Welling United's unbeaten start to the new campaign ended on Saturday when they lost 2-1 away at Hayes & Yeading. Despite taking the lead through Charlie Sheringham's penalty, the Wings conceded goals from Josh Scott and Stafforde Palmer to go home empty handed.

Hayes were quickest out of the blocks with James Mulley proving particularly effective in causing the Wings problems. As ten minutes in and a maze run from Mulley allowed the midfielder to cross the ball into the box but neither Danny Allen-Page nor Kieran Knight could finish from close range.

Despite the exciting start to the match, the game fizzled out. Both sides looked frustrated, which could be clearly seen by some of the late challenges that followed. It took the Wings 40 minutes to create their first chance of the match.

Charlie Sheringham was able to squeeze through the Hayes defence before seeing his low shot cleared off the line by Tom Cadmore. Just moments later and the same Welling player headed agonisingly wide from Ryan Martin's free-kick.

After the break and the Wings continued where they left off in the first-half. Ellis Green's excellent 56th minute run into the area was ended when he was bundled over. The referee subsequently pointed to the spot and Sheringham stepped up to slot the ball home to give Welling the lead.

Ryan Martin should have doubled Welling's lead minutes later. Through on goal, the Wings midfielder skipped past the Hayes keeper but couldn't get enough power on his shot to beat the two defenders on the line.

Ten minutes later and Hayes & Yeading were level. Lee Blackburn brought down Will Hendry inside the box and Josh Scott fired in the resulting penalty. The homeside were now looking the more likely to win the game and they did just that on 78 minutes.

Wings keeper Jamie Turner failed to gather Allen-Page’s cross and substitute Staforde Palmer was free to head the ball in for the eventual winner. However, just a minute later the Wings looked to have equalised. Substitute Sol Pinnock was alleged to have fouled Cadmore before scoring and thus referee ruled the goal out.

Welling United travel to Bognor Regis Town on Tuesday before welcoming Dorchester Town to Park View Road on Saturday.

Come on you Wings!

Report by James Underwood