Any hope that a change of tournament would bring about a change of luck for Welling was dispelled as they crashed out of the F.A. Trophy at the hands of Oxford City.

In their previous matches since returning from their enforced Covid break, they had missed clear cut chances however against Oxford they struggled to create as much.

Elliott Benyon for Oxford was thwarted by a good block by Lewis Hobbs before Joe Oastler was given time to control a corner but blasted over the bar.

Josh Ashby had a shot saved by Reise Charles-Cook before Welling had their first goal attempt when Lionel Ainsworth spun and shot to draw a good save out of Ben Dudzinski. Chiori Johnson then delivered a teasing cross that was knocked out as far as Matt Everitt but his shot was saved low.

An Ainsworth corner was half cleared as far as Brad Ryan but his measured half volley went just over and that proved pivotal as Oxford scored in their next attack. Nana Owusu ran down the left wing, cut in, and shot into the bottom corner.

Just before the break, Owusu almost scored again from a free kick but Charles-Cook made a good diving save.

Immediately after the interval, Dipo Akinyemi headed wide from Everitt’s cross before Ryan tried his luck from thirty-five yards but Dudzinski saved easily.

Twelve minutes into the second half, Owusu scored his and Oxford’s second. Pablo Martinez delivered a corner, Welling failed to clear and it fell for Owusu to tuck home from close range.

After that, chances were few and far between. Lexus Beeden shot wide for Welling then Alfie Potter was well off target for Oxford. One more chance came Welling’s way when Kareem Isiaka tried to guide Nathan Green’s cross home but Dudzinski was equal to it.

Welling now have another free Saturday before returning to league action next Tuesday when they host Havant and Waterlooville.

Welling United: Charles-Cook, Johnson, Green, Ryan (Azeez 90), Beeden, Hobbs, Shokunbi, Everitt (Ilic 81), Barrington (Isiaka 72), Akinyemi, Ainsworth. Subs not used: Olagunju, Roberts, Liburd, Cook.