Boxing Day produced an excellent win for Welling United in the Kent derby versus Margate FC, and after the game Jamie Day was on hand to offer his thoughts from a Welling perspective.
Day Welling’s was delighted afterwards, but still critical of the opening half an hour, “(We were) a little bit second best at times and didn’t move the ball quick enough. Chris (Lewington) pulled off a great save which kept us in it.
“We had patches in the first half where we done o.k. and I thought the last ten minutes we got ourselves back into it and showed a bit more of what we’ve been about the last four or five games. Second half, I thought they was excellent right through from Chris to Coombsie. I thought everyone played their part.
“Christian’s (Nanetti) come on this side and got the penalty. Once he gets into the box he’s difficult to mark Since I’ve been in charge he’s been superb.
“We managed to get our noses in front before half time and get the penalty, then second half, I thought we was very professional.
“We’ve got players in this team that can score goals and are very good going forward and I think we look better defensively as a group now. We’re creating chances and another three goals today, it’s a lot of goals in the last four or five games. Hopefully, that can continue. I can’t praise the boys enough for the way they played in the second half.”
He was less joyful about the injury to Lewington. “He’s pulled the same muscle that he pulled before. That was three weeks (out) and he feels that it’s worse than that so we’re going to have to get a goalkeeper in. I think H (Harry Girling) done well enough when he was here before and he knows the boys. It would probably be simple for him to come back in.
“Maybe have a look if there is any experienced keepers around that need some game time but Harry wouldn’t be an issue coming back. I think Chris is going to be a good month, six weeks so I need to make sure that whoever comes in is ready to play and is fit.”
Day also confirmed that he would still like another centre half to supplement the squad. “Waldo (Danny Waldren) can play there but we probably needs someone that keeps Sean (Francis) and Rickie (Hayles) on their toes and just keeps their levels up. It’s easy to get a bit carried away if there’s nobody fighting you for a place.”
Regarding players who have not featured recently he started with an update to the situation with Jamie Slabber. “Slabbs’ loan is up. He’s injured at the minute. To be fair to him he is working his socks off to try and get himself fit. He’s going to be ten days away from being anywhere near fit to be involved or be thought of in the squad. I’ve seen Jamie play a lot over the years and we want to have players around that are pushing the other players.
FOOTBALL (WELLING AWAY)
“Joey Taylor’s fit. He’s here today. Some people are missing out at the minute but I’ve said before, many times, everyone will play their part. There will be a time when Joey will be in. There will be a time when Trey (Williams) and Archie (Johnson) will be needed and they’ve just got to have patience”
Injuries are clearing up at last and before the game at Margate, only Slabber and Luke Saggers remained injured. Day confirmed “Walks (Dan Walker) come back today. Pierre (Joseph-Dubois) was back. We had a lot stronger bench today than we’ve had in previous weeks. Hopefully, everyone stays fit and will give me a headache on who to play.”