Whilst Welling were unlucky to come away from Truro with nothing to show for their efforts, they did not create enough to trouble Chelmsford and paid the cost, albeit in controversial circumstances.

It was harsh on the defence not to keep a clean sheet but they were kept busy as the players ahead of them struggled with ball retention and created virtually nothing after the interval.

They looked like they were going to hold out until the referee decided to over-rule his assistant who was flagging for offside. Instead he awarded Chelmsford a corner from which they won the penalty that decided the game.

Almost immediately, referee Jack Packman was in the action. What looked like a clean Jamie Coyle tackle was deemed a foul and within seconds, at least six Chelmsford players were around him screaming in his face.

Bradley Goldberg had Welling’s one real chance early on when collecting Connor Dymond’s perfectly weighted pass but Sam Beasant was out quickly to thwart him.

Christian Nanetti’s free kick was half stopped by the wall but went just out of Joe Healy’s reach and Chelmsford were able to scramble it out.

After that, Welling struggled to create anything and the visitors missed a good opportunity when Chris Dickson fired over from Kudus Oyenuga.

Matthew Johnson shot over before Oyenuga should have done better than heading over Michael West’s free kick.

Just before the break, debutant Welling goalkeeper Dillon Barnes, on loan from Colchester United, made a brave save and was clouted by a late challenge from an already cautioned Chris Bush. A lengthy lecture followed but he escaped a second caution.

Following the break, Chelmsford had the majority of the play but struggled to create clear cut chances.

Most of their chances came from long range as Welling defended doggedly.

However, they won the game turned on the referee’s decision although there can be no questioning the award of the penalty from Alfie Pavey’s foul. Lee Barnard stepped up and sent Barnes the wrong way.

There was no way back for Welling and back to back defeats leave them looking for their first point.

Welling United: Barnes, Gayle, Jefford, Parkinson, Coyle, Francis, Dymond, Healy, Bradbrook (Pavey 75), Goldberg, Nanetti (Joseph-Dubois 63). Subs not used: Durojaiye, Pattisson, Brown.

Chelmsford City: Beasant, Omuzus, Braham-Barrett, Davies, Bush, Spillane, Johnson, Church, Oyenuga, Dickson (Barnard 63), West (Giles 75). Subs not used: Haines, Stevenson, Daley.

Welling United:

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Dymond, Healy, Parkinson

Red cards:

 

Chelmsford City:

Goalscorers: Barnard pen (82)

Yellow Cards: Bush, Oyenuga, Spillane

Red Cards

 

Referee: Jack Packman

Assistants: Michael Marsh and David Harrison

 

Attendance: 611

 

Welling star player: Ian Gayle