Coming into the game, Welling United knew the importance of the importance of the battle ahead.

Victory would put them eight points clear of the drop zone whilst defeat would leave them just two points above their visitors whose run in is against all teams in the bottom eight.

Sharing the points wouldn’t have been disastrous, but claiming all three was the aim.

Of course, looking at the way the season has gone, it was never going to be quite that simple and now that the playing squad is settled, it was time for further upheaval to the off field staff.

Co-caretaker manager Harry Wheeler departed during the week and Alex Dyer stepped in as manager for the rest of the season with Tristan Lewis coming in as coach.

He may be wondering what the fuss was about such was the relative comfort with which Welling won the three points.

Although not too many chances were created, Welling enjoyed the better of the first half and goalkeeper Chris Lewington had a relatively easy forty five minutes.

Nick Jordan did not have too much to do himself but he made a great tip over when Ben Martin met Rhys Murrell-Williamson’s free kick with a powerful header.

Just before half time, Tony Lee aimed a swear word at the referee and earned himself a yellow card.

Before the visitors had touched the ball in the second period, Welling went ahead. Alex Cathline used his power to get into the area and his cross shot was touched home by Pierre Joseph-Dubois.

Taking a break from swearing at the officials, his team mates and himself, Lee shot towards the bottom corner but Lewington made a great save.

Then Welling went on the attack again and doubled their lead. Danny Waldren sent Dan Walker clear down the right wing and his low cross was put away by Joseph-Dubois.

Alex Pike, Gosport’s manager, made a double change and went from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 and within three minutes, Welling added a third. Murrell-Williamson was the provider and Cathline finished to claim his first Welling goal.

Walker almost made it four with a shot that came back off the post but they did not have long to wait before scoring again. Joseph-Dubois’ header was beaten out by Jordan but Cathline flicked the rebound into the net.

Waldren then had a shot saved and Murrell-Williamson’s follow up was deflected over.

As Welling relaxed, Gosport created a couple of chances that needed Lewington’s intervention.

First Lee saw his shot saved before Lewington made an outstanding save from Ben Wright’s free kick.

Cathline burst through once more but Jordan saved with his feet before the Borough custodian made one more save from Walker.

The Wings now go into the Easter programme with breathing space knowing that one more win should guarantee their safety.

Welling United: Lewington, Fish, Brown, Hatton, Martin (Crawford 81), Walsh, Walker, Waldren, Cathline, Joseph-Dubois (Marsh 71), Murrell-Williamson (Richards 80).

Subs not used: Fuseini, Leacock..

Gosport Borough: Jordon, Lanahan (Bailey 56), Bird, Carmichael (Martin 66), Sanders, Oastler, Lea, Harding, Lee, Wright, Suraci (Brice 56).

Subs not used: Walters, Watch.

 

Welling United:

Goalscorers : Joseph-Dubois 46, 54, Cathline 59, 68.

Yellow cards: Hatton

Red cards: None

 

Gosport Borough:

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Lee

Red cards: None

 

Referee: Matty Buonassisi

Assistants:.Ollie Butcher and Jack Fagg.

Attendance: 450

Welling star player: Matt Fish

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.