Although they put in a good performance, Welling United conceded early and late goals to suffer defeat against Dover Athletic.

Three former Wings, Kurtis Cumberbatch, Nassim L’Ghoul and Kevin Lokko were in Dover’s starting line upo and one of them opened the scoring in the second minute. A knock down fell for Nassim L’Ghoul and the Frenchman gave his former teammate Dan Wilks no chance from fifteen yards.

Sanchez Ming started the move for Welling’s first opportunity when he intercepted well allowing Anthony Cook to get away down the wing and cross but he was unable to pick out new signing Josh Oyinsan.

Ming was again alert to an opportunity and made another good interception before bursting down the wing. He then put in a deep cross that Cook met with a firm header but Yusuf Merbin was well placed to make the save.

L’Ghoul headed wide from a corner but Cook again caused problems when he got behind down the right wing but his low shot was well claimed.

Oyinsan got up well but headed wide from an Archie Johnson before L’Ghoul’s free kick was saved comfortably by Wilks.

Once more the Frenchman worked himself into a good position but Wilks was equal to his shot and made a good save.

Cumberbatch spun well and let fly but his shot flew wide then Wilks made a good close range save from Steven Rigg’s header.

Cook delivered a good corner and Oyinsan again rose well but his header went wide.

Jack Munns had the last chance of the first half but shot well wide.

Immediately after the break Welling had a great opportunity. Julien Anau opened up the Dover defence and squared to Cook. His shot brought a stunning save out of substitute goalkeeper Lee Worgan but Oyinsan, following up, fired just wide.

Another former Wing, Alfie Pavey, thought he was through but Jay Rich-Baghuelou recovered to make a great block L’Ghoul followed up but curled wide.

Lokko headed wide from L’Ghoul’s corner before Welling levelled. Cook was tripped in the area by a Dover trialist and the Welling wide man took the responsibility himself, and sent Worgan the wrong way.

After that, substitutions disrupted the flow and chances were few and far between.

Rigg had a shot saved after more good work by L’Ghoul and it looked as though the game would end in deadlock but with four minutes to go, Dover claimed the win. Bobby-Joe Taylor squared and Oscar Gobern fired home.

It was tough for Welling but they should be able to take comfort from containing a full time team for most of the game.

Welling United: Wilks, Ming, Anderson, Dymond (Prestedge 72), Rich-Baghuelou, Kpekawa (Copeland 68), Cook, Agyemang (England 78), Oyinsan (Cosgrave 64), Anau (Bizma 86), Johnson (Jebb 78).