Ultimately a day of disappointment for Wings fans who travelled to Woking in numbers to see their side throw the dice one last time in their bid for promotion. I was one of approximately 800 who gathered on the narrow concrete terracing down one side of Woking's ground hoping to see the Wings reverse two earlier 1-0 defeats at Woking this season in both league and F A Cup.
Sadly, it wasn't to be. Welling stood up to the challenge and took the game to their hosts in the second-half but they were chasing the game by then to a superbly flighted first-half free-kick which had beaten the wall and stretched beyond the fingertips of the flailing Dan Wilks in the Welling goal.
Chances were few and far between for both sides but Wilks made more saves and Welling were limited really to two real goal-scoring chances, one in each half. Before Woking took the lead, Bradley Goldberg had a chance after capitalising to seize possession in the box and curl a shot beyond the Woking keeper only to see it bounce off the inside of the post and back into his arms. In the second-half Danny Mills, for once dwarfed by three massive Woking defenders managed to break clear and drive a fierce low shot which was well-saved.
Woking's ground was a surprise and the size of their impressive stand behind one of the goals spoke of ambition and money. The rest of the ground reflects years of development and slow growth but with close to 5,000 fans packed in you could see them making a fist of League 2 if they were to make it. It was a reminder too that the National League is just that and involves long away trips to the likes of Gateshead and Hartlepool and you are facing sides with real league pedigree (Leyton Orient) and/or ambition and money (like Salford FC) who secured a fourth promotion this weekend in five years.
So, as we made our way back on the train we were left to think of next season and a continuing ability to sup ale on the terraces during the game. Not something you can do in the National League. Small comforts and all that....
Before kick-off we watched Charlton romp to victory at Doncaster but as always with the Addicks we managed to leave a question-mark hanging over the result by conceding a late consolation when we should really have settled it with a third. I am sure the lads will settle the tie on Friday but we have to score first to kill them off.
Sadly, it wasn't to be. Welling stood up to the challenge and took the game to their hosts in the second-half but they were chasing the game by then to a superbly flighted first-half free-kick which had beaten the wall and stretched beyond the fingertips of the flailing Dan Wilks in the Welling goal.
Chances were few and far between for both sides but Wilks made more saves and Welling were limited really to two real goal-scoring chances, one in each half. Before Woking took the lead, Bradley Goldberg had a chance after capitalising to seize possession in the box and curl a shot beyond the Woking keeper only to see it bounce off the inside of the post and back into his arms. In the second-half Danny Mills, for once dwarfed by three massive Woking defenders managed to break clear and drive a fierce low shot which was well-saved.
Woking's ground was a surprise and the size of their impressive stand behind one of the goals spoke of ambition and money. The rest of the ground reflects years of development and slow growth but with close to 5,000 fans packed in you could see them making a fist of League 2 if they were to make it. It was a reminder too that the National League is just that and involves long away trips to the likes of Gateshead and Hartlepool and you are facing sides with real league pedigree (Leyton Orient) and/or ambition and money (like Salford FC) who secured a fourth promotion this weekend in five years.
So, as we made our way back on the train we were left to think of next season and a continuing ability to sup ale on the terraces during the game. Not something you can do in the National League. Small comforts and all that....
Before kick-off we watched Charlton romp to victory at Doncaster but as always with the Addicks we managed to leave a question-mark hanging over the result by conceding a late consolation when we should really have settled it with a third. I am sure the lads will settle the tie on Friday but we have to score first to kill them off.
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