Warren Feeney’s first home game as manager of Welling United ended with them claiming an important victory over Chelmsford City.

He handed first team debuts to four players after a week of personnel changes at Park View Road. Goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke was joined by Bromley pair Ben Margetson and Marcus Sablier in midfield, and Alfie Matthews up front.

Not surprisingly, with so much at stake, the game was very tense. Chelmsford had the better of the early possession as they attacked the road end but didn’t create any openings and it was Welling who had the first goal attempt. Chi Ezennolim crossed, and it was flicked on into the path of Tom Derry, but his goal-bound shot was blocked bravely by Eduino Vaz.

Chez Isaac had Chelmsford’s first shot from the edge of the area, but it was saved comfortably by Boyce-Clarke.

Ten minutes before half time, Welling went ahead. Bradley Stevenson sent Alfie Matthews away down the right hand side. He crossed low, Derry touched it on, and Dipo Akinyemi arrived late to tuck it away.

Dara Dada-Anite went on a long run, but Boyce-Clarke timed his intervention well and saved at his feet. Tom Blackwell had a shot blocked by Maxwell Statham before the Chelmsford striker tried his luck with a long range free kick that was saved easily by Boyce-Clarke. Just before half time, a deep free kick picked out Cameron James, but his header was again saved comfortably by Boyce-Clarke.

After the interval, Akinyemi played in Matthews, but he did not get sufficient loft on his chip and James Dillon saved. Statham then crossed for Akinyemi, and his powerful drive drew an excellent save out of Dillon.

At the other end, a Vaz cross came out to Charlie Sheringham, but he skied his effort into Danson Park. Dada-Anite’s quick feet allowed him a shot from the edge of the area, but he curled his effort over.

Their best chance came with fifteen minutes remaining. A corner fell into the path of Adebola Oluwo and his shot towards the top corner was turned round the post well by Boyce-Clarke.

Welling did get the ball into the net again, but a flag was up for offside before the lively Blackwell had another shot that was deflected wide of the post. From the corner, James headed wide.

That was as close as Chelmsford came as Welling saw out the remaining five minutes plus stoppage time with relative ease.

Feeney now has two weeks to work with his team ahead of their next game at Tonbridge Angels.

Welling United: Boyce-Clarke, Statham, Ezennolim, Sendles-White, Curren, Margetson, Sablier, Stevenson (Muscatt 69), Derry, Matthews (Pearce 86), Akinyemi.

Subs not used: Allen, Burnett, Wells.

Goalscorers: Akinyemi (35) 

Yellow cards: Matthews

Chelmsford City: Dillon, James, Vaz (Rush 79), Frimpong (Moore 61), Oluwo, Bradshaw, Isaac, Dad-Anite, Sheringham, Blackwell, Dunne (Imray 61).

Subs not used: Dickens, Deslandes.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Isaac

Referee: Alex Blake

Assistants: Christopher Britton and Andrew Hickman

Attendance: 565

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.