Welling is not exactly the touristy end of London. writes Mike Wallis. The number of nail bars between the station and the ground was in double figures, a dodgy looking barber shop was broadcasting an even dodgier looking feed of the lunchtime Premier League match to the street, a man with a mahoosive dog was waiting for his tyres to be changed in the garage.
Welling’s ground is proper stereotypical non-league. Low stands, dodgy scaffolding, precarious terracing and a toilet which consisted of a blocked pipe with an apologetic bog roll balanced on the sink. Compared to the generic soulless 3Gs that have become all too common in this league, it’s great.
Welling are playing in this league for the first time ever (a fact nicked from Stu on the forum) and it’s our first meeting for 15 years in a competitive fixture. The printed (!) programme suggests there’s been a full squad turnover this summer, with the former Millwall midfielder Lee Martin taking over as manager.
Welling came out flying, might’ve been 1–0 up within a minute and might’ve been 2–0 up inside five minutes, but both chances were missed and that’s as good as it got for them. Lewes gradually took control of the game, numerous crosses going into the box but nobody around to stick the ball in the net. Ian Gayle had the best chances, two headers at the far post either side of half time that really should’ve gone in.
The Supporters Club’s PR consultant, Al, gave the Welling goalkeeper and the diminutive Welling #23 some useful feedback on their respective performances throughout the second half. And also to the referee, who decided late on that every single foul was worthy of a yellow card.
I think away trips are always at their most satisfying after a late winner. Kaan Bennett obliged today, arrowing a shot into the bottom corner after a corner was partially cleared. The dodgy scaffolding shook and the youth wing charged off to celebrate in the corner.
It was a tight game, but Lewes just about edged it. Two wins from three and we’re already talking about the playoffs.
Lewes: Rodgers, Bowry (Gayle), Iandolo, Burchell, Bernal (Morgan), Asiedu, Chadwick, Clark (Erskine), Bennett, West (Christmas), Figueria (Walker).
Goal: Bennett (83)
Supporters Club player of the match: Billie Clark had an excellent game in midfield, seemed to be playing simultaneously in defence and attack. Honourable mentions to Chadwick, Bennett and Louis Rodgers who didn’t have many saves to make but caught every cross that came his way.