Torquay United 3
Andrews 3’, Janneh 15’, Niate 54’
Welling United 1
Goldberg 60’ Pen
United remained at the top of the National League South after an impressive 3-1 win over Welling United at Plainmoor.
TUFC manager Gary Johnson made one change to the side that beat Dartford away on Tuesday night. Goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald took the number 1 jersey with Alex Bass taking a place on the bench.
United got their first of the afternoon in the third minute via a tremendous 20-yard shot from Jake Andrews. He struck a sweet left-footed strike from a rebound to make it 1-0.
United doubled their lead in the 15th minute after a Jamie Reid through ball found its way to Janneh who managed to get away from the Welling defenders. He hit a right-footed shot from around 25 yards found its way past Dan Wilks in the Welling goal. It was another tremendous goal that spoke of a player full of confidence. The Yellow Army were delighted with the start that United had made.
Welling had their best chance of the half in the 19th minute after a succession of corners. Welling striker Danny Mils was allowed enough space in the box to get a shot away but the post came to United’s rescue.
United nearly added to their lead in the 38th minute, when a Liam Davis cross from the left found Reid. His low drive was kept out by an acrobatic save from Wilks.
United went into the half-time break two goals to the good and full of confidence.
In the 54th minute United made it 3-0 after Saikou Janneh’s shot rebounded to defender Jean-Yves Koue Niate who was able to tap it in past Wilks from close range.
On the hour mark Welling were able to get back on terms. Referee Mark Howes deemed that Shaun MacDonald had fouled Bradley Goldberg had broken through. MacDonald certainly got something on the ball. Goldberg stepped up and made it 3-1.
United went close to extending their lead at points after Welling had scored but couldn’t find a fourth but the Yellow Army can celebrate picking up a valuable three points at Plainmoor.
TUFC: Shaun MacDonald (GK), 2. Ben Wynter (6. Jamie Sendles-White 89’), 3. Liam Davis, 7. Ruari Keating, 10. Saikou Janneh, 11. Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, 15. Jean-Yves Koue Niate, 17. Kyle Cameron ©, 18. Jake Andrews (8. Asa Hall 61’), 19. Jamie Reid, 20. Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala (16. Ryan Dickson 80’). SUBS NOT USED: 4. George Essuman, 13. Alex Bass (GK)
Booked: Andrews 31’, Keating 45’, MacDonald (GK) 59’
Welling: Dan Wilks, 2. Danny MacNamara, 3. Craig Braham-Barrett (15. Gavin McCallum 45’), 4. David Ijaha ©, 5. Richard Orlu, 6. Thierry Audel, 7. Brendan Kiernan (14. Matthew Paterson 81’), 8. Arnaud Mendy, 9. Danny Mils, 10. Bradley Goldberg, 11. Nassim L’Ghoul (12. John Paul Kissock 67’) SUBS NOT USED: 16. Josh Hill, 17. Zac Newton.
Booked: MacNamara 39’
Referee: Mark Howes
Attendance: 2467 (52 away)