AFC Hornchurch 1-1 Welling United

AFC HORNCHURCH 1-1 WELLING UNITED
Saturday 14^th October 2006
FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Third Qualifying Round
Stephen McCartney reports from Hornchurch Stadium

AFC Hornchurch’s largest crowd of the season were treated to an enthralling FA Cup third qualifying round clash at the Hornchurch Stadium today.

A passionate crowd of 1,002 saw the highflying Ryman League Division One North hosts cancel out Welling’s early opener, through Mark Janney’s eleventh goal of the season.

But the Nationwide Conference South visitors deservedly opened the scoring after 20 minutes - from their fifth corner of the game.

Midfielder Jamie Day, who took all of his side’s 12 corners, sent in a right-footed near post corner, but this was glanced off Ronnie Fletcher and despite the Essex side’s desperate attempts to hack the ball clear, the referee stated that the ball had crossed the line.

The over-the-top public address announcer rallied home fans to get behind their side before the contest, and this had the desired effect as the “Eastside” - and the travelling Wings fans to their right - created a crescendo of noise - and passion.

But all they could do early on was to admire Welling United’s attacking play.

Day’s first corner of the game was met by a near post header from Martin Carthy, although this was saved by Dale Brightley.

The former Dartford goalkeeper then denied leading scorer Danny Kedwell, who poked the ball towards goal, after his strike partner Che Stadhart flicked on Jamie Turner’s kick.

But Welling’s best chance to break the deadlock came from their third chance after eight minutes.

Day’s free kick, thirty yards from goal, was headed clear by the Urchins defence, but only as far as former Beckenham Town midfielder Ellis Green, who drove a right-footed shot from 18-yards, which bounced off the crossbar.

Former Dagenham & Redbridge star Janney, however, was the home side’s best player, but he wasted a free-kick in a good position just two minutes later.

The right-sided midfielder opted to chip the ball into the penalty area, from 26-yards, but Turner was alert and made a comfortable save.

Danny Kedwell, Welling’s leading scorer with eleven goals, cut in from the left wing along the edge of the penalty area, and his right-footed shot deflected past the right upright.

Left-winger Matt Bodkin sent over a cross, which was met by a towering header from Carthy, but the 33-year-old sent it over the bar.

But no-one can have any complaints as Welling opened the scoring after 20 minutes.

AFC Hornchurch created a chance just two minutes later when Garry Cross hooked Janney’s corner over.

Left-back Danny Glozier, who had a loan spell at Tonbridge Angels last season whilst with Gravesend & Northfleet, drove a left-footed 25-yard free-kick over the bar as the Essex side enjoyed a good spell.

Green’s cross from the right found Bodkin on the left hand side, but he headed downwards, which enabled a defender to block the effort from inside the six-yard box.

Bodkin made a trademark run down the left hand side and his low centre found Stadhart at the near post but Brightley spread himself well at the near post to make a fine block.

Stadhart then crossed to the far post but Green’s header lacked power and Brightley made a comfortable save.

But Welling were made to pay for squandering all of their first half chances as the Urchins drew level four minutes into the second half.

Goalkeeper Turner will be first to admit that he maybe could have done better than palming Kris Lee’s fierce shot up in the air, but he made amends saving from Janney, but the ball rebounded off the Urchin midfielder’s shin and rolled into the bottom left hand corner to the delight of the home faithful.

After an tantalising first 50 minutes, the equaliser took the sting out of the game, although Welling did create their fare share of chances on a lush playing surface.

Stadhart’s left-footed 66 minute drive from 20-yards was superbly tipped around the far post by Brightly. However, the referee awarded the home side a goal-kick.

Seven minutes later it was time for the Urchins to be cursing their luck as Simon Parker came close to scoring his third goal of the season, driving his shot past the far post.

But Welling created three chances to win the game inside stoppage time, with the Urchins going close on one occasion.

Firstly, Bodkin’s right-footed drive from 25-yards flashed past the top of the far post, and at the other end lively substitute Ainsley Gasper drove across Turner but just past the far post.

Welling substitute Steve Perkins brought a save from Brightley from 15-yards and Bodkin, awarded the man-of-the-match award, sent their last effort over the bar.

If Wednesday night’s replay at Park View Road emulates today’s game, then we are in for another cracker!

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