Immediate impact from Anderson

THE departure of four players and two newcomers, both on loan, meant a much changed Welling United squad from the last league game two weeks earlier.

When taking into account injuries, Wings manager Andy Ford only had 15 players available, leaving one vacant seat on the substitutes’ bench.

One of the newcomers made an immediate impact.

A long ball over the top proved too difficult for Weston-super-Mare captain Andy Gurney and his weak header allowed Jerome Anderson a free run on goal.

The striker, on loan from Stevenage, hit a fierce shot which gave goalkeeper Ryan Northmore little chance.

Gurney then spent a minute berating Northmore despite clearly being at fault.

The hosts were denied a penalty from the corner when Matthew McEntegart was clearly hauled back before Weston had their only real chance of the first half when Marc McGregor lobbed Jamie Turner, only to see his effort come back off the crossbar.

A lovely move between Graeme Andrews, Charlie Sheringham and Anderson showed what Welling supporters had been missing at recent games, although on this occasion it came to nothing.

Further good football resulted in Welling’s second goal in the 31st minute when a perfectly weighted ball from Anderson gave Lee Blackburn a run at goal.

Showing admirable composure he didn’t rush the chance, instead turning defender Charlie Comyn-Platt before striking low and hard past Northmore.

Four minutes later, Ford’s joy turned to dismay as Ryan Johnson picked up a knock, requiring him to be replaced by young Richard Stevens.

This appeared to knock the hosts out of their stride and Weston had two chances early in the second half, Turner tipping over from Ben Wells before making another good save low to his right from McGregor.

Gradually, Sonny Cobbs and Blackburn regained control of midfield despite a growing number of strange decisions by the referee who believed any Welling tackle in midfield was a foul, while failing to offer any protection to Turner in the Welling goal.

Stevens came close to opening his Welling account when, coming in from the left, his delicate chip went just wide of the far post.

Cobbs then shot wide and a first time shot by Anderson from a long ball by Cobbs was just off target.

Ashan Holgate headed over from a Weston corner before Anderson had a further opportunity for the Wings, lobbing Northmore but also clearing the crossbar.

Yet another peculiar ruling by the referee caused McEntegart to voice his opinion too forcibly and he was shown the yellow card.

Cobbs followed soon after for an innocuous looking foul.

As time ran down, Blackburn was replaced by Joe Healey.

However, Welling continued to make chances with Sheringham shooting just wide from an Andrews pass and Ellis Green being thwarted by the keeper, who punched his fierce drive over the bar.

Welling: Turner, Andrews, Cobbs, Blackburn (Healey 79), Matthew McEntegart, Sinclair, Green, Johnson (Stevens 35), Anderson, Sheringham, Gross. Subs not used: Michael McEntegart, Chappell. Att: 550.