Welling put up good fight despite losing to Dover

Welling United 1 (0)
Dover Athletic 2 (1)

Although yet to win in pre-season, Welling United’s players are getting good work outs in preparation for the start of the league season.

This was their fifth friendly which has given Mark Goldberg plenty to think about.

On Saturday, against Dover, they were missing centre backs Magnus Okuonghae and Rob Swaine, midfielder Luke Rooney, wide player Nathan Green and strikers Adam Coombes and Bradley Goldberg.

They also suffered an early set back when former Wing Nassim L’Ghoul fired home with just two minutes gone.

However, Welling came back strongly with Sanchez Ming twice reading play well to make interceptions, the second of which ended with him crossing for Anthony Cook to head goalwards but Yusuf Mersin made the save.

Cook caused Dover further problems when getting in behind down the right wing but Mersin made a good save from his low shot then new signing Josh Oyinsan headed wide from an Archie Johnson floated corner.

It wasn’t all one way, though, and Dan Wilks was called into action to save from L’Ghoul’s free kick before again foiling the tricky French winger with another good stop.

Kurtis Cumberbatch shot wide for the visitors before Wilks made a point blank save from Stephen Rigg as Dover finished the half strongly.

Immediately after the break, Welling had a great chance. Julien Anau found Cook and his effort brought a stunning save out of substitute goalkeeper Lee Worgan. It came out to Oyinsan but his follow up flew just the wrong side of the post.

Kevin Lokko headed L’Ghoul’s corner wide before Welling levelled. Oyinsan played a ball in from the wing to Cook who was tripped by Harrison Potts. With regular penalty takers Coombes and Goldberg both absent, Cook assumed the responsibility himself and netted, sending Worgan the wrong way.

Chances were few and far between after that and it looked as though the game was going to end level until Potts atoned for his error by picking out Oscar Gobern and he fired home the winner from the edge of the area.

On Tuesday, Welling visit Aveley before hosting Millwall U23s on Friday with a kick off time of 7.00 pm.

Welling United: Wilks, Ming, Anderson, Dymond (Prestedge 72), Rich-Baghuelou, Kpekawa (Copeland 68), Cook, Agyemang (England 78), Oyinsan (Cosgrave 64), Anau (Bizma 86), Johnson (Jebb 78).