Tuesday evening proved to be another proud occasion for Welling United’s academy with no fewer than eight youngsters playing their part in helping the Wings to victory in the Kent Senior Cup over Sittingbourne.

18-year old Cameron Andrews captained the side as the Wings shared a 2-2 draw at Park View Road before winning 5-4 on penalties to win through to the third round.

Andrews netted the second of the evening with a penalty in the first half and he was joined on the scoresheet by fellow academy graduate Sam Bayford, who opened the scoring with a fine finish.

They were joined in the starting XI by Anthony Musoke and David Kamara, while Nams Kane, Enoch Muwonge and Reelwan Lugboso emerged from the bench and Archie Gumbrell remained an unused sub.

And Academy Director Barry Jeffreys believes the match was another sure sign of the progress made by the club’s youth set-up.

“Having four scholars and U23s in the starting line-up and another four on the bench made it a great night for the academy,” said Jeffreys.

“With Sam and Cam scoring, plus Cam, David and Enoch having the strength of mind to step up and score penalties in a senior game, it’s testament to them.

“It’s really positive signs for our U23s and academy staff and the work they are doing in developing our academy players.

“As an academy, we will continue to make huge investment in youth development for the club.

“Cam has shown it is possible to break into the first team squad and, hopefully, there will be many more in future years that will follow his path or sign for professional clubs.”