Whilst Jake Reid took the plaudits for his first Welling goals, it was a solid team performance that enabled the Wings to complete another victory in pursuit of the Blue Square Bet South title.

By playing a day earlier, and winning, Jamie Day’s team were able to put pressure on their main competitors and the defeat for visitors Chelmsford all but put them out of the running for the championship.

Kenny Clark’s second minute horror tackle on Theo Fairweather-Johnson resulted in his dismissal and put the Clarets onto the back foot immediately. Welling exploited the situation by going ahead three minutes later.

As the Clarets defence came to terms with the re-shuffle, Justin Miller was caught in possession by the industrious Ross Lafayette. Having nicked the ball away, Lafayette powered away before squaring to strike partner Reid who made no mistake when slotting home under the onrushing Stuart Searle.

Theo Fairweather-Johnson might have doubled the lead but shot wide before Welling were also forced into a formation change.

Jack Obersteller was unable to continue after sustaining a head injury so Jake Gallagher dropped back to cover with Scott Kinch coming on in midfield. Gallagher was given extra protection by Fairweather-Johnson’s switch to the left side of midfield.

Chelmsford could easily have been reduced to nine when Joe Whight flew in on Day but he escaped with a yellow card, joining Anthony Acheampong in the referee’s notebook following an earlier indiscretion.

Although the majority of the remainder of the first period was pretty even, Welling came closest to scoring again when Acheampong’s tight turn and chip was met by the head of Fairweather-Johnson and his effort looped over Searle but onto the top of the crossbar and over.

Shortly before half time, Day was booked for a clumsy tackle on Michale Bakare.

Sam Mott made his first save of the match from Aiden Palmer’s shot early in the second half as Chelmsford belied their short handed status by enjoying a spell on top.

Anthony Cook came on for the Clarets and almost made an immediate impact. Although his free kick came straight back off the defensive wall, his follow up was low and hard and destined for the bottom corner. Mott, however, dived full length and produced a breathtaking save that even had his opposite number Searle applauding.

David Bridges also came close for the visitors before Welling gave themselves some breathing space as Reid notched his and Welling’s second goal.

Kiernan Hughes-Mason, who had replaced Fairweather-Johnson moments earlier, won a strong challenge before his clever flick gave Lee Clarke space to find Lafayette. Once again, Welling’s leading scorer turned provider with a delightful chip and Reid’s floated header gave Searle no chance.

Speedy Hughes-Mason was the ideal man to exploit Chelmsford’s need to throw men forward and he did just that when bursting through to collect Clarke’s pass, round Searle, and finish confidently.

Kinch and Kurtis Guthrie both had chances to extend the lead before Clarke had a nimble back-heeled finish disallowed for offside.

 

Welling United: Mott, Franks, Obersteller (Kinch 19), Day, Martin, Acheampong, Gallagher, Clarke, Reid (Guthrie 75), Lafayette, Fairweather-Johnson (Hughes-Mason 57).

Unused substitutes: Turner, Fakinos.

Chelmsford City: Searle, Ainsley, Palmer, Haines, Clark, Whight (Cook 53), Vassell (Simmonds 74), Bridges, Slabber (Calvo 81), Miller, Bakare.

Unused substitutes: St Louis-Hamilton, Cornhill.

Referee: Stephen Daly

Attendance: 1065

Welling star man: Ross Lafayette