After a very difficult week, Welling United claimed a deserved three points against Eastbourne Borough.

During the time since Welling’s last game, a defeat at Woking, Matt Paterson has departed to Havant and Waterlooville and John Paul Kissock has moved on to Whitehawk. Zack Newton has joined Yannis Ambroisine and Richard Orlu in going out on loan,

Injuries continue to handicap Welling’s play-off push and as a result, they were down to the bare fourteen for their game with Eastbourne.

Despite Welling’s bright start, Eastbourne had the first opportunity when Lloyd Dawes headed wide from Charlie Walker’s cross.

Gavin McCallum fired over after creating the opening for himself before Arnaud Mendy found Bradley Goldberg but he skewed his shot wide.

Former Wing Ryan Hall fired wide before Welling might have had a penalty. Brendan Kiernan appeared to have been fouled in the penalty area but the referee thought otherwise and cautioned him for diving.

Goldberg had a shot blocked out by Harry Ransom and Thierry Audel headed McCallum’s corner wide.

Danny McNamara had the last chance of the half but fired over.

In the second half, Welling’s defence continued to keep Eastbourne at arm’s length and the visitors were reduced to long range efforts that failed to hit the target. Two Joe Quigley shots and another from Dawes sailed high and wide. Kane Willis was also wild with an attempt.

Danny Mills, who had come on as a substitute for Welling, gave the Sports’ defence something different to concern them and Welling scored the decisive goal with fifteen minutes remaining. Kiernan was again tumbled in the penalty area and this time the referee did award a spot kick. Regular penalty taker Goldberg had been substituted so Kiernan took the responsibility and converted for his ninth goal of the season.

McNamara went on another long run. Although his cross was half cleared, Jack Barham, on debut, fired in a shot that Sam Howes saved. Barham again tried his luck in the closing minutes but again Howes saved.

No further chances were created and the win took Welling back up to fifth place.

Welling United: Wilks, McNamara, Braham-Barrett, Ijaha, Hill, Audel, Kiernan (Acheampong 82), Mendy, Barham, Goldberg (Mills 67), McCallum (Agyemang 67). Subs not used: None.

Eastbourne Borough: Howes, Rowling, Campbell, Willis, Ransom, Gardiner, West (Briggs 78), Walker, Quigley, Hall, Dawes (Cotton 85). Subs not used: Buckmore, Hamilton, Santos.

Welling United:

Goalscorers: Kiernan pen (75)

Yellow cards: Kiernan

Red cards: None

Eastbourne Borough:

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Campbell

Red cards: None

Referee: Lee Brennan

Assistants: Ivan Gelvov and James Hurst

Attendance: 445

Welling star man: Danny McNamara

Images courtesy of Dave Budden