Supporters turned up for Welling United's game with Alfreton Town intrigued to see the make up of their starting eleven.

Although Loui Fazakerley, Joe Healy and Ben Jefford were injured, Jody Brown had plenty to choose from and handed first starts to Darren Purse and Dominic Vose.

Sadly for Welling, the newcomers were unable to inspire a first victory for Brown and although they enjoyed plenty of possession, they lacked a cutting edge.

John Johnston brought down a Jon Henly clearance and beat two Welling defenders before firing just over.

Another Johnston run ended with him being brought down in the penalty area and Bradley Wood's penalty had just enough on it to beat Henly's dive.

Vose almost made an immediate response but shot narrowly wide with Jason Mooney floundering.

Josh Carmichael was cautioned as he stopped another Alfreton break unfairly.

Jake Gallagher then burst through but his effort was deflected just over. Vose slung in a near post corner that Purse headed on for Charlie Penny to flash a first time volley wide.

Matters got worse for Welling when Purse brought down Anthony Howell in the area. This time Wood sent Henly the wrong way for his, and his team's, second goal.

Penny had a shot blocked and Carmichael came close as Welling finished the half strongly.

In the second period, Alfreton allowed Welling to have plenty of possession in non threatening positions as they kept ten men behind the ball but they still created opportunities.

Aristide Bassele fired well over for Welling before Callum Howe headed wide for the Reds when well placed.

Rowan Vine was introduced for his Welling debut but Henly had to get down well to save an Andi Thanoj shot.

Gallagher had another effort deflected past the post before Penny was withdrawn and replaced by Reece Harris.

Johnston was cautioned for time wasting but that showed to be needless as the Reds increased their lead. Lee Stevenson's perfect through ball found Karl Hawley and although Henly produced a fine stop from his first effort, he followed up to slam home the rebound.

Brown will have claimed some comfort from the fact that Welling didn't give up hope and Vine had a shot saved before crossing for Harris to volley over.

Howell was booked for a foul on Malachi Hudson before Welling clawed a goal back with three minutes remaining. Vose was brought down by Luke Graham and Vine stepped up to slot home.

Vine became provider as Welling pulled back another with the last attack of the match. Another Vose corner was headed back by Vine and Bush nodded home from close range.

Welling now await the outcome of the Gateshead v Grimsby Town F.A. Trophy replay before knowing whether they will be travelling to the North East next week.

Welling United: Henly, Osborne, Fyfield, Fagan, Bush, Purse, Bassele (Hudson 79), Gallagher, Penny (Harris 63), Carmichael (Vine 56), Vose. Unused substitutes: Williams, Corne.