Harvey Humphris reports from Park View Road
Welling United gained victory in their penultimate pre-season fixture against Ebbsfleet United at Park View Road on Tuesday evening.
Rod Stringer’s side took the lead after four minutes after a well-struck effort from Oscar Borg was saved by Harrison Firth but came straight to Elliot Long who was able to convert from close range.
Ebbsfleet then came close to levelling the scoring on 18 minutes when Greg Cundle made a darting run into the Wings’ penalty area. However, his effort was comfortably parried away from danger by the hosts’ goalkeeper Rhys Lovett.
At the other end, Welling had a big chance to double their advantage when Martell Taylor-Crossdale played an excellent angled through-ball into Gene Kennedy who saw his effort saved by an outstretched Firth.
The home side came agonisingly close again just before the hour mark when midfielder Kennedy’s long-range effort rippled against the side netting.
Shortly after on 63 minutes, it was the. visitors’ turn to have a big chance when Dom Samuel rattled the post from the edge of the 18-yard box after a good piece of skill to beat the Welling defence.
Ebbsfleet then continued their momentum and fell short again on 72 minutes when Franklin Domi’s goalward effort was met with a big block on the line from the substitute Zain Walker.
The Wings had a very good opportunity to double their advantage in the final minute, but the attempted chip from Jack Munns came to no avail and was handled by Firth.
Overall, it was a routine victory for the home side who gain their fourth win of their pre-season campaign before taking on former EFL side Sutton United at Park View Road on Saturday.
Welling United: Lovett, Johnson, Borg (H Walker 64), Burchell, Trialist A, Wells (Trialist B 85), Long (Munns 79), Kennedy (Trialist C 85), Taylor-Crossdale (Chukwu 74), Grant (Cornish 74), Bramble (Z Walker 64)
Subs (not used): Pitterson
Goal: Long 4
Ebbsfleet: Firth, Cordner, Fonguck, Poleon, Cundle, Domi, Edser, Tanga, Phillips, Dallison, Thomas
Subs: Cousins, O’Neill, Page, Wright, John, Kellermann, Samuel, Chapman, Tanner, Trialist A
