Sunday, August 01 2010

Welling United 1 Havant and Waterlooville 0

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by Matthew Panting

Welling got back to winning ways with a nerve-jangling victory over nine-man Havant in Blue Square South on Saturday.

The Wings bagged the points courtesy of Lee Clarke's eighth-minute penalty but they then failed to add to their tally despite playing against nine men for more than half the game.

Welling took an early lead when Jack Parkinson was foolishly dragged down in the box by Jay Gasson and Clarke sent keeper Nathan Ashmore the wrong way from the spot.

It was a decision that seemed to set the tone for an indiscplined first half from the visitors, who constantly moaned at the officials and then pressed the self-destruct button themselves.

Sam Hurrell blazed over when it was easier to score Welling's second goal on 20 minutes before Havant were twiced denied in quick succession, Michael Deane clearing off the line and then substitute Steve Walker rattling the woodwork.

Havant's task was made near impossible just before half-time. Having already been booked and then been spoken to after a foul on keeper Charlie Mitten, Mustafa Tiryaki's late challenge on Graeme Andrews gave referee Breakspear little option but to produce a second caution.

In first-half stoppage time, he was joined in the dressing rooms by Ian Selley, who used none of his vast experience when clattering into Deane and collecting a second caution having already been booked for deliberate handball.

Faced with nine men in a 3-3-2 formation, Welling needed to show more patience than they did in a frustrating second half. The ball was not moved wide on enough occasions and when it did, they failed to cross with much quality.

It could have been a different story had Clarke not been belatedly flagged offside when he thought he had scored the second in the 62nd minute.

Clarke was then denied by a fine one-handed save from Ashmore late on but it was a rare threat on the Havant goal.

At the other end, as is often the way with route one sides, Havant still posed problems from free-kicks and long throw-ins. Manny Williams had the best opportunity but failed to make good contact from inside the six-yard box.

Cray surrendered a first half lead in losing 3-1 at home to Wealdstone in the Ryman League Premier Division.

Leigh Bremner put Cray in front in the 41st minute, before the Stones hit back with three second half goals.

Saturday, March 06 2010