Lack-lustre Welling United’s hopes of remaining in the Vanarama National League South took another blow when they dropped two points at home to Hornchurch.

They came into the match knowing that five wins in their last five games might give them a chance of staying up yet they hardly tested Urchins goalkeeper Mason Terry.

Angelo Balanta shot wide of the near post early on for the visitors before a deep cross was not cut out and fell to Will Greenidge twenty yards out but he thrashed it well over.

Tommy Wraight knocked down a Hornchurch free kick and Balanta hooked it over before Welling’s first effort came from something about which they knew little when an attempted Urchins clearance struck Josh Redfearn and flew back past the post.

Former Wing Charlie Pegrum blasted well over then Ryan Scott headed wide. Rhys Lovett was called into making a save, but it was a straight-forward one from Balanta’s low shot.

As the first half moved into the latter stages, the Wings started to impose themselves and Sahid Kamara fired over, then a TJ Bramble twenty yard effort whistled just past the post. Martell Taylor-Crossdale burst down the wing and sent over a brilliant cross that picked out Redfearn but he couldn’t get a firm enough connection on his header and it glanced past the far post.

Early in the second period Kamara fired well over before Bramble cut in and hit a shot that drew a comfortable save out of Terry. A good move involving Jez Davies and Bramble sent Kamara in down the right and Terry did well to beat out his fierce drive.

Pegrum headed over from a Charlee Adams cross before the game became a midfield battle with much endeavour but little quality.

Lovett made an easy save from substitute Sean Scannell as the game moved into the latter stages however, he was beaten by Balanta with twelve minutes remaining and Riccardo Di Trolio did brilliantly to get back to hook it off the line.

Although manager Brian Statham made a couple of substitutions to try to make something happen, Welling didn’t create another opportunity and Scott missed a good chance when heading wide. Adams had the last goal effort with a long range effort that was saved well by Lovett.

Four league games remain for the Wings and they will have to show a lot more intensity if they have any hopes of staying in the league.

Welling United: Lovett, Kamara, H. Walker, Statham, Burchell, Di Trolio, Bramble, Quick, Redfearn (Moore 87), Taylor-Crossdale (Kashket 64), Davies (Cornish 79). Subs not used: Ballard-McBride, Briscoe.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow card: Taylor-Crossdale (50 delay of restart)

Hornchurch: Terry, Saunders, Greenidge, Bertram-Cooper, Scott, Gibbs, Pegrum, Adams, McQueen, Balanta, Wraight. Sub not used: Phillips.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Saunders (15 foul), Pegrum (63 foul), Adams (79 foul)

Referee: Steven Swan

Assistants: Daniel Ripton and Richard Baker

Fourth Official: Stephen Hawkes

Attendance: 542

Images for the final time courtesy of Dave Budden, who after 15 years providing Welling United images is retiring. Thank you from everyone at Kent Sports News for your contribution over the last 15 years, enjoy your well deserved break.