Welling United 4 Eastleigh 2
Published: 23:29, 29 March 2011
Updated: 23:29, 29 March 2011
Lee Clarke scored all four goals as Welling United completed the double over Eastleigh in Blue Square Bet South on Tuesday.
The Wings, who won 4-1 at Eastleigh just 10 days earlier, had too much pace and quality for an Eastleigh team that they could yet meet in the end of season play-offs.
Welling had to do it the hard way however, as they fell behind to Tony Taggart's 19th-minute penalty. Shaun McAuley's far-post header was blocked by Clarke, and referee C O'Donnell pointed to the spot. Taggart's spot-kick proved too good for keeper John Whitehouse.
The hosts responded within five minutes when Clarke (pictured) headed in Jack Obersteller's dangerous free-kick at the near post.
Tom Jordan somehow headed wide from close range for Eastleigh before Welling took the lead in stoppage time at the end of the first half.
A brilliant pass from Loick Pires sent Andy Pugh through on goal but he was fouled by Warren Goodhind as he tried to shoot. Goodhind saw red for the professional foul and Clarke tucked away the spot-kick.
Any early Welling nerves in the second half appeared to be settled when Clarke completed his hat-trick six minutes after the break, chipping home a deflected effort from the edge of the box after more good approach work by the improving Pires.
Jamie Brown and McAuley both went close for the visitors while Clarke missed a sitter from close range that would have put the game beyond doubt.
Eastleigh pulled one back 14 minutes from time when substitute Richard Gillespie held off Graeme Andrews and fired an excellent finish beyond Whitehouse.
But Welling wrapped the points up four minutes from time when Pires was tripped by Jordan and Clarke converted his second penalty of the game and his fourth goal of the night.
Welling travel to in-form Woking this Saturday as their run of fixtures against play-off rivals continues.
- Leon McKenzie got the only goal of the game as Bromley defeated Thurrock 1-0 at Hayes Lane in Blue Square Bet South on Tuesday night.
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Alex Hoad