy made a crucial tackle to thwart him then Yaser Kasim found Payne whose shot was pushed round the post unconvincingly by House.

Gianni Crichlow shot over from a tight angle for the Hawks before Havant pulled one back deep into stoppage time. Joe Oastler returned a deep corner into the penalty area, Jason Prior flicked it on and Danny Wright finished from close range.

After the interval Welling enjoyed plenty of possession without creating a clear-cut opening until nearly twenty minutes had passed. House struggled with a cross under pressure from Payne and spilled it. Payne knocked it to Azeez who laid it off for Maloney, but he stumbled when about to shoot, and Havant were able to clear.

They took full advantage of their escape by levelling soon after. Prior drove across the face of goal and Jamie Sendles-White could only divert it into his own net.

Despite the set-back, Welling continued to play the more positive football and went back ahead with thirteen minutes remaining. Aaron Barnes burst down the right wing and cut in before squaring to Maloney. His fierce drive came out off the bar and Payne was first to the rebound, heading calmly into the empty side of the net.

Although Prior had a half chance when heading straight at McKenzie-Lyle, Welling continued to attack and came close when James Dunne and Maloney combined to send Payne away, but his poked effort went just passed the post.

Warren Feeney has made it clear that his Welling team fears nobody however he will be hoping for a home tie when the draw for the third round is made.

Welling United: McKenzie-Lyle, Cox (Barnes 31), Ezennolim, Dunne, Sendles-White, Parry, Elito (Papadopoulos 79), Kasim (Andrews 70), Azeez, Payne, Maloney. Sub not used: Howard, Dickens.