Wednesday 27 FEBRUARY 2008
Blue Square South
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Wednesday 27 FEBRUARY 2008 Blue Square South |
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County had to dig deep to secure a vital victory after a return of just one point from the three previous Blue Square South games had threatened to derail the push for a play-off place. The disappointment of being outplayed by leaders Lewes three days earlier did not deter the more hardy of County travellers and around 80 fans made the difficult midweek journey to the far side of the capital to give outstanding vocal support.
Glyn Thompson was ruled unfit to start in goal and this was to cause some trepidation for those supporters who wondered how 18 year-old Scott James would cope on his debut. The powerfully built local teenager had performed well in recent games for Cinderford and he was not fazed by the step-up, so both Scott and his father Brad, who was among the crowd, should be well pleased with his display, as was a delighted Peter Beadle.
In front of him was Paul Cochlin, who was making his first appearance in a County shirt since sustaining a career threatening injury 14 months ago, one game after scoring the winner when we last visited Park View Road. Paul has been earning regular praise with his displays for both Almondsbury Town and Cirencester Town, where he had been farmed out on loan to regain his match sharpness. Lee Fowler stepped down to accommodate a central midfield pairing of Nathan Davies and Andy Gurney.
County immediately settled into the game with Gurney forcing an early save from Jamie Turner and the anticipated goal came on 15 minutes following a sloppy piece of defending from Chris Moore. Nathan Davies launched a long ball forward to pick out the run of Charlie Griffin and as Moore tried to intervene, he raised his arm and made contact, so referee John Magill pointed to the penalty spot. There was no dispute about the decision and JASON BOWEN emphatically beat Turner from 12 yards.
Welling had added to their squad since the recent appointment of former Gravesend manager Andy Ford but they were without a win in eight league and cup games at home, and their play betrayed their lack of confidence. Gurney had another chance to show his expertise from set pieces with a 27th minute free-kick near the left corner of the penalty area and he hit the ball with such pace that when it took a glance off the head of PAUL COCHLIN, it had only one destination.
County were pegged back though from Welling’s first corner which was taken short on the right and when the ball was played to the far post, a brave effort from James could not stop SAM GARGAN, a loan signing from Brighton, forcing it just over the line, with the referee correctly awarding the goal.
From then on County had to work hard to retain their advantage but they did so and James dealt with what little traffic came his way with confidence and authority. Cochlin was positively outstanding alongside a dominant Lee Jarman at the back and there were industrious performances throughout the team which, with Davies and Gurney, had a strong looking spine.
Griffin was a constant threat with his goal partner Craig Hughes full of running and this pair, though finding chances difficult to come by, both showed a commendable appetite for the game. Neither side could direct efforts on target in the second half with Griffin nearest to scoring with a 20 yard drive in the 51st minute which whistled just past the post with Turner helpless.
There were nervous moments for the County fans, particularly as the game drifted into stoppage time and Welling forced two corners to double their tally for the game. James dealt with both with great authority and the points were safely on their way to Newport along with the exodus via the M25.
A word about the match officials who could scarcely be questioned by either set of fans, and who did their jobs with no fuss; their performances should be role models for those whistlers who think the crowd has come to watch them.
Man of the Match: Welling: Ellis Green (His delivery did not match his promise, but his pace on the right was a threat). County: Paul Cochlin (He seems to enjoy this venue - commanding display). Special Mention: Scott James (A debut he can be proud of). |
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© Colin Jeremiah |
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