Welling started well and in the opening few minutes Hookway, having worked a good opening, just missed the target. Luke Phillips, Chatham’s keeper was also called upon to make a couple of good saves. It was Chatham though who were creating the best chances.
With half time approaching some indecisive defending allowed Chatham’s centre forward to open the scoring.
Half time Welling United 0 – 1 Chatham Town
Strong words must have been said during half time and Welling came out a different side, defending much better and creating chances. The ball was being played to Nankani’s feet and despite having two man markers throughout, his quick feet and pace began to have a telling effect.
Ed Willoughby came on for James Cummings who had been struggling to fight of a virus.
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Nankani scored with a spectacular overhead kick, though there may be a case that the ball was helped on its way by a Chatham defender’s head.
Vitty came on for Bertuello and five minutes later he latched onto a great cross from Ed Willoughby, heading it past the keeper who collided with him. Anxious seconds passed as Vitty lay on the ground having been knocked out in the collision and but thankfully he suffered no serious injury.
The lead was held onto fairly easily with the defence being marshalled much better by Thompson.
As the game approached full time an opportunity to put the game beyond Chatham was presented when Dunphy broke down the right but his shot ended up in the car park.
After the match Ken Brooke said “This was a rather fortunate result, but did show the lads resolve not to want to get beaten. This was probably the worst we have played for several months, but Chatham came and played very well, and sometimes you can only play as well as the opposition lets you! They will go away frustrated that they did not take their chances but well done lads for battling to the end and getting the right result.”
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YOUTH are the future
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"The worst thing you can do is make a committment and not meet it and I understand that." Barrie Hobbins 14 August 2010
