Although Welling United were devastated at conceding a 95th minute equaliser at Hampton and Richmond Borough on Easter Monday it was still an excellent point.
Third placed Hampton have only lost once at home all season so it should be looked at a point well won.
That should give them plenty of confidence heading into their home game with league leaders Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday.
Lee Bradbury’s Hawks are three points clear at the top but have played one game more than second placed Dartford and the two clubs have very similar away records. Havant have the best away record in the league so it was a surprise when they were held 0-0 at basement club on Easter Monday.
It’s an equally important game for Welling as they are now in seventh place, the final play-off place, a point ahead of Chelmsford City having played a game more.
Going forward, Welling have threats galore. Jamie Philpot’s goal at Hampton was his sixth in six starts plus two appearances from the bench. Adam Coombes has scored four times in five appearances since he re-signed from the club.
Both Bradley Goldberg and Joe Healy are in double figures for the season and there are threats from the back when Welling win corners or free kicks in dangerous positions.
On the debit side they have a small squad and player-manager Jamie Coyle will be hoping that the injuries sustained by Healy and Archie Johnson at Hampton are not too serious.
When the two teams met in Hampshire in September, Welling won an incident packed match 3-2. Jack Jebb put Welling ahead when he curled in a superb free kick. However three minutes before half time Wes Fogden levelled. Welling responded immediately and Jebb showed great composure to restore Welling’s lead.
Healy extended Welling’s lead twenty minutes into the second half All seemed comfortable for Welling until with four minutes remaining, Coyle brought down Jason Prior in the penalty area.
Dillon Barnes, Welling’s goalkeeper and Havant striker Alfie Rutherford got involved in a fracas resulting in the former being dismissed and the latter cautioned. As outfield player Connor Dymond donned the goalkeeper’s jersey, the referee hunted out Coyle and showed him a second yellow.
Prior stepped up but was left with his head in his hands as Dymond took a step to the right and beat out his spot kick.
On the break, Welling missed a great chance to finish the game then Prior pulled one back. It was too little too late and nine men Welling were soon celebrating with their supporters.
Should Saturday’s game be half as eventful, spectators are in for a treat..
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.