Welling United kicked off the season with a 1-0 victory over Aveley at Park View Road on Saturday.
Martell Taylor-Crossdale marked his debut with a spectacular winner midway through the first half which was all that was needed to get those all-important first three points on the board.
A fairly even first half saw the Wings register the first effort on goal, with skipper Dave Winfield seeing his header saved by visiting stopper Carey Bloedorm after just five minutes.
A midfield battle ensued for much of the half and it wasn’t until just after the half-hour mark that the next piece of action came with Rhys Lovett making a superb save to keep out Luke Allen’s powerful header, tipping it around the post.
Lovett was called into action again six minutes later when he made another eye-catching save to push Eze Ikechi’s free-kick over with Aveley having the better of the latter exchanges of the half.
Before the break, though, there was still time for Elliot Long to see his shot from distance hit the side-netting.
A pair of good chances came and went for Welling early in the second period with Gene Kennedy first skidding a shot inches wide of the post from inside the box.
In the 53rd minute, a glorious opportunity evaded half-time substitute Reece Grant, who could not divert a right-wing cross over the line from five yards, with the ball hitting him and bouncing wide.
In truth, the Wings dominated the second half as they firmly began to get on top and it was only a matter of time before they took a deserved lead.
Indeed, that lead came in the 61st minute in spectacular fashion.
Taylor-Crossdale picked up possession some 25 yards from goal before eyeing up his effort. He then unleashed a sumptuous, curling shot which kissed the crossbar via the top right-hand corner before nestling in the net.
Aveley only had one chance of note at the other end which was gifted to them somewhat as Joshua Anifowose was left one-on-one from close range – but once again, the outstanding Lovett was on hand to stand big and snuff out the danger.
Long saw a shot well saved in the latter stages as the Wings professionally managed their lead. And it led to a well-earned victory as Rod Stringer’s men claimed their first three points of the campaign.
Attention will now turn to the first away trip of the season next Saturday as Welling head to Bath City.
Welling United: Lovett, Johnson (Mensah 87), Burchell, Winfield, Wells, Borg (Martin 59), A Grant (Cornish 71), Kennedy, Bramble (R Grant 46), Long, Taylor-Crossdale (Walker 83).
Goal: Taylor-Crossdale 61
Aveley: Bloedorm, Ring, Hallard, Ikechi (Carlyle 85), Gibbs, Beadle, Ogunrinde (Aileru 73), Kelly, Hughes, Allen (Anifowose 48), Coleman (Hernandez 73).
Subs (not used): Bernal.
Referee: Matthew Norton
Att: 678
