Frustration for Braintree as Welling do the double

Vanarama Conference Premier

Welling United completed a home and away double over Braintree Town as they edged a tight encounter at the Miles Smith Stadium.

The Iron came into the game with confidence after back-to-back wins had boosted them up the Vanarama Conference Premier table, but they were left disappointed by a largely underwhelming display against the Wings.

Boss Alan Devonshire opted to go with the same starting line-up that had beaten Wrexham and Telford in their previous two games and it looked to be a good move early on.

There were chances for the hosts as they controlled the opening exchanges against a Welling side that had won just one of their previous six games and had seen their top scorer leave to go on loan to Peterborough United.

Sean Marks and Charlie Strutton looked potent at the top of Braintree’s strike force, while James Mulley and Simeon Akinola showed plenty of running from wide positions.

However, with Braintree failing to find the breakthrough, the visitors came more and more into the game and pressed the Iron back.

The hard-working Charlie Penny did well up front, while Joe Healy impressed in wide areas and player/manager Jamie Day was at the heart of everything that came through their midfield.

They too lacked a real clinical edge in the final third, though, and half-time came with no score and the game finely balanced.

There was the suspicion that the first goal may be the telling one and it proved to be the case after the break, Unfortunately for Braintree, it went to Welling in the 61st minute.

A low cross from the right was flicked up off the foot of Aristide Bassele to take the ball away from Braintree attempts to clear it and Penny followed in to blast it high into the Iron net.

That was the cue for Welling to put men behind the ball and defend their slender lead.

Devonshire made changes and one of these, Dan Sparkes, brought more energy to forward forays down the right flank, but the final touch was lacking once more.

It meant that Welling were able to see out the 90 minutes by frustrating their hosts and were able to add another three points to those they claimed from a win at home back in September.