Welling 0 Dartford 3 – Wings totally outplayed as they drop closer to National League South relegation zone
BY MARK DOIG
Welling United dropped to within three points of the National League relegation zone as they were defeated in their Boxing Day derby with Dartford.
Although they shaded the first half they went in behind and were totally outplayed in the second period.
Hugo Langton took the reins of the Welling team with Mark Goldberg away and will have been pleased with the way that the Wings started. Moses Emmanuel fired just wide from Korrey Henry’s pass then Bradley Goldberg had a shot deflected wide after Rob Swaine knocked down Connor Dymond’s free kick.
Referee Steven Hughes denied Welling a clear penalty when a defender blocked Emmanuel’s shot with his arm but was right to award Dartford one after twelve minutes. Darren McQueen burst into the penalty area and Connor Dymond made a needless challenge for which he was cautioned. McQueen took the penalty himself and fired home convincingly.
Emmanuel tried a chip from a difficult angle but it went beyond the far post before Sesay made and excellent save from Goldberg. Swaine followed up but his shot was deflected wide.
Goldberg caught a ponderous Ronnie Vint in possession and the Dartford centre back pulled him down as he burst through. Referee Steven Hughes decided that there was sufficient cover and brandished a yellow card. Cook took the free kick but drove it beyond the far post.
Romain headed wide from Ky Marsh-Brown’s corner before Joe Anderson and Goldberg twice combined to create chances for the latter but first his shot was blocked then he flick volleyed wide of the near post just before half time.
After the break Dartford took control and Vint’s first time shot went wide from Marsh-Brown’s free kick before they claimed the crucial second. Tyrique Hyde sent McQueen clear and the former Ebbsfleet striker burst away to finish with aplomb.
He should have completed his hat-trick when again put in behind but he got in a bit of a muddle and scooped it beyond the far post.
Moments later, Dartford did score a third when Romain caught Swaine trying to shepherd it back to Wilks and fired low into the bottom corner.
Wilks made a good low save from Hyde after Theo Widdrington had fired over. Then Danny Waldren fired well over for Welling before Charlie Sheringham had the last chance for Dartford but was unable to garner any power and Wilks saved easily.
Langton will have to lift his team quickly as they travel to Eastbourne Borough on Saturday.
Welling United: Wilks, Dymond, Anderson, Agyemang, Swaine, Okosieme (Rich-Baghuelou 54), Emmanuel (Cosgrave 58), Widdrington, Henry, Goldberg (Waldren 64), Cook. Subs not used: Akinyemi, Green.
PICTURES BY DAVE BUDDEN
