Overall we are in a good place, although we need to get back to winning very soon, says Welling United assistant Hugo Langton

WELLING UNITED assistant manager Hugo Langton admits losing to Dartford on Boxing Day was a tough one to take.

The Wings were on course of earning a point against Tony Burman’s Vanarama National League South leaders, only for substitute Alfie Pavey to score a brilliant scissor kick into the corner to help Dartford win 3-2 late on at Park View Road.

“Tough one to take.  We were two down, got to back to 2-2, had chances to clear the ball before Alfie pulls out a top-drawer finish,” said Langton.

“We felt we deserved something from the game.  Their keeper (Deren Ibrahim) has had far more to do and pulled off some top drawer saves.

“We hit the post twice, we knocked on the door all game but ultimately knocking on the door doesn’t win you the game – being ruthless in both boxes does.

“Dartford took their chances, we didn’t.  Monday’s game will be another lively affair, I’m sure, and we will do our best to give Dartford another good game.”

Welling United are on a poor run of form at present and play-off promise is turning into a disappointing position of 12th-place in the table with 32 points from their 23 league games,  10 points adrift of leaders Dartford but only five adrift of the play-off zone.

Langton insists manager Jamie Coyle will turn things around, ahead of Monday’s return at Princes Park.

“We need to remember Jamie is building something here and we all work incredibly hard to support him,” he said.

“You can’t build something quickly and just rip through a division.  Not even Pep Guardiola could do it with Man City.  People doubted him last season and now they’re a top side.

“It’s December and already we are not far off the whole of last season’s points tally.  Jamie deserved a lot of credit for that.

“We are making progress and we are also realistic.  We need to keep supporting him because the longer term signs are very promising.

“We have our targets for the season and overall we are in a good place, although we need to get back to winning very soon.

“I’m not daft, look at Dartford, top of the league and the nucleus of their squad has been together for three or four seasons and it shows!

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Dartford  v   Welling United
Vanarama National League South
Monday 1 January 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Princes Park Stadium, Grassbanks, Darenth Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1RT