Welling United lost 3-1 at home to league leaders Chelmsford City on Saturday. Despite more than matching the Essex side, the game was turned on its head when Wings defender Graeme Andrews was sent off and Dave Rainford scored the resulting penalty to make it 2-1 to the Clarets.

The visitors, who remain unbeaten away from home in the league, started brightly and forced Clark Masters into an early save. Former Welling man Kevin James hit a low right foot from just inside the area but Masters made a brilliant save to push the ball to safety.

However, the Wings could have taken a 7th minute lead. Danny Gay fumbled Moses Ademola's weak cross and the ball found Loui Fazackerley, but the goalkeeper made up for his mistake and quickly punched at the wingers shot.

Jack Parkinson headed just wide 30 minutes in for the homeside whilst at the other end Ricky Holmes hit a piledriver of a shot just inches over.

Moments before the break Steve Ward almost headed into his own net when Lee Protheroe fired in a cross.

Into the second half and the Wings continued their confident performance by taking a 54th minute lead. An inch perfect cross from loan signing Moses Ademola was headed home by Charlie Sheringham.

Ryan Johnson should have doubled his sides lead minutes later when the midfielder found himself through on goal, but his heavy touch allowed Gay to rush out and gather the ball.

Chelmsford soon punished the Wings for failing to increase their advantage, as on the hour mark they drew level. Clark Masters failed to take a Clarets' corner and Dave Rainford eventually poked the ball over the line.

Things would soon go from bad to worse for the Wings. A high ball was played over the Welling defence and found an offside looking Jason Hallett who ran with the ball into the box before being bundled over by Graeme Andrews. Andrews was then duly dismissed and Rainford converted the spot-kick.

The game was finally put beyond the homeside when Ricky Holmes made it 3-1, a score-line that flattered the league leaders.

Welling welcome Weymouth to Park View Road next Saturday in the FA Trophy, kick-off 3:00pm.

Come on you Wings!

Report by James Underwood