In front of the TV cameras, Loui Fazakerley's first game in charge saw Welling United stumble to a defeat that left them facing a serious battle to stave off relegation.

Until Joe Healy's wild tackle got him sent off in the 54th minute, the game was evenly matched but once Welling were reduced to ten men, their lack of confidence became apparent and one goal was enough to stretch their number of consecutive defeats to eight.

Jason Williams early shot was beaten out by Stuart Coburn at the near post, but evaded the Welling players following up.

Simon Richman had a shot deflected wide and Jordan Sinnott had an effort saved comfortably as Altrincham tried to impose themselves.

Shaun Densmore's cynical foul on Dominic Vose on the edge of the area gave Welling an opportunity for a goal attempt, but Vose was unable to get his effort over the wall but under the bar.

Jonathan Henly was called into action again to save from Kyle Perry before Healy found room at the far post for Welling but fired well over.

Reece Harris' cross was headed over by Rod Young for Welling then James Lawrie fired wide at the other end.

Young hit a volley cleanly that struck Coburn on the chest but the Altrincham goalkeeper was able to gather before anyone could close in as Welling finished the first half strongly.

Another free kick from the edge of the area gave Welling further hope. Although Young's effort came out off the defensive wall, Vose picked up the rebound and played Williams in. The Southend loanee put in a dangerous low cross but Coburn was alert to collect ahead of Healy.

After the break, Welling hoped to build on the momentum and looked the more likely until Healy's wild challenge gave referee Nicholas Kinseley an easy opportunity to add to the number of Welling players he has sent off this season.

Sinnott had another chance for the visitors but shot straight at Henly before Scott Leather was cautioned for an ugly foul on Harris.

Harris came close to putting the Wings ahead with a fierce effort the went just the wrong side of the near post.

Substitute Ryan Crowther broke the deadlock when the Welling defence backed off and he was able to get a shot in that beat Henly at his near post.

Although Welling still had fifteen minutes to get something out of the game, they were unable to increase the tempo and Coburn was not called into action again until claiming an Aristide Bassele header in injury time.

Fazakerley now has two days to pick his team up ahead of their long jaunt to Gateshead on Tuesday evening.

Welling United: Henly, Williams, Fyfield, Corne (Fagan 84), Berry, Chambers, Young (Bassele 69), Vose, Gallagher, J. Williams (St Aimie 61), Harris, Healy. Unused substitutes: McEntegart, Bush.