Wings beat Tonbridge Angels 2-1 to do double over them in National League South

BY MARK DOIG

Welling United started 2023 in the same way that they ended 2022 – with victory over Tonbridge Angels.

Although they remain in 12th place, Warren Feeney’s Wings can now look up the table rather than peering nervously over their shoulders at the drop zone. Some of the football that they played in both games against Tonbridge was as pleasing to the eye as their ball-play earlier in the season.

Feeney was forced into making one change to his starting line-up due to Stefan Payne’s illness and Antony Papadopoulos was restored to the team.

It was Welling’s back four that gave him his main reason to smile after the game. New loanee full-backs Avan Jones and Aaron Powell gave the Angels little joy down the flanks, while Manny Parry and Jamie Sendles-White ensured that although the visitors had some good possession, most of their efforts were hopeful long-range shots.

As they had done at Tonbridge, Welling came out of the blocks quickly and Papadopoulos came close before Sendles-White hit the bar when he got on the end of Parry’s knockdown.

Taylor Maloney struck a free-kick wide and James Dunne fired over before the Wings scored an excellent opener. Tricky Dan Nkrumah and Powell combined to send it crossfield for Maloney and Amadou Kassarate to exchange passes before Maloney gave former Welling goalkeeper Jonny Henly no chance with a powerful drive from 20 yards.

That provoked a reaction from the visitors and Tommy Parkinson was unable to finish when it was knocked down to him. Then Joe Turner cut in from the right but didn’t connect cleanly and his shot went wide of the near post.

Seven minutes after going behind, the Angels restored parity. Former Charlton Athletic midfielder Scott Wagstaff sent in a dangerous cross – Welling, for once, were unable to clear and it fell for Lewis Gard, who finished competently.

Jordan Greenidge might have put the visitors ahead, but he stabbed wide from Jamie Fielding’s cross before Welling came back and, following a period of pressure, they regained the lead. Nkrumah twisted and turned to create space for himself on the left wing before arrowing a cross towards the near post. Azeez showed the appetite that Feeney demands by getting in to volley home from one yard out.

Myles Roberts was called into action for the first time in first half injury time when making a great save from Gard’s shot.

After the break Welling again came out quickly and Tonbridge captain Sonny Miles made a crucial goal-line clearance as Azeez’s cross was aimed at an unmarked Kassarate at the far post. Papadopoulos headed over from a Maloney free-kick before he missed a great chance to extend Welling’s lead. He did well to bring down a long pass and turned his man, giving him a one-on-one with Henly. Although he slotted it past him, he could only look on as it came back out off the post.

Tommy Fagg came on as a substitute for Tonbridge and shot over from 30 yards before referee Robert Claussen made a huge call. Kassarate got beyond his man in the penalty area and was tripped. The referee deemed that the Welling man was guilty of simulation and booked him.

Jay Saunders, the Tonbridge manager, had no choice but to throw men forward, but other than one save by Roberts from Wood, they were reduced to inaccurate long-range shooting. That allowed Welling space on the break and Azeez had a great late chance, but Henly stuck his right leg out to keep out his effort.

It did not prove costly and shortly after the game was brought to a close with Welling starting the New Year with an important three points.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN