Welling United fell to their fifth consecutive league defeat at Vanarama National South league leaders Wealdstone.

However, it was hard on the Wings in Bradley Quinton’s first league match as manager as his team did not deserve to come away empty handed.

Cameron James, Harold Joseph and Diaz Wright were all given their Welling debuts having been signed the day before and they all acquitted themselves well.

Gavin McCallum had the first goal attempt when he created space for himself but he shot wide.

Michee Efete got past two tackles at the other end but his shot was deflected over.

Michael Phillips shot over from outside the penalty area then Jake Sheppard did likewise before Billy Clifford fired a free kick into the wall before his follow up was deflected wide.

Sheppard hit a first time effort well wide before McCallum had a deflected shot saved.

Soon after, Wealdstone were lucky not to be reduced to ten. Jerome Okimo was caught in possession by Korrey Henry giving him a free run at goal causing Okimo to bring him down. Referee Christopher O’Donnell showed great leniency by only producing a yellow card.

Anthony Cook’s long throw was flicked on by Bradley Goldberg but Henry couldn’t get on the end of it.

On twenty-six minutes, the Stones went ahead. A deep cross was nodded down by Moses Emmanuel and Efete finished from close range.

Almost immediately, Welling came close to levelling. Goldberg found McCallum but Harry Isted made a great save.

Emmanuel headed just wide for Wealdstone before Nathan Green found Goldberg but he shot straight at Isted.

Rob Swaine then headed down Cook’s free kick but Joseph’s shot went just beyond the far post, then McCallum had a shot deflected over. Welling didn’t make the most of the corner and almost paid the price when Wealdstone launched a counter attack that ended with Efete almost getting in again.

At half time, Welling were forced to replace the injured Swaine with Connor Dymond but Wealdstone came out strongly and Emmanuel twice came close.

On the hour mark, Philip Roberts was brought on for his Welling debut and he cam close to levelling immediately. James and Wright combined to create the opening and Isted made a brilliant save with his feet to thwart Welling.

Isted made another good save when Nathan Green’s free kick took a big deflection.

Two yellow card offences in three minutes resulted in Phillips being dismissed and Welling tried to take advantage as Wealdstone defended deeper.

Dennon Lewis shot wide for Wealdstone on the break before Dymond his a long shot cleanly but Isted made the save.

Although Welling pressed and probed, Wealdstone held firm and claimed the three points.

Welling United: Wilks; Rich-Baghuelou, Joseph, McCallum, Swaine (Dymond 46), Wright, Cook, James, Henry (Cosgrave 80), Goldberg (Roberts 61), Green. Subs not used: Copeland, Akinyemi.