Having been pegged back from a two-goal lead Welling United held their nerves to defeat Havant and Waterlooville.

In two Vanarama National League South home games to the Hawks in 2022, Welling had to settle for a point after conceding a late equaliser as both ended two all.

This time, the Wings went one step further to qualify for the third round of the Isuzu F.A. Trophy.

Jake McCarthy flicked on a Billy Clifford free kick with his head in the opening minutes, but it went over the bar before Clifford shinned a shot that was claimed easily by Welling goalkeeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle.

Eleven minutes had passed before Welling had their first meaningful attack and they made the most of it by going ahead. Yaser Kazim’s close skills created the opportunity for Sam Cox to cross low.

Although Stefan Payne’s effort was blocked on the line, it came out to Ade Azeez. His initial effort was saved by Brad House only for it to come back out and Azeez forced it home at the second attempt.

Taylor Maloney’s corner was headed over by Medy Elito before Welling doubled their lead.

McKenzie-Lyle launched a long free kick down the left-hand side, Payne got up to head it on and Azeez lobbed it over House and inside the far post.

James Roberts got behind the Welling defence and drew a good block from McKenzie-Lyle who recovered quickly to claim bravely at the feet of Danny Wright.

High pressing twice resulted in Welling creating opportunities from Havant defensive errors. First Payne nicked it away and pulled it back, but McCarthy made an excellent last gasp tackle as Maloney was about to pull the trigger. Then Kasim caught a defender in possession and found Payne and his shot was turned wide by House.

Substitute Jason Prior combined with Wright to send Gianni Crichlow away down the right-hand side and he fired over from a tight angle when a pull back might have been a better solution.

However, Havant did pull one back deep into first half injury time. The two minutes of stoppage time had already elapsed when they won a corner. It was over-hit, but Oastler retrieved it, Prior flicked it on and Wright finished from close range.

Cagey football after the break meant that there were no real chances in the early stages before Welling came close from a free kick. Maloney delivered only to see Wright make a great defensive clearance.

Another chance came Welling’s way when House failed to hold a cross. It fell to Payne, but he chose not to shoot. It found its way to Maloney who looked certain to score but lost his footing at the crucial point.

Moments later, the Hawks levelled. Prior got to the bye-line and pulled it back. In an attempt to cut it out, James Sendles-White could only divert it into his own net.

To their credit, Welling didn’t feel sorry for themselves and were rewarded for their positivity with thirteen minutes remaining. Aaron Barnes went on one of his trademark runs before squaring for Maloney. He unleashed a fearsome drive that shook the goal frame before coming back out off the bar where Payne reacted quickly to head home.

Cameron Andrews fired well over for the Wings before Havant had an opportunity when a deep Clifford cross picked out Prior who headed straight into the arms of McKenzie-Lyle.

Once more, Welling came close when James Dunne found Maloney who put Payne clear. The Welling striker stabbed it past House, but also past the far post.

Despite five minutes of injury time being played, Welling’s goal was not threatened again, and they now await the draw for their opposition in the third round.

Welling United: Mckenzie-Lyle, Cox (Barnes 31), Ezennolim, Dunne, Sendles White, Parry, Elito (Papadopoulos 79), Kasim (Andrews 70), Azeez, Payne, Maloney.

Sub not used: Howard, Dickens.

Goalscorers: Azeez (12), (25), Payne (77)

Yellow cards: None

Havant and Waterlooville: House, Read (Passley 57), Newton, Gobern, McCarthy, Oastler, Crichlow (Faal 57), Clifford, Wright, Burnett (Prior 33), Roberts.

Subs not used: Magri Searle, Collins.

Goalscorers: Wright (45+3), Sendles-White o.g. (66)

Yellow cards: None

Referee: Aaron Farmer

Assistants: Bradley Mingay and Paul Burnham

Attendance: 511

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.