There was food for thought for both managers as Folkestone Invicta enjoyed a deserved victory over Welling United who ply their trade one division higher.
Neil Cugley’s Folkestone team benefited from being a settled side with a few additions whilst Steve Lovell is busy building a new Welling squad and his team featured a number of trialists.
There was certainly evidence of which team knew their teammates’ movements in the early exchanges. Folkestone had already squandered a chance before going ahead in the second minute. Alfie Paxman caused many problems to the Welling defence and got in behind them to cross for David Smith to side-foot home.
Ade Yusuff had a chance but the Welling goalkeeper saved well before the Wings had their first chance but another trialist fired over from ten yards out.
Smith shot over for the hosts and they came even closer when Paxman hit the post and Smith’s follow up was cleared off the line by Kristian Campbell.
Once more, Paxman and Smith combined in the 36th minute with Paxman this time being the scorer and their partnership almost bore further fruit just before half time but Welling’s trialist goalkeeper kept Smith’s effort out.
At the break, Welling made nine changes with only Sam Mvemba being a non trialist in the team.
In the second half, there were a series of half chances at either end, the best going to a Welling player who controlled well but shot wide before the same player reduced arrears. A foul in the penalty area gave him the opportunity to score from the spot and he converted comfortably in the 72nd minute.
Ian Draycott had an opportunity to restore Folkestone’s two goal cushion but the Wings’ keeper saved well. However, he was powerless to do anything when Draycott got onto the end of Smith’s through ball and slotted home comfortably.
The remaining thirteen minutes were seen out without further major incident as Folkestone recorded their second pre-season victory.
Folkestone Invicta: Roberts, Vincent (Borrello 79), Simpson, O’Mara, Davies, Johnson (Avery 78), Wright (Draycott 46 mins), Dolan, Smith (Woodcock 82), Yusuff, Paxman (Sterling 61.
Subs not used: Collins, Everitt.
Welling United: Trialist, Barnes, Trialist, Trialist, Campbell, Shokunbi, Durojaiye, Stevenson, Ilic Akinyemi, Trialist.
Referee: Kirsty Dowle
Assistant Referees: Michael Butcher & Bradley Godden.
Attendance: 336
Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.