Despite bitterly cold conditions, Welling United and Tonbridge Angels put on an entertaining Kent derby with the hosts claiming the spoils.

Both teams were keen to claim the points, but for very different reasons, and added to their squads with loan signings prior to this game.

Jake Reid made his first start for Welling whilst Tonbridge manager Tommy Warrilow gave debuts to Anthony Sinclair-Furlonge and Ashley Miller.

Jake Gallagher, Fraser Franks and Lee Clarke had chances for Welling before Jon Heath thrilled the Angels fans with a strong run and dangerous cross that Anthony Acheampong was relieved to get away from Mikel Suarez.

Jamie Day saw an effort fly just beyond the far post and Reid twice came close but it was not all one way traffic as Suarez almost got in from a quickly taken free kick, Wings’ goalkeeper Sam Mott saved well from Lee Browning and Frannie Collin turned tightly but shot wide.

Two goals in four minutes just before the break swung the match Welling’s way. Acheampong soared highest to head home from one of several Jack Obersteller corners then Ross Lafayette headed home a wonderful Kiernan Hughes-Mason cross.

After the break, Browning shot wide before the Angels halved Welling’s lead. Collin showed why he is one of the most feared strikers in the lead when he collected Miller’s pass before finishing with aplomb.

Lee Worgan made a great save from Franks before Clarke eased Welling’s worries. Lafayette played the ball inside and Clarke hit a first time shot just inside the far post.

Lafayette and Gallagher both had chances before Reid clattered the post with a close range header.

At the other end, Mott saved well from Collin before Welling made certain of the points with nine minutes remaining.

This time Day took the corner that Acheampong met with a low volley eight yards out.

There were no further real chances but Tonbridge will be worried about an injury incurred by Henry Muggeridge in the final minute of injury time.

Victory for Welling enabled them to open up a three point lead at the top of the Blue Square Bet South. However, defeat for Tonbridge leaves them placed precariously above the drop zone.

Welling United: Mott, Franks, Obersteller, Day (Kinch 83), Martin, Acheampong, Gallagher, Clarke, Reid, Lafayette (Guthrie 75), Hughes-Mason (Fairweather-Johnson 80).

Unused substitutes: Fakinos, Main.

Tonbridge Angels : Worgan, Muggeridge (Walder 90), Heath (Davis 75), Browning, Sinclair-Furlonge, Miles, Miller, Ijaua, Suarez, Collin, Green.

Unused substitutes: Lovell, Chalmers-Steven, Davisson.

Man of the Match: Anthony Acheampong