Welling United were left to rue a number of missed chances after losing 1-0 to Basingstoke Town at Park View Road on Saturday. Debutant Ellis Remy squandered a penalty and Charles Ademeno failed to score from just a yard from goal. Subsequently, the Wings were made to pay and the Dragons stole all three points late on through Ben Surey.
Basingstoke had the better of the opening exchanges. Ben Wells had a strike well saved and James Taylor failed to punish keeper Jamie Turner for dropping the ball at his feet. The Dragons then rattled the crossbar after Tyron Smith's free-kick came off the upright.
This early warning seemed to wake up the homeside and the Wings dominated the rest of the first period. Richard Carpenter's corner found Neil Smith at the far post, but the player manager's effort was blocked on the line.
Moments later and Welling were awarded a penalty. Steve Laidler handled Joe Howe’s shot inside the box. However, Chris Tardif excellently saved new signing Ellis Remy’s spot kick.
Welling continued to press and Smith's cut back at the byline for Charles Ademeno should have seen the Wings go in front but the on-loan striker failed to connect with the cross.
Ademeno then had another great chance to put Welling one up but the striker headed wide when unmarked in the six-yard box. Just before the break and Ademeno was again involved, this time firing wide after turning the Basingstoke defence inside out.
Welling started the second half as they finished the first. Substitute Michael Boakye had a shot flash wide before Lloyd Blackman's effort was blocked by Jason Bristow.
However, the missed chances would prove costly for the Wings as Basingstoke snatched a late winner. A poor clearance from the Welling defence allowed Ben Surey to hit a low strike past Jamie Turner. The visitors had further chances to increase their lead but the Dragons will be more than happy to return to the Camrose Ground with the three points.
Next up and Welling welcome Grays Athletic to Park View Road on Friday in the Setanta Shield.
Come on you Wings!