Warren Feeney’s Welling United team extended their winning run to three with a hard earned victory at Eastbourne Borough.

Two consecutive clean sheets and five wins in six games have put the Wings into the top five however, they won’t have many tougher matches than the one at Priory Lane.

In miserable weather conditions, Welling had to defend strongly in the final twenty minutes to hold onto the lead that Stefan Payne’s goal gave them.

James Vaughan shot well over in the hosts first real opening, then Kai Innocent looped a header onto the roof of the net.

At the other end Ade Azeez was unable to head a cross from Aaron Barnes towards goal before Payne came close with a low drive that went wide. Manny Parry then headed over from a Taylor Maloney cross.

Eastbourne might have been reduced to ten men when Payne was taken out from behind by a shocking challenge from behind by Brad Barry. That sparked a massive flare up between players and people off the bench from both clubs. Surprisingly, the referee only deemed the original foul worthy of a yellow card and took no action against anyone involved in the skirmish that followed.

Myles Roberts made an excellent low save from Leone Gravata in stoppage time and then claimed a long range shot by James Hammond.

After the interval, Welling came out the stronger and it came as no surprise when they went ahead after twelve minutes. Maloney’s corner picked out Anthony Papadopoulos and he headed down for Payne to flick home from close range.

Vaughan drew another fine save from Roberts before James Dunne ended a good Welling move by shooting over. Miguel Scarlett had a great chance to level, but Jamie Sendles-White made a crucial block.

Mitch Dickenson had a chance, but his prod rolled wide before the impressive Innocent was also off target.

Feeney caught a clearance in front of his dug-out and didn’t release it quickly enough prompting the referee to show him a red card and send him down the tunnel.

Shiloh Remy blasted high and wide for the Sports before they were awarded a free kick in a great position but wasted it when Hammond fired over.

Samuel Omperon shot wide, seconds after coming on and the hosts had one last chance in stoppage time when their top scorer, James Hutchinson, hooked over.

Welling have a break in league action on Saturday when Southern Counties East Football League club Fisher visit Park View Road in an F.A. Cup second qualifying round tie.

Welling United: Roberts, Barnes, Ezennolim, Dunne, Sendles-White, Parry, Kassarate (Elito 55), Papadopoulos (Olomowewe 89), Azeez, Payne (Hyde 77), Maloney. Sub not used: Francis, McKenzie-Lyle.