On Valentine’s Day Welling United drew in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the first time, and claimed just their second clean sheet when St Albans City visited them. After the game, Wings’ manager Ryan Maxwell gave his thoughts.

“Over the piece, I think it was a game that could have gone either way, albeit they had a penalty that we saved, other than that it could have gone either way.” he said.

“I was very pleased with how our boys applied themselves. We had a bit of a game plan, today, on what was a very difficult pitch due to the weather. Fair play to the ground-staff for getting it on, by the way, they did a great job, but they carried it out really well.”

“We were in the game, They had a bit more possession than us. We kind of wanted that to happen and we still managed a goal threat as well, as did they. 

“It was a very competitive fixture, a bit cat and mouse at times but ultimately you’ve got to look at the whole picture of it. It could’ve gone either way and at the end of the day it’s a very good strong point here.”

“I think they’re a decent side, there’s no doubt about that, and they can move it well but it’s our first draw of the season and a clean sheet so they’re definitely the positives but I won’t get carried away with that, but it’s a good point.”

Just eight minutes were on the board when Welling goalkeeper saved the penalty before going on to put in a man of the match performance. “I thought he was brilliant.” said Maxwell.

“Take away the penalty save which was a fantastic individual moment of quality from him, I think he manages his box well, he came and punched a few things, made two decent saves as well, on top of that, so I think he’s done really well today and I think that he was going to have to play well today to make sure we had a clean sheet kept intact and he did. I was really pleased for him.”

Four new players were introduced taking the shirt number up to sixty-nine, but Maxwell will continue to recruit wherever he thinks that he can improve the squad. “I’ll do whatever I have to do.” he confirmed.

“The number on the shirt does not concern me at all, it shouldn’t concern anybody. What concerns me is the points on the board. We’ll do what we have to do, it’s as simple as that, The new boys did well. I was pleased with them. I thought Stefan (Vukoje) was really good. We brought him into the game early.”

“Gio (Crichlow), I know from Braintree. We’ve still got to get him up to speed. Ollie (Rawlins) is a lad who attracted my attention last season. A young man, nineteen, but I feel that there’s a real player in there. We’ll have to nurture him along the way to make him effective straight away but they’re all very good lads, very good listeners, and that’s half the battle.”

On absentees, Maxwell said “Jack Thomas is injured. He’s got a badly swollen up toe. It keeps swelling. He’s had it drained and it looks like it’s settled today. Should be able to deal with it this week. Sam (Oguntayo), we’re trying to get some valuable minutes elsewhere. Junior (Savane) is on the comeback trail but I couldn’t tell you when. Sonny Black wasn’t with us today but could well be this week.”

Despite the number of newcomers in the last couple of weeks, Maxwell hasn’t released anyone. He explained: “How it works here is if you sign for Welling and you want to be here for the duration and understand why your signing, you may be in the side, you may have to go and get games elsewhere. I need people at the ready when they’re called upon.”

“No-one’s going to get ready off the sofa. They’ve got to be ready, playing games, keeping fit, super sharp and competitive for when they’re asked to come and play and do that for the cause. They know what they’ve signed up for, they’re in a fight, everyone’s aware of it so they’re just having to do what I ask.”

“We’re using the dual registration avenue for the benefit of both us and the other teams that need some players. Ultimately, we want to get them fit and sharp and keep them at the ready. Olu (Oluwatimilehin) is on dual registration at the moment with Hythe Town but he is close to being fit for us.” 

Picture supplied by Keith Gillard.