There was more disappointment for Welling United as they stumbled to another home defeat at the hands of Taunton Town.

Once again, they failed to score in a match at Park View Road, and one defensive error proved costly.

Myles Roberts made the first save of the game, a straightforward claim from Jake Foulston’s header when meeting Lloyd James’ free kick. Foulston then whipped in a free kick from the other side that nobody could touch home and it drifted just past the far post.

Sadik Balarabe battled at the other end and his low cross found Stefan Payne. His shot was blocked into the path of Ade Azeez, and another defender threw himself into his path to force his effort out.

However, the visitors were soon on the attack again and Ollie Chamberlain’s shot was well saved by Myles Roberts who recovered quickly to smother as Mat Jarvis prepared to pounce.

Babarabe then pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury to add to the mounting list of Welling players needing treatment and he was replaced by Aaron Barnes.

Cameron Evans hit a shot that appeared to be going wide until it struck Kodi Lyons-Foster but Roberts was alert and saved comfortably. Lyons-Foster was then in action at the other end when meeting Chi Ezennolim’s corner but was unable to garner sufficient power to trouble Taunton goalkeeper Jack Bycroft.

Foulston again tried his luck only for Jamie Sendles-White to block his shot and James twice shot wide from distance before the half time break.

After the interval, Roberts made an easy save from Zac Smith’s long range effort before Welling had an opportunity when Barnes met Rob Howard’s cross with a header that went wide.

Christie Pattisson’s trickery gave him an opportunity that Bycroft kept out with his feet. It came back in but Barnes headed over.

Joe Guest broke the Welling offside trap and squared for Smith but Roberts made a great save before a controversial moment went against the Wings.

Azeez was sent clear and pushed it past Bycroft but the Taunton goalkeeper stopped him from rolling it into the empty net with a cynical body check.

Surprisingly, referee Michael Robertson-Tant deemed that a free kick and yellow card were sufficient punishment.

Bycroft took full advantage of his let off by making an excellent save from George Alexander’s volley before a long range shot by Guest was saved easily by Roberts.

Eight minutes remained when the deadlock was broken. Jarvis was allowed to work his way into the penalty area and, in trying to rescue the situation, Sendles-White’s challenge was considered to be too strong and a penalty was awarded.

Although Roberts went the right way and saved Smith’s spot kick, it came back out to him and he chipped it home.

As Welling looked for a response, they could have gone further behind in the closing minutes when Ross Stearn’s shot clipped the outside of the near post.

Warren Feeney’s patched up side are going to have to react quickly as the gap between them and the bottom four is diminishing quickly.

Welling United: Roberts, Howard, Ezennolim, Dunne, Sendles-White, Lyons-Foster, Pattisson (Andrews 79), Kassarate, Azeez, Payne, Balarabe (Barnes 19, (Alexander 73)).

Sub not used: Barnsley, Parry.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Dunne

Taunton Town: Bycroft, Evans, Foulston, Grimes, Ball, Smith, Chamberlain, James (Lucas 75), Jarvis (Stearn 83), Morgan (McCootie 58), Guest.

Subs not used: Irish, Sims-Burgess.

Goalscorer: Smith (82)

Yellow cards: James, Bycroft, Jarvis

Referee: Michael Robertson-Tant

Assistants: Richard Joss and Steven Goldup

Attendance: 485

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.