Despite some bright patches, Welling United crashed to defeat at Hemel Hempstead Town.

There was a lively start to the game and in just the sixth minute Welling has to make a change when Daniel Martin pulled up with a hamstring strain and had to limp off. He was replaced by Charlie Pegrum, making his debut on a three month loan from Leyton Orient.

Two minutes later, Hemel went ahead when a great strike by Alfie Cerulli gave Rhys Lovett no chance as it flew into the top corner.

Excellent Welling passing football pulled the Hemel defence apart and when TJ Bramble squared to Elliot Long he looked sure to score only for Craig King to get across and make an outstanding save. Welling recycled it and it fell to Bramble but he lashed well over.

Bramble had an even better chance moments later when sent clean through but he failed to beat King with his attempt to slot home.

George Williams had a shot blocked into the path of Ricardo German and he fired beyond Lovett and into the far corner but he was well offside before Welling went close again when Martell Crossdale’s shot was tipped onto the bar and over by King.

Things settled down after that and both teams enjoyed spells of possession. However, Hemel had the better of the chances in the remainder of the first period. George Williams was given the opportunity to shoot but fired wide of the far post. Lovett then made a great save to thwart Kyran Wiltshire and the Welling goalkeeper was again called into action to save from Ricardo German.

After the break, Welling came out strongly and equalised nine minutes in. Gene Kennedy burst through two tackles before laying it off to Anointed Chukwu and his powerful drive was too strong for King.

Another strong Kennedy run created an opening for Pegrum but his shot was blocked by a last ditch tackle. Pegrum then tricked his way into another good position and his effort was saved by King.

Against the run of play, Hemel regained the lead twenty minutes into the second half. George Williams delivered a deep cross from the right and German finished with a stooping header.

Two minutes later they added a third when Kai Innocent’s cross was back-heeled by Cerulli into the path of German and he made no mistake from close range.

Long almost pulled one back for the Wings with a shot that King saved at the second attempt before Connor Kurran-Browne tried to sneak in a shot from wide that came back out off the near post.

However, he was not to be denied and with seven minutes remaining, the Tudors’ substitute added a fourth. His first effort was saved by King, Cerulli’s follow up was blocked, and it came back out to Kurran-Browne who fired home.

Kennedy pulled one back two minutes later with a well struck shot after his initial drive was blocked and Long came close with a shot that was well saved by King. However, it was too little too late and Hemel saw out the six additional minutes with no further alarms.

On Saturday, Welling have another challenge when they entertain Torquay United.

Hemel Hempstead Town: King, Davies (Ibie 64), Wishart (Innocent 64), Ajayi, Tompkins, Smith, Williams, Howe, German (Kurran-Browne (72), Cerulli, Wiltshire (Brown 64). Substitute not used: Seadon.

Goalscorers: Cerulli (8), German (65), (70), Kurran-Browne (83)

Yellow cards: Wishart, Smith

Welling United: Lovell, Burchell, Wells, A. Grant (Munns 77), Winfield, Perkins (Donkor 77), Martin (Pegrum 6), Kennedy, Taylor-Crossdale (Chukwu 46), Long, Bramble. Substitute not used: Mensah.

Goalscorers: Chukwu (54), Kennedy (85)

Yellow card: None

Referee: Chay Hathaway

Assistants: Andrew Tregoning and Jeffrey Aldous

Fourth Official: Nick Reece

Attendance: 833

Images courtesy of Dave Budden