Making the most of defensive errors, Chatham Town proved decisive as they defeated Welling United at home in their Isthmian League Premier Division derby.
Both teams came into the game having drawn last time out to end runs of defeats, but it was the hosts who ended their win-less streak, extending Welling’s in the process.
Sam Sene-Richardson had the first shot of the match for the Chats with a low drive from the edge of the area that was well held by Welling goalkeeper Mackenzie Foley as he went down to his right. Reece Butler then picked out Nile Ranger whose header drew another good save out of Foley.
Impressive Sene-Richardson had a shot pushed out by Foley who recovered quickly to make an excellent save from Ranger’s follow up before Welling had a shout for a penalty denied when Jamie Reynolds appeared to be shoved in the penalty area.
Once more, Sene-Richardson lost his man and got on the end of a lay-back by Tope Fadahunsi after Ranger knocked it down and again, Foley was called upon to make a save.
However, Foley was powerless to stop the Chats from going ahead just shy of the half hour mark. Ranger occupied the Welling centre backs’ attention allowing Fadahunsi time to control Olly Evans’ pass before firing home.
Kofi Anokye-Boadi shot just wide from Fadahunsi’s lay-off before the Wings levelled. Jamie Reynolds slung in a dangerous deep corner and Chatham’s defenders let it bounce allowing Dean Gunner to meet it with a powerful header home.
Fadahunsi headed wide and Sene-Richardson was off target with a free kick before it was Welling’s turn to fail to defend a deep corner. Sene-Richardson delivered in stoppage time and Fadahunsi’s low volley crossed the line before being cleared.
Knowing that there was virtually no time to respond, Gunner tried his luck from inside his own half, however, Nathan Harvey was inside his six yard box and was able to see it sail harmlessly past the post.
Seemingly content to sit on their lead, the hosts didn’t threaten after the break and neither side had a goal attempt until twenty minutes into the second period when Welling’s Ayman El-Mogharbel’s effort floated over.
Ten minutes remained when the Chats added a third. Another deep corner by Sene-Richardson evaded everyone and Butler came round the back untracked and headed past an exposed Foley.
It could have been even better for the home team when a long clearance by Evans sent former Wing Ben Allen clear, however, Foley made himself big and blocked the substitute’s shot.
Chris Arthur had a couple of late half chances for the visitors, first when Sid Nelson did brilliantly to thwart him with a last ditch tackle and then when hooking over from six yards after a Zak O’Keefe long throw had been flicked on.
Victory for Chatham moved them back up to fourth in the table while the Wings remain at the foot of the table, seven points adrift of safety.
Chatham Town: Harvey; Nelson, Butler, Aidoo; Leathers, Giles; Evans, Anokye-Boadi (Dixon 63), Sene-Richardson (Hobden 88): Fadahunsi (Allen 82), Ranger (Moynes 63). Sub not used: Robins.
Goalscorers: Fadahunsi (28), Ranger (45+3), Butler (80)
Yellow cards: None
Welling United: Foley; O’Keefe, Majoyegbe, Gunner, Arthur; Thomas (El-Mogharbel 46), Smith (Rawlins 81); Ufuah (Crichlow 67), Vukoje (Gard 54), Reynolds (Howard 60); Azeez. Subs not used: None.
Goalscorer: Gunner (36)
Yellow cards: Smith (40 foul), Majoyegbe (90 dissent)
Referee: Simon Cutler
Assistants: Adam Miller and James Perry
Attendance: 1,404
Images courtesy of Peter Jozwiak