Defensive frailties again proved costly for Welling United as they stumbled to defeat at Maidstone United.

Nine Wings made their full league debuts for the club and one gave them a perfect start with a sixth minute goal. Lionel Ainsworth’s shot was beaten out by Chris Lewington but he put it right into the path of Stefan Ilic who smashed it home gleefully.

After Scott Rendell headed over for Maidstone, Ainsworth was again on target with a low drive that Lewington saved.

Reise Charles-Cook made an outstanding save from a Sam Corne shot before Khaleem Simons headed beyond the far post for Welling.

One of several long clearances from the Welling goalkeeper gave Rowan Liburd the opportunity to get a shot away but it didn’t come down kindly for him and he hooked over.

Charlie Seaman had a free kick saved acrobatically by Charles-Cook and he then saved from George Porter after he was allowed to get a close range shot in.

Just before the break, Seaman headed wide and shortly afterwards Saidou Khan’s free kick clipped the defensive wall and went wide of the post.

Rendell levelled shortly after the hour mark. Porter’s long ball should have been dealt with by Richie Danquah but his header back fell short and Rendell nipped in to flick past Charles-Cook.

As Welling looked for a quick response Simons got in behind and burst into the area before tumbling to the ground under Joe Ellul’s challenge however the referee wasn’t interested and Maidstone were able to clear.

Again Rendell caused problems but Corne and Porter got in each other’s way and neither got a clean shot.

It looked as though the game was going to end in stalemate until, with five minutes remaining, Seaman cut in from the right, went past two half hearted challenges and blasted home.

Welling now have a ten day break before their next game away to Slough Town.

Welling United: Charles-Cook, Ilic, Boateng (Azeez 75), Beeden, Danquah, Cook, Ainsworth, McLean (Barrington 87), Liburd (Akinyemi 80), Green. Subs not used: Ryan, Maja.