Hopes of starting their home campaign with a victory were dashed when Welling United were defeated by Worthing.

It was a tough ask for Warren Feeney’s team playing two promoted champions in their first two games of the new season with a rebuilt side. Not one of the Welling starting eleven were at Park View Road in the 2021-22 season and it was clear that they need time to gel.

Spectators were still coming through the turnstiles when the first two goals were scored. Worthing drew first blood when Joel Colbran crossed, and Callum Kealy turned it home.

One minute later, Welling levelled. Medy Elito played it low into the penalty area Tyrique Hyde controlled it and shot low beyond a helpless Harrison Male.

Myles Roberts had to be watchful to hold a shot by Kane Wills before Ollie Pearce shot wide. Soon after, the visitors went back ahead when Lewis White controlled well before slotting home.

Joe Rye headed home from a deep free kick before a five goal first thirty minute spell ended when Welling reduced the arrears through a crisp finish by Charlton Athletic academy graduate, Ade Azeez,

Azeez came close to levelling before half time, but Harrison Male tipped his fierce drive onto the bar.

After the half time interval, Kealy was unable to turn a Pearce cross home, but he wasn’t to be denied for too much longer. White was again the architect, nicking it away on the right hand side before sending in a low cross for Kealy to tuck away.

Substitute Ashley Nzala came close for Welling when receiving Stefan Payne’s square pass, but his low shot rebounded off Male’s legs and he fired over from the rebound.

Roberts was out quickly to thwart Kealy when he broke through with hopes of completing his hat-trick before Welling’s last chance came and went when Payne’s drive clattered the crossbar.

Feeney’s team are back in action on Tuesday night when they host yet another promoted team, Cheshunt.

Welling United: Roberts, Howard, Dickens, Dunne, Olomowewe, Parry, Maloney (Ezennolim 73), Hyde (Kassarate 73), Azeez, Payne, Elito (Nzala 61). Sub not used: Jackson, Papadopoulos.