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Tasmin Miah reports from Park View Road
Welling United secured a 2-2 draw against a young Luton Town side in a pre-season match on Tuesday evening at Park View Road in what was the Wings’ last pre-season game before they head to Truro City this weekend for their first league match of the season.
A vibrant first half saw the Wings ahead with two goals by the 30-minute mark. The clever David Kamara had multiple opportunities throughout the half. The 17-year-old’s penalty hit the back of the net and shortly after, Taylor Curran’s efforts were also rewarded with a goal from a corner.
Welling also maintained a higher possession throughout the first 45, with minimal chances at the other end from the opposition.
However, after Welling made 10 changes at the break, the Hatters secured two goals themselves making it 2-2.
At the hour mark, Jayden Luker came close but it was hit wide. Shortly after, keeper Ben Winterbottom forced Zack Nelson’s shot above the bar, making it another close call.
Javarn Pitterson stepped in for Winterbottom on 68 minutes for the Wings and he went on to make a pair of excellent saves to keep the Hatters at bay. Moments later, youngster Donald Macaulay demonstrated an outstanding sliding tackle to deny Josh Allen’s shot for goal.
Shortly after, however, Zack Nelson provided a goal for Luton, making it 2-1 on 75 minutes, before Josh Allen tapped the ball into the back of the net in the last minute to force a draw
Welling could well have won it in injury-time when academy starlet Ollie Godziemski was put through-on-one, but his opportunity was snuffed out by the trialist keeper.
All in all, it was a positive night for the Wings, with the club’s academy prospects showing their potential in full.
Bloor will now prepare his side for the big kick-off with the long trip to Plymouth to take on Truro in five days’ time.
Welling United: Winterbottom, Lema, Trialist A, Curran, Wood, Andrews, Bramble, Trialist B, Burchell, Bayford, Kamara
Second half: Winterbottom (Pitterson 68), Macaulay, Olomowewe, Vaughan, MacAllister, Odusanya, White (Church 80), Godziemski, Papadopoulos, Lugboso, Browne.
Goals: Kamara 20, Curran 29
Luton Town: Trialist, Kayibanda, Heron (Luker 54), Piesold (Pinnington 62), Bateson, Odell-Bature, Trialist (Burger 62), Newton, Lynch, Nelson, Braney (Allen 62).
Subs (not used): Hockey
Goals: Nelson 75, Allen 90
Att: TBC
