Welling’s chances of making National League South great escape are fading after Hornchurch stalemate
Chances of remaining in the National League South league took another blow for Welling United as they were held by Hornchurch at home.
Knowing that nothing less than a win would suffice, Welling manager Brian Statham only made two changes to the side that won the Kent Senior Cup against Ebbsfleet United three days earlier. Zain Walker’s injury meant that one was enforced. Jack Burchell and Sahid Kamara returned to the starting line-up, and Finn Ballard-McBride dropped to the bench.
Martell Taylor-Crossdale, 25, was Welling’s oldest outfield player, but the Wings failed to show the energy that they needed against the Essex side, for whom there was nothing other than three points at stake.
However, it was the visitors who showed more intent and Angelo Balanta and Will Greenidge both had shots off target in the first fifteen minutes. They continued to look more lively, and Balanta, Charlie Pegrum, and Ryan Scott all missed before Welling goalkeeper Rhys Lovett was first called into action when making a regulation save from Balanta.
Sahid Kamara had Welling’s first attempt with a shot over, and Welling finished the half on the front foot. TJ Bramble struck an effort from twenty yards that fizzed just past the post, and Josh Redfearn missed a good chance when his glancing header went past the far post from a brilliant Taylor-Crossdale centre.
After the break, Welling started well and Kamara fired over before Bramble registered a shot on target, drawing a save out of Mason Terry.
Kamara then got on the end of a good move involving Jez Davies, on league debut, and Bramble. The exciting wide player hit a clean strike and Terry was relieved to beat it out to safety.
Sadly for the Wings’ supporters, their team was unable to kick on and Pegrum headed over from a cross by Charlee Adams before the game descended into a scrappy mid-table battle.
Substitute Sean Scannell, at full stretch, diverted an effort goalwards, and Lovett saved easily before Riccardo Di Trolio brilliantly got back and cleared a Balanta shot off the line.
Scott headed wide for the Urchins, and they had one last chance to win it when Lovett saved Adams’ long-range shot well.
Seven points separate Welling and safety. Even if they were to win all four of their remaining matches, it would probably not be enough to save them, although Statham won’t give up until it’s mathematically impossible.
PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN
