Welling United and Boss Neil Smith were hoping to extend their unbeaten run to four league games with a result against an out of form Braintree Town. However, despite a bright first half from the homeside the Wings just couldn't score and Braintree punished them after the break. Goals from Louis Riddle and James Baker secured the Iron's first win in six games.

The Wings dominated the first period but just couldn't find a way through. Robbie Ryan had a low shot saved by Nick Morgan 12 minutes in before Omari Coleman had a vicious volley inadvertently blocked by Neil Smith.

Coleman was again involved on 25 minutes when the striker had a curling effort well stopped by the former Southend keeper.

Andrew Pugh made an impressive debut for the Wings after joining on loan from Gillingham and had a swerving strike parried away by Morgan.

The Wings came close to scoring 7 minutes before the interval. Marlon Patterson's teasing cross found Coleman whose header was brilliantly saved low by Morgan.

The second half will not live long in the memory of both sets of fans but nevertheless the travelling support where much the happier come the final whistle.

The visitors made a substitution on 72 minutes to bring on midfielder Louis Riddle for striker Chris Sullivan and he made an immediate impact. With his first touch of the game Riddle fired a free-kick past Clark Masters to put the Iron 1-0 up.

Wings substitute Sam Keevil could have drawn his side level six minutes before the final whistle. Keevil had a clear shot at goal but the midfielder could only manage to shoot straight at Morgan after a neat lay-off from Pugh.

It would go from bad to worse for Welling as four minutes before the end Braintree put the game out of doubt. James Baker was allowed to run into the box and score past Masters for his first of the season.   

Welling travel to the Camrose Ground on Saturday when they play Basingstoke Town in the Blue Square South.

Come on you Wings!