Welling believe

Nationwide Conference South

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WELLING United believe they have a great chance of reaching the play-offs after a nail-biting victory over high-flying Weymouth.

Chris Moore turned in a captain's performance to score the 15th-minute winner in a match dominated by the home defence and which left a nasty taste in the mouth.

Boss Adrian Pennock said: "This has given everyone a lift. We were unlucky to lose to Farnborough because we created chances but this was a great result.

"The reaction of the fans coming on to the pitch to celebrate says it all and they, and us, believe we can do it."

Their reaction may have been fuelled by a nasty under-current as Weymouth's frustrating afternoon found a voice in petulant striker Raphael Nade and he refused to shake hands with members of the Welling defence at the final whistle.

Visiting boss Garry Hill also shunned Adrian Pennock's hand and instead hurled insults.

Pennock said: "I thought the reaction of the manager was a disgrace. Win, lose or draw I always shake people's hands but he was ungracious in defeat.

"He said: We battered you. I hope we meet in the play-offs because your team is rubbish' although he used far more colourful language.

"I could not believe it. I told him he was being disrespectful and not to speak to me like that.

"I wish in hindsight I'd asked him if he had given up on automatic promotion and thanked him for hoping we make the play-offs."

Welling started the match in confident mood with latest Nationwide Conference South player of the month Danny Kedwell seeing his powerful shot deflected wide.

For the visitors Ben Smith shot from distance but straight at Jamie Turner who was impeccable all afternoon in difficult conditions.

The only goal of the match came when Steve Perkins was fouled 25 yards from goal.

Jamie Day delivered a deep cross which Weymouth keeper Jason Matthews could only fumble and the ball fell to Moore who blasted home for his third goal of the season.

For the remainder it was all Weymouth but Welling, and Turner, Moore and John Guest in particular, were on top of their game.

In the 10 minutes immediately after the goal Weymouth's Smith shot wide, Kirk Jackson's effort was deflected for a corner, Andrew Harris' low drive was well saved and Shaun Wilkinson was denied by Turner.

With minutes of the first half remaining Harris' free-kick caused bedlam in the Wings' six-yard box but Nade could not benefit and the ball was eventually scrambled clear.

However, it was the start of Nade's war of words with Guest, Gledhill, the officials, his teammates and anyone else who cared to listen.

If the striker put as much effort into his football as he did moaning he would be a 20-goals-a-season player.

Welling started the second half as they did the first with Kedwell and Day testing the Weymouth keeper.

Meanwhile Nade made it clear he had brought his handbag out of the dressing room as he and Gledhill exchanged words at any given opportunity.

On 58 minutes Weymouth made a change and pushed three up front leading to two free-kicks on the edge of the penalty area in quick succession.

From the second Matthew Bound fired a rasping daisy-cutter which was heading for goal until Turner superbly palmed it away for a corner.

Simon Downer was next to be denied by Turner followed by another Bound free-kick.

Turner was quick off his line on 72 minutes to smother the advances of Nade who, having lost possession, sat on the ground with his arms aloft claiming everything from a penalty to first-degree murder.

Welling had a chance to settle the match when Kedwell sprang the offside trap to eventually set up Matt Bodkin but his low shot from just inside the penalty area was well saved and then cleared.

Turner was in action again almost immediately saving well from Stephen Tully and denying the ever-increasing petulant Nade.

With five minutes remaining Weymouth put four players up front but they could not get past Moore, Guest and Turner.

At the final whistle a mini pitch invasion ensued probably more through relief than celebration and while Gledhill in particular roared the victory, Nade was ushered off the pitch to prevent him causing more discomfort than he already had.

Despite unsavoury scenes at the end the result, in front of the largest crowd of the season was important .

Welling are one point off the play-offs with six games left.

Pennock said: "We more than deserved the three points on our first half performance.

"I thought Jamie Turner had an excellent game and defensively we stood firm. I was confident we'd get the three points and so, despite some people saying it was a shock result, I was not at all surprised."

Welling travel to Lewes this weekend in the last of a quartet of games against teams in the top six.

MATCH FACTS: WELLING: Turner, 8; Gledhill, 7; Solomon, 6; Guest, 7; C Moore, 8; Owen, 6 (Stadhart, 77); Carthy, 6; Kedwell, 6; Clarke, 6 (Pinnock, 63); Perkins, 7 (Bodkin, 55); Day.

SUBS NOT USED: Rowland; D Moore.

ATT: 905.