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Eastbourne Borough faced Welling United on a calm September evening knowing that a point or 3 would allow them to top the Blue Square South table for at least 24 hours. The starting 11 remained from the win over Braintree Town, Ethan Strevett replacing Ben Austin on the bench.
Boro were again on the attack straight from the off. On 40 seconds Matt Crabb delivered a deep left-wing cross that just evaded Scott Ramsay. The ball fell to Pat Harding, the ball not sitting right for a full bloodied effort, the shot scuffed and cleared, However Boro maintained the pressure on the ball and Harding played a lovely ball through to Ramsay who raced into the 18 yards box; his effort straight at the advancing Clark Masters, undoubtedly the Welling M-O-M. With Welling struggling to contain Boro a left-wing corner was met by Andy Atkin on 2 minutes; his clever flick steering the ball just inside the post for 1-0. The Sports continued to press their advantage and a minute later another Crabb delivery was met by Ramsay. The low cross was turned goal-ward by the No. 9 but in keeping the shot under control the direction was straight at Masters from 6 yards.
Welling’s 1st effort on goal came after 7 minutes when a measured ball into the left-wing channel allowed Fabian Quintyn to strike a 1st time effort just over Lee Hook’s bar. Boro were again playing attractive penetrating football and on 15 minutes Paul Armstrong and Harding fed the ball to Ramsay who was honest enough to stay on his feet when tripped but stab a close range effort goal-ward; Masters again blocking the effort. Welling were being forced into some last gasp defending as Leoon Solomon prevented Armstrong finishing off another excellent Boro move. Crabb was denied by masters rushing out of his penalty area to clear with his feet and Omari Coleman shot wide when well placed for the visitors.
Coleman was replaced by Lloyd Blackman at half-time but Boro had an immediate chance to extend their lead from the re-start. clever header from Harding found Ramsay on the left-side of the Welling box. His 1st touch took him past the defender and into the area but the challenge was late and Mr .Jerden had no hesitation in awarding a penalty on 46 minutes. Ramsay picked himself up but his effort was blocked by the keepers trailing leg, the difference remained Atkins early strike. Welling had a better 2nd half than 1st and on 51 minutes Daniel Maxwell hooked on a loose clearance, the lobbed effort beat the Boro defence but struck the bar to deny the equaliser. Maxwell’s rising effort was tipped over by Hook and Quintyn chipped an effort over the keeper but also the bar on 68 minutes as Welling worked hard to get back into the game. Both sides had half-chances but in truth Boro had done more than enough to win the fixture by 2 or 3; the win enough to achieve the top spot over night; ‘ Sports fans attention started to turn towards The Dripping Pan the following day for the Lewes result.
Match Details - Webmaster.
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