There was controversy at the end of Welling United’s Isthmian League Premier Division match at Lewes that left Wings manager Ryan Maxwell bemused.

Referee Thomas Copping indicated nine minutes stoppage time after a relatively quiet second period, which was then increased substantially following Jack Paxman’s red card. Maxwell said “Nine minutes, he’s put up of injury time, and they’ve scored in the twelfth minute of injury time and I don’t understand that at all. I don’t know where the extra three minutes have come from, nine seemed excessive.

“Our boys were superb today, superb. If we had come in three up at half time it would have been a fair result. We’ve missed some great chances in front of goal, four yards out and over the bar. The way we cut them open in the first half, outstanding. The players were superb, absolutely brilliant, listened so well. We highlighted the things we wanted done. It worked but we just didn’t score.”

Maxwell continued “That’s a really dejected dressing room. I feel really gutted for the players because the effort they put in today was exceptional, and some of the performances were exceptional too. We did not deserve to be coming away from here with nothing.  We hit the post in the last minute with ten men, again an example of we did not deserve to come away with nothing. I’ve played and managed in a lot of games and it’s up there with the most robbed I’ve ever felt.”

There was an outstanding turn out from the Welling supporters despite it being the last Saturday before Christmas, and Maxwell was very grateful. “First of all, thank you very much for making the journey.” he said “I know it’s far and costs money to get here, thank you very much. Also, great voice and real proper support. Thank you. It’s not round the corner, it’s a big ask, it’s a big effort and I’m really pleased that the fans got a performance before Christmas, one that they can have faith in and encouragement. 

“The two results before weren’t a flash in the pan. We can be consistently good today, I’ll make sure of that. The boys are brilliant lads and they’re going to give their all, week in and week out. We’ll do it for the badge.”

One player who was missing was Troy Howard. Maxwell explained “Unfortunately he wasn’t well today. Had the flu and we wish him well. We know how dangerous Troy is, we know what he brings to the table. He’s dynamite. I though TQ (Addy) took his opportunity well. He did some good things he should have scored but he created a good chance as well. It’s a squad game and we’ve got to have everyone ready.”

On the positive side, Greg Cundle was named in the sixteen for the first time since sustaining an injury in mid-October. “He’s trained well this week.” confirmed Maxwell. “I thought we’d bring him today. I didn’t know whether we’d need him or not but he was ready to come on and contribute and it’s good that he did. He’s another option, something different, a diverse attacking option.”

Picture supplied by Peter Jozwiak.