An early Welling United goal proved decisive as they claimed a home derby win against Ramsgate in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

Just five minutes were on the clock when they scored in what turned out to be the defining moment. Zak O’Keefe broke down the right hand side and crossed deep for Nahum Melvin-Lambert to touch home his fourth goal of the season.

Looking to build on their fast start, Ryan Blackman’s corner was headed out as far as Tyrell Miller-Rodney, however, he was unable to get his head over his hooked effort and it flew high over. At the other end Alfie Paxman crossed to the near post and Callum Jones, hoping to add to his five goals so far this season, met it with a near post header that went straight into the arms of Mackenzie Foley.

O’Keefe again got forward from his right back position and did well to make space for himself before firing over then Demaray Anyadike struck a shots sweetly from wide right and Ramsgate goalkeeper Jonny Henly held on to it well. As half time approached, Blackman strode forwards and laid it off to Fumnaya Shomotun. He got down to the bye-line and pulled it back to Melvin-Lambert and his shot was blocked bravely by Raphe Brown.

After the break, and with the Rams now playing down the slope, they had a bit more of the game without creating opportunities. Manager Ady Pennock then brought on Solomon Ogunwomoju as a substitute and he had an immediate opportunity when blasting an effort wide of the near post.

Sam Smith, a Welling substitute, delivered a free kick that was inches out of the reach of Nathan Bertram-Cooper in the middle and Lekan Majoyegbe at the far post before Jacob Bland could only prod straight at Foley after doing well to create the opportunity for himself.

Five minutes remained when the Rams had a fantastic opportunity to level. Paxman drove in a dangerous cross, Welling struggled to clear, and it fell kindly for Ogunwomoju. He failed to take full advantage a smashed it high over the bar from five yards out.

Another Smith free kick caused problems for the Rams and Anyadike hooked over before the visitors had one last chance deep into stoppage time. Foley made a good save from Jones and it came out to Paxman. He crossed and the bandaged head of Dave Winfield sent it over.

Victory for Welling gave them three out of three at home, all with clean sheets, while Pennock’s new and evolving side have won two out of their five matches played so far.

Welling United: Foley; O’Keefe, Majoyegbe, Bertram-Cooper, Arthur (Bennett 86); Miller-Rodney, Blackman (Reynolds 68); Anyadike, Kingsford (Smith 64), Shomotun (Ufuah 68); Melvin-Lambert (Azeez 76). Subs not used: None.

Goalscorers: Melvin-Lambert (5)
Yellow card:

Ramsgate: Henly; Lukomdo (Ampedu 85), Winfield, Brown, Clifford (Lewis 77); Gurung (Mann 88), Bland; Paxman, Munday (Wright 59), Jones; Liburd (Ogunwomoju 64). Subs not used: None.

Goalscorers:
Yellow card: Gurung (87 foul), Bland (90+3)

Referee: Jake Woodman
Assistants: Ashley Diamond and Liam Dawson

Attendance: 832

Images courtesy of Keith Gillard