Welling United manager Tony Reynolds put out the reserve team for the club's Dr Martens first-round cup-tie at Tonbridge Angels last week.

But the shadow squad came within seconds of earning a replay against a team languishing fifth-

bottom in a division below them.

Reynolds had rested virtually all of his first-team squad in preparation for Saturday's FA Cup first-round trip to the Madejski Stadium to play Second

Division Reading.

But it gave the Welling boss a chance to field to his two promising youngsters Sam Saunders and Dean Standen

Welling, though, came under early pressure and the Angels went ahead when former Dartford player Mark Greatorex was fouled just outside the penalty box and Graham Robertson drove the free-kick past keeper Colin Lewington, one of the few experienced players in the United line up.

But Welling were not downhearted and they took just five minutes to equalise when Saunders shot beyond Joseph Radford in the

Angels goal.

After the break, Welling again came under pressure but just when it seemed they had defended well enough to take the teams back to Park View Road for a replay, they were beaen by a late sucker-punch when Greatorex was left unmarked at the far post to beat Lewington.

United, who played at Kings Lynn as we went to press last night, entertain Stafford Rangers at Park View Road on Saturday at 3pm.

November 20, 2001 12:00