NEW-LOOK Havant & Waterlooville claimed their biggest ever opening-day victory – and their first for 10 years – at the expense of poor Welling United at Westleigh Park.
Pearce was named The U’s’ Young Player of the Year for the 2018-19 campaign and has enjoyed loan at Walton Casuals, Farnborough and Hampton & Richmond Borough.
It looked like being a comfortable afternoon for the Gills, who strolled into a two-goal lead after Vadaine Oliver had earlier headed onto the crossbar.
The culprits entered the National League South club’s home on Monday and threw paint – which had been used for major renovation works – around walls and benches, while also smashing glass and perspex.
Bradley Quinton reckons Welling United are are a long way from giving up on making a late charge for the play-offs after turning their fortunes around inside two months.
New Welling United boss Bradley Quinton has told fans they won’t be rolling over for anybody ahead of their trip to National League South leaders Wealdstone on Saturday.
King, who arrived at Park View Road over the summer after almost pulling off the great escape at Whitehawk the season before, guided the Wings to a third place finish in the National League South.