ASB returned to winning ways in the league on Saturday afternoon as a patched up team eventually saw off a stubborn Welling outfit. For the 2nd game running, squad numbers were in short supply. The team were boosted by a debut to Brazilian striker Wanda, who was a big, strong and pacy striker. Jordan had to think hard again about his selection and the patched up team was as follows:

GK : Juzza
RB : Orville LB : Iain
CB : Malik & Peewee
RM : Jamie LM: Slouch
CM : Nick & Riz
S : Kirk & Wanda

Subs : Rob & Jordan

The opening half to the game would have a huge bearing on the outcome of the game as Welling won the toss and kicked off with the strong wind behind them. It was vital ASB held firm at the back and to capitalise on any chances that come there way.

ASB were quickly into there stride and immediately had Welling on the back foot. Some entertaining build up play down both flanks resulted in some dangerous corners being swung over which were dealt with by the Welling backline but with barely 10 minutes on the clock, a ball was floated into the Welling penalty box which the defence failed to clear and eventually bounced into the path of ASB's new signing Wanda, with 1 touch forward he unleashed a left footed drive into the bottom corner which the keeper had no chance of saving, it was a fantastic finish. Have we finally found the pace and power upfront that we have been craving? I think so.

The goal seemed to get Welling out of there shell and they looked dangerous upfront with 2 skillful and quick strikers, a long through ball down the ASB left wasn't cleared by Peewee but he recovered well to force a corner which was cleared comfortably. An ASB attack was broken up and Welling tried to make a quick counter attack, some nice touches in the centre which led to a pass to the ASB left. The ball was floated over but just as the Welling striker was about to pounce, Orville stuck his leg out and put the ball out for a corner, which was gathered by Juzza.

With 5 minutes left of the half a nice move down the right involving Orville and Jamie resulted in Riz playing a lovely ball in between 2 defenders which Orville met with a sweet cross which the Welling defender did well to clear as Wanda was ready pounce.

Jordan, who reffed the 1st half did a stirling job and blew up for half time. It was a very good 1st half performance by ASB, they had looked a bit shaky in defence but with a right winger at centre back and a right footed player at left back, it was always going to difficult but to go in at half time with 1-0 advantage shows the spirit and determination of this team.

There were 2 changes at half time, Juzza came off and Rob replaced him in goal and Jordan brought himself on in place of Kirk who had a good 1st half with his physical presence.

The 2nd half started in a very sluggish fashion, misplaced passes were evident all over the pitch and ASB were ultimately made to pay with 10 minutes of the 2nd half gone, we lost control of the ball in Midfield which led to a through ball which was put through the defensive backline with ease. The striker bore down on goal but just when Rob was about to challenge he slid the ball under him and into the bottom corner. With the scores level and a few nerves setting in, you had to think would another depleted squad succumb to another defeat?

Not so, the goal sparked ASB into life and they were back on the attack almost immediately. There seemed to be a new lease of life in the ASB team which filtered throughout the team, Riz was starting to take control of the midfield and Nick was winning challenges and creating some excellent chances fo the forwards and it was from one of Nick's bursts down the left that led to ASB retaking the lead. A nice through ball which was met by Slouch who created an excellent cross into a dangerous area and there was Wanda on hand to power a header into the back of the net. 2-1 to ASB and they were back in command.

The 2nd goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Welling and ASB were growing in confidence. It seemed to be a matter of time when ASB would get a 3rd and it came when Iain won a free kick, just inside the Welling half. Peewee stepped up and floated a cross to the back post where Jordan was waiting unmarked, he controlled it to a tee and smashed the ball into the top left hand corner for a well worked goal. Shortly after, Riz connected with an Orville corner from the right but his header sailed over the bar.

With time ticking down both teams seemed to be intent on the 3-1 scoreline but Jordan had other ideas, he dropped deep, picked up the ball and put a delightful through ball for Wanda to latch onto, Welling claimed offside (for the 50th time) but the flag stayed down and Wanda clinically buried it past the onrushing keeper to make it 4-1. The Welling goalkeeper was then involved in a heavy challenge with Nick and seemed to be in some agony so Jamie blew for full time a minute early so the Keeper could get some attention.

Overall, a very satisfying win which was again under some very testing conditions. The pitch was hard with a swirling wind and with several first team players missing, this really was a fantastic effort from those involved and it could easily of been more than 4 at the end. I don't think anyone could be singled out for special praise but I have to say well done to Wanda on his debut with 3 fantastic goals. His attributes are what we have been crying out for upfront and hopefully there will be many more goals to come from the big man.

Orville.