Defensive errors proved costly as Welling United slumped to a disappointing defeat at home to Oxford City.

Wings’ manager Jamie Coyle chose to keep an unchanged side following last week’s win at East Thurrock despite the availability of captain Connor Dymond following his suspension.

Although Welling played plenty of football that was easy on the eye, they struggled to create clear cut opportunities against a resolute defence whilst their back four made uncharacteristic mistakes.

When Welling created their first shooting chance, Ryan Hall’s drive struck his team-mate Bradley Goldberg and came out.

Despite playing on the back foot, the visitors were dangerous on the break and came close when Sam Nombe cut out a casual clearance and broke down the right wing. His low cross was tucked away by Robert Sinclair but, fortunately for Welling, he was flagged for offside.

Another clumsy clearance struck Matt Paterson and fell to Nombe who should have done better than slicing wide.

After Jack Parkinson had seen a header deflected wide, Bradley Goldberg had a shot saved by Craig King at the second attempt as Adam Coombes closed in.

At the half time interval it was decreed that Parkinson’s injury that he had carried over recent matches had become too severe and he was replaced by Dymond.

Callum Driver fired over for Welling before Freddie Grant got through the Welling defence too easily but he was also unable to keep his effort down.

Having escaped that moment of danger, it proved to be short-lived as Oxford went ahead in their next raid. Paterson found Sinclair who controlled well before firing back across goal and into the bottom corner.

Coyle reacted by bringing on Jamie Philpot and within three minutes he had levelled. Jeffrey Monakana crossed but although it was slightly behind him, Philpot twisted his neck to send a powerful header into the top corner.

Any thoughts that Welling had of going on to win it were dashed five minutes later when another defensive faux-pas proved costly. Grant cut out a clearance to send Nombe away and he made no mistake when slotting into the bottom corner.

Joe Healy picked out Philpot with the pass of the day, but having brought it down well, the on-loan Millwall striker was unable to find the target with his fierce drive.

However, it was Oxford who scored the crucial next goal. Sinclair held it up well before pulling back to Grant. He jinked his way across the penalty area before curling inside the far post.

Live-wire Philpot created two further chances, the first that Healy could not convert, and the second that Adam Coombes headed into the grateful arms of King both in injury time. Soon after, the final whistle ended the game with Oxford worthy winners.

 

Welling United: Vose, Driver, Jefford, Durojaiye, Okuonghae, Parkinson (Dymond 46), Jebb (Philpot 69), Healy, Goldberg, Coombes, Hall (Monakana 61).

Subs not used: Coyle, Nanetti.

 

Oxford City: King, Jones, Stevens, Poku (Fofana 69), Musonda, Oastler, Nombe (Cotter 88), Fleet, Paterson, Sinclair, Grant.

Subs not used:  Forde, Godwin-Malife, Bennett.

 

Welling United:

Goalscorers:  Philpot (72)

Yellow cards: Dymond

Red cards: None

 

Oxford City:

Goalscorers: Sinclair (61), Nombe (76), Grant (88)

Yellow cards: Grant, Oastler

Red cards: None

 

Referee: Ryan Atkin

Assistants: Jason Connolly and Brian O’Sullivan

 

Attendance: 404

 

Welling star player: Jamie Philpot

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.