There was late drama at Park View Road as Jake Gallagher grabbed a 93rd minute winner for Welling United to open up a two point gap at the top of the Blue Square Bet South.
Few would have believed what was to come as a lack lustre Welling performance in the first half saw them trailing deservedly.
Only long range shots from Jake Gallagher and Jamie Day, which flew narrowly wide, threatened Maidenhead United whilst the visitors played the more expansive football and looked far more dangerous.
If there was a surprise when the Magpies went ahead, it was that it took them so long. David Pratt led the front line superbly and having missed a glorious opportunity early on, he made no mistake in first half stoppage time.
Collecting the ball from Chris Flood with his back to goal, he turned his marker before firing low into the bottom corner, giving Sam Mott no chance.
A twenty five minute half time break gave the Welling management plenty of time to discuss their failings in the first period as an injury to referee Wayne Porter meant assistant Paul Evans was promoted whist a qualified assistant was sought.
When the second half started, Welling played with much more urgency and equalised through Ben Martin’s unstoppable header from Jack Obersteller’s cross.
After Ross Lafayette’s cross clipped the crossbar, and Mott made a spectacular diving save from Flood’s free kick, the visitors regained the lead in slightly fortuitous style.
Harry Pritchard deceived all with a corner kick that dropped just under the bar and went in off the far post.
Kiernan Hughes-Mason replaced Scott Kinch and gave the Maidenhead defence problems not previously encountered. He created a chance for Kurtis Guthrie that required a good save from Billy Lumley, his first off the game. Then the same two Welling players combined to give Lee Clarke a chance that he was unable to keep down.
Clarke was not to be denied from extending his lead as all time Conference South leading goal-scorer for too much longer. Another delightful Obersteller dead ball delivery was met by a firm header that again gave Lumley no chance with fifteen minutes remaining.
Searching for a winner, Welling left gaps at the back and Mott was called upon to make a brilliant save from Pratt with Hughes-Mason doing well to get back and clear the loose ball.
The Wings’ winner came three minutes into injury time when Guthrie rose highest to head into the path of Gallagher and the Welling midfielder stabbed the ball past the prone Lumley.
Welling United: Mott, Franks, Obersteller, Day, Martin, Acheampong, Gallagher, Clarke, Guthrie, Lafayette, Kinch (Hughes-Mason 65).
Unused substitutes: Turner, Williams, Fairweather-Johnson, Fakinos.
Man of the Match: Ben Martin