REPLAYING a game all but won when the floodlights failed three weeks previously, Welling United defeated local rivals Bromley on a bitterly cold early March evening.

Poor defending of two early second half free-kicks allowed the hosts to take the initiative after a keenly fought but goal-less first period.

Wings goalkeeper John Whitehouse had to be alert early on to block with his legs as Bromley’s Warren McBean intercepted a backpass.

Andy Pugh’s clever flicked header from Jack Obersteller’s corner was cleared off the line before McBean headed wide from a Tony Finn corner.

Finn’s through ball then put Charlie Ide through but Whitehouse was out quickly and forced the Bromley centre forward to clip his effort wide of the far post.

Pugh shot well over before Jack Parkinson’s clever pass gave Luis Cumbers the opportunity to shoot but his attempt from outside the area flew wide of the far post.

Just before half-time, Welling did get the ball into the net.

However, Mr Forrester did not have a difficult decision in disallowing the effort as keeper Craig Holloway was bundled into the net unceremoniously.

It took Welling one minute of the second half to go ahead.

Obersteller swung in a free kick and Lee Clarke stole in unmarked to get the slightest touch into the far corner.

Ide almost caught out the Welling defence but his high lob bounced well over the bar.

On 59 minutes, Welling doubled their lead when Loui Fazakerley curled in a free-kick.

Again Clarke was not picked up but although he was unable to get a touch on the delivery, his presence was sufficient to fool Holloway and the ball flew into the far corner.

Holloway made a flying save from Pugh but on 64 minutes the Welling front man ended a barren spell in spectacular fashion.

Although Cumbers' effort was well saved by Holloway, it came out for Pugh to show wonderful technique in volleying well beyond the reach of the Lillies keeper.

An injury to Fazakerley allowed Bromley more freedom in attacking down the left hand side and Harrison Dunk took full advantage on 76 minutes and his run was halted unfairly by Lim Bellamy with a penalty the result accompanied by a yellow card shown to Welling’s substitute.

Harding stepped up to take the spot-kick and although Whitehouse went the right way the shot had sufficient power and accuracy to reduce the lead.

Bromley were unable to hurt their hosts again and Welling eased to the victory that took them level on points with Chelmsford City in fourth place.

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Welling United: Whitehouse, Coyle, Obersteller, Acheampong, Sambrook, Parkinson, Fazakerley (Bellamy 73), Clarke, Cumbers (Johnson 90), Pugh, Pires. Unused substitutes Andrews, Day, Farrell.

Bromley: Holloway, Graves, Dunk, Harwood, Nnamani, Daly (Hall 85), Finn, Harding, Ide (England 68), McBean, Dolby (Harris 77). Unused substitutes Agu, Wedgeworth