Welling United 3–2 Braintree Town: Late Winner Secures Friendly Victory for Wings

Welling United emerged 3–2 winners over Braintree Town in an action-packed International Club Friendly at Park View Road on July 15, 2026. The match, which kicked off at 02:45, saw the hosts produce a lightning-fast start, survive a Braintree fightback, and then snatch a dramatic late winner.

Match Overview

The National League South sides used this friendly as a key pre-season test. Welling flew out of the blocks, racing into a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes. Braintree pulled one back before half-time, then equalised early in the second period. However, a moment of individual brilliance from Welling’s talisman decided the contest with five minutes to play.

Key Moments

• Rapid start – Welling opened the scoring in the 3rd minute when Charlie Wakefield cut inside and curled a shot into the far corner.
• Double delight – Striker Danny Mills headed home from a corner in the 14th minute to make it 2–0.
• Braintree respond – A well-worked move saw Brett Dickie slide the ball into the net just before the half-hour mark.
• Second-half leveller – Braintree’s Sammy Okoye scored with a powerful header from a free-kick in the 56th minute.
• Winning moment – Welling captain Jack Jebb picked up the ball 30 yards out, drove forward, and unleashed a dipping strike that beat the goalkeeper in the 85th minute.

Tactical Story

Welling manager Warren Feeney set his side up in a fluid 4-2-3-1 system that encouraged quick transitions. The early goals came from exploiting space behind Braintree’s high defensive line. After Braintree adjusted at half-time, switching to a more compact 4-4-2, they gained control. But Welling’s determination and the individual quality of Jebb ultimately proved decisive.

Standout Players

• Jack Jebb (Welling) – Scored a spectacular winner and dictated play from midfield throughout.
• Charlie Wakefield (Welling) – His early goal set the tone and he remained a constant threat on the flank.
• Sammy Okoye (Braintree) – The defender’s equalising header was a highlight of Braintree’s spirited fightback.

The win gives Welling United a confidence boost as they continue their preparations for the upcoming National League South season. Braintree will be pleased with their resilience but will need to tighten up defensively if they are to avoid similar comebacks in competitive fixtures.