New look Welling United claimed a much need three Isthmian League Premier Division points at home to Cheshunt.

Ryan Maxwell, Welling’s manager, held a brunch Q&A with supporters in which he promised that he would give supporters reason to enjoy watching the team. Although, he is still working hard to build a team that plays in his style, the performance against Cheshunt showed that it was more than just words.

Although there were no clear chances for the first half an hour, his team spent the majority of it in the visitors’ half probing for an opportunity. When it eventually came, they took full advantage. Jack Paxman delivered a free kick that was not cleared and fell to Sonny Black on debut. He turned on the edge of the area and his shot flew inside the post giving Cheshunt goalkeeper Ayman Azaze no chance.

As half time approached, the Wings came close again when John Ufuah’s clever pass sent Troy Howard through and Azaze came out quickly to deny the pacey winger from marking his bow with a first half goal.

After the interval, the visitors showed a little more intent and their half time substitutes Luka Chalwell and Isaac Okello started to make an impact. The former hit a long range shot that Welling’s third debutant, goalkeeper Roraigh Browne, saved comfortably, then Chalwell hit a first time volley over when a long throw was cleared out to him.

Okello made his presence felt when he tricked his way into the penalty area and fell under the challenge of Lekan Majoyegbe and a spot kick was awarded. Sam Granville converted, sending Browne the wrong way.

Despite the set-back, and having to play up the slope, Welling enjoyed the better of the subsequent exchanges but left it late before going back ahead. Jonah Walker made a good tackle in an advanced position down the left before finding Jamie Reynolds. He crossed to the far post where Howard showed great technique to volley home.

Looking for a quick response, Okello headed over for the visitors before the Wings guaranteed the three points in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Howard outpaced his market and poked it past Azaze to get to the bye-line. He then crossed low for Femi Akinwande to tap home for the easiest goal that he will ever score.

Welling United: Browne; Savane, Majoyegbe, Arthur, Walker; Thomas; Paxman (Akinwande 79), Black (Oluwatimilehin 75); Howard (Addy 90+9), Allen (Reynolds 66), Howard, Ufuah. Subs not used: Currie.

Goalscorers: Black (34), Howard (86), Akinwande (90+7)

Yellow cards: Thomas (21 foul), Savane (84 foul)

Cheshunt: Azaze; Akolbire, Furlong, Wilson-Braithwaite, Romer (Richefond 89); Granville, Iontton (Chalwell 46); Curran-Browne (Vasillou 86), Fanimo, Effa: Smith-Kouassi (Okello 46). Subs not used: Turner.

Goalscorers: Granville pen (66)

Yellow cards: Furlong (33 foul)

Referee: Craig Charles

Assistants: Mungo Prior and Alan Steward

Attendance: 536

Images courtesy of Peter Jozwiak