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Welling United 2 Eastleigh 2 match report

Energetic Welling came close to taking maximum points off big-spending Eastleigh at Park View Road on Tuesday night.

After a slow start from the hosts, they finally got into their stride and created plenty of problems for Eastleigh, who were grateful to leave with their unbeaten start to the campaign still intact.

Welling conceded lots of possession and territory early on and eventually paid the price when James Constable slotted home his fourth goal in as many games to give Eastleigh a 22nd-minute lead.

Welling celebrate their second goal against Eastleigh. Picture: Keith Gillard
Welling celebrate their second goal against Eastleigh. Picture: Keith Gillard

The Wings levelled with their first serious attack in the 31st minute when Ben Jefford's left-wing cross was turned into his own net by Jamie Turley.

On-loan Leyton Orient midfielder Harry Lee and Sam Corne started to get on top while loan striker George Porter gave the Eastleigh backline no time on the ball, constantly getting behind them with a tireless display.

Xavier Vidal was never picked up in the hole and he continued to pull the strings for Welling in the second half.

Porter almost made it 2-1 early in the second half, easing the flustered Joe Partington off the ball before advancing into the area and sending a low right-foot shot just wide of the upright.

Only a last-ditch tackle denied VIdal just before the hour, though referee Nigel Lugg somehow gave a goal kick when Vidal's follow-up to Porter's low shot was diverted over the bar.

Porter then robbed Turley to set up Vidal but he sliced his right-foot shot wide from the edge of the box.

At the other end, substitute Jai Reason fed in Constable but his low right-foot shot was beaten away by keeper Tom King.

Former Wings striker Ross Lafayette was replaced with a quarter of the game to go and he could only watch on as Welling went ahead on 72 minutes.

Xavier Vidal puts Welling ahead against Eastleigh. Picture: Keith Gillard
Xavier Vidal puts Welling ahead against Eastleigh. Picture: Keith Gillard

Skipper Ricky Wellard, who barely got on the ball in the first half, cut inside to create havoc in the Eastleigh defence and his clever feet saw the ball finally fall to Vidal, who slotted home from close range.

Eastleigh appeared to be running out of ideas but Welling switched off from a free-kick with 12 minutes to go and former Gillingham man Ben Strevens nodded in unmarked from close range to make it 2-2.

Rather than sit back, Welling responded immediately and Zach Fagan almost headed in an equaliser from Wellard's free-kick, seeing his header hit the crossbar and bounce over.

Welling: King, Jefford, Fagan, Chambers, Porter (Kabba 70mins), Lee, Wellard, Lokko, Corne, Harris, Vidal. Subs not used: McEntegart, Adeyinka, Nortey, Obafemi. Attendance: 545.

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