Welling United boss Tony Reynolds was hugely disappointed with his side's defence as they threw away the lead three times in Saturday's Dr Martens Premier League 4-4 draw at Merthyr Tydfil.

It was an entertaining game for the 424 crowd, but Reynolds was unhappy as the Wings conceded a last-minute equaliser.

Reynolds said: "We can't stop scoring, but defensively we were very poor. To score four goals away from home and not win was very disappointing and I've not been this disheartened for ages."

It was United's second 4-4 this season, the first coming against Cambridge City in September.

The Wings took the lead in the first minute when in-form Dean Standen beat home keeper Thomas. But their lead lasted just seven minutes when Danny Haines levelled for Tydfil.

Dave Flemming restored Wings' advantage after 38 minutes, and it was Standen who looked to have given Welling a valuable winning 3-1 lead on the hour, when he popped up for his second.

But an unfortunate own-goal by Lew Watts reduced the advantage two minutes later and Haines equalised for the second time after 76 minutes.

Welling thought they had won it when Anthony Rivierre made in 4-3 two minutes from time, but Merthyr rescued a point when Savage scored with the last kick of the game.

Reynolds added: "We conceded three goals from inswinging corners and we had been defensively strong in recent weeks, which we weren't at the beginning of the season.

"If we're going to win games, it won't be through lack of scoring, but we must defend

better as a unit."

Welling United entertain Worcester City at Park View Road, on Saturday at 3pm, while their reward for beating Erith & Belvedere in the FA Trophy is an away tie at Grays Athletic.

December 11, 2001 17:41