BY MARK DOIG
Welling United’s 2025 didn’t begin effectively as they had been crushed at Maidstone United on New Yr’s Day.
Coming into the sport, Maidstone had been in third place within the Nationwide League South, having received their earlier 5 league matches, as a part of a 16-match unbeaten run within the league. In consequence, Welling supervisor Rod Stringer went with a conservative line-up designed to comprise the hosts’ direct type.
Ricardo Di Trolio got here in for his second Welling debut having signed on mortgage from Coventry Metropolis sooner or later earlier.
Each goalkeepers made snug saves within the early exchanges. Rhys Lovett collected a Sol Wanjau-Smith backheel then Maidstone stopper Alexis Andre Jr held a header from Josh Redfearn.
Charlie Seaman and Ben Brookes induced each Welling centre-backs, Alex Lankshear and Dave Winfield, to make last-gasp clearances from harmful crosses earlier than in kind Stones striker Aaron Blair fired over after getting on the top of a Seaman by means of ball.
Quickly after, Blair had one other alternative and drew a wonderful block from Lovett earlier than firing the observe up into the facet netting.
Gene Kennedy had a 25-yard free-kick held by Andre Jr earlier than Blair tricked his method by means of earlier than taking pictures past the far submit.
After the half-time break, the rain bought heavier making the enjoying floor slipperier however Welling continued to defend a collection of crosses effectively, decreasing the hosts to half probabilities.
Lovett did effectively to get down and push away a Seaman effort from out broad earlier than making one other high-quality save from George Fowler’s highly effective drive.
Edginess began creeping into the Maidstone supporters however their fears had been allayed when their crew went forward with simply over 20 minutes remaining. Brookes picked out Temi Eweka with a nook. Though his header was saved brilliantly by Lovett, it got here out to Blair, who headed dwelling from shut vary.
Stringer, the Welling supervisor, made a double substitution and altered his crew’s form in an effort to get again into the sport however the Maidstone defence held agency and so they nearly doubled their lead when Wanjau-Smith fired simply over with 5 minutes remaining.
There have been no additional alternatives for both facet and the great contingent of away supporters applauded the Wings off the pitch for his or her laborious work that was finally unrewarded.
As Welling haven’t any sport on Saturday, Stringer and his assistant, Kevin Watson, have extra time to arrange for the Wings’ necessary dwelling sport in opposition to Weymouth on Tuesday night.
PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN
