Welling United 1-2 Newport County

NEWPORT County got the win that their five hour journey deserved as Welling were condemned to another defeat on Wednesday evening.

Welling have had a rocky start under Andy Ford after seemingly turning the corner with a 3-0 win away at Weston-super-Mare a few weeks ago.

But since then, the Wings have suffered three straight defeats and their Blue Square South status is by no means assured for next season.

Newport started the better and they were ahead after 15 minutes when Chris Moore was adjudged to have handled inside the area and the resulting penalty was slotted in by Jason Bowen.

Welling then improved and almost got back on level terms on 24 minutes when Ellis Green fired in a cross-shot which was just too far ahead of Sam Gargan.

Newport then doubled their lead three minutes later when Paul Cochlin glanced home with the finest of touches into the far corner from Andy Gurney's free-kick.

Welling pulled a goal back 10 minutes from half-time when Richard Carpenter's quick corner found Green, who stood the ball up to the far post for Gargan to head in from close range.

Green continued to have a good first half and he had a good chance on 45 minutes, but dragged his left-footed shot wide from distance.

Ford then made a wise decision on the hour mark to take off Orlando Smith, although ultimately the switch didn't pay off as the home side missed the bit of skill and trickery Smith brings to the side.

Welling did almost snatch a point in the dying moments when Green crossed in, but his delivery was millimetres too high for Ohran Stewart.

Then Carpenter's free-kick found Michael Boakye, who ballooned his header over the bar from close range to end another disappointing night for the home side at Park View Road.

Welling United: Turner, Howe, Cobbs, Carpenter, Moore (Ryan 58), Ellison-Hustwick, Green, Stewart, Foyewa (Boakye 65), Gargan, Smith (Phillips 58). Subs not used: Highsted, Coleman. Att: 506