Maidstone United (S) 1-5 Welling United

Team : Jordan Busby, Chris Dunphy (Reece Parmenter), Ed Willoughby, Ian Brooke, Joel Thompson, Jack Badu, Mark Eaton, Josh Smith (Matt Steer), Dan Badu (Gabriel Odunaike), James Cummings, Rishi Nankani

Unused Sub: Charlie Hookway

Injured: Ollie Green, Matt Vitty


Scorers: Rishi Nankani (40, 72), Ian Brooke (43), James Cummings (49), Gabriel Odunaike (89)


Kens Comments:
“On a really difficult pitch that was bobbling and cut up, we did well to keep trying to play football throughout. Having had one good goal disallowed, and two blatant hand balls in the box, not given by the referee, it looked like it could be one of those days. However, 3 goals in 9 minutes either side of half time saw us through comfortably.

A huge thanks to Ady for coming to watch the lads, which was a real boost for them, and for some useful bits of advice both at half time and at the end. Glad we were able to win for him. I would also like to say a massive thanks to Bruno, who made the very long journey down today, and continues to be a massive supporter of what we are trying to achieve for the club.”


Adie’s comments
“A good win on a difficult pitch. It was very bumpy and it was windy.

The boys did very well and there were some good performances. The fitness levels told with us getting 2 late goals as Maidstone tired.

Phil and I have the boys training with the first team as we want a proper youth team we can call on if needed.

All credit to Ken who is doing a good job.

I’m glad I came.”


Bruno’s comments
On the way down to Maidstone there was an item on the radio which was saying how people can go to the same event and have different views. I believe this applies to the boys view of the match and mine. My view was that the overall performance was better in the second half.

I saw the first half as a somewhat mixed performance with some good patches and Welling deservedly went into half time 2-0 up. Jack’s brother Dan made his debut taking Gabriel’s place at the front and I was impressed with his performance.

From my viewpoint the second half was more controlled and this resulted in some good football. Welling were without doubt the better side and produced the killer goal within 5 minutes of the half starting. Maidstone who were now playing for pride managed to score their only goal before Welling put the game beyond doubt with a 4th goal in the 72nd minute. The 5th goal came in the last minute, a testament to the fitness of the Welling side.

It was great to see Adie making time, in what is already a heavy work schedule, to come out and see the lads play and offer them advice. I would like to thank him for giving me that bit more of his time to get his comments on the match.