Welling United’s three game unbeaten run was ended by defeat at in-form Oxford City.

Having not suffered a loss since Boxing Day, Oxford were always going to provide a tough assignment for the Wings and the Hoops extended that spell with an ultimately comfortable victory.

Ronan Kanuric made the first save of the match when doing well to tip over George Alexander’s header from Taylor Maloney’s free kick. Maloney delivered the corner to the far post, picking out Kodi Lyons-Foster, but he was unable to hit the target with his header.

Alexander then turned provider when he pulled back from the bye-line and found Stefan Payne. His header was destined for the top corner before it was deflected over. Maloney’s corner was half cleared to Payne but his first time shot was blocked.

Miles Roberts made a comfortable low save from a long range shot by Lewis Coyle and he made another from Aaron Williams-Bushell shortly afterwards.

James Dunne collected a harsh yellow card which takes him to ten for the season and a two league game ban before Lewis Coyle had a shot beaten out by Roberts.

After thirty-two minutes Oxford went ahead. Klaidi Lolos was given two much space and shot from twenty yards and it found it’s way into the bottom corner under Roberts’ dive.

Just before half time, Maloney shot well over.

Hopes that Welling had of getting back into the game were dashed when Oxford scored agai immediately after the break. Josh Ashby sent Zac McEachran away and he finished clinically inside the post.

Ade Azeez headed over from Maloney’s cross before Welling had a chance to get back into the game. Payne was brought down in the area by Coyle and a penalty was awarded. Maloney stepped up but he didn’t get it far enough into the corner and Kanuric made the save,

Oxford weren’t troubled again and had chances to increase their lead. Roberts saved well from McEachran then Lolos fired well over. Lolos had another good chance, set up by Ashby, and Roberts saved his side-footed effort when he shouldn’t have been given a chance.

Coyle shot over then Roberts made a great save from a Josh Parker free kick. Parker wasn’t going to be denied from extending his hot streak to scoring in six straight matches in the second minute of time added on. He was sent clear and gave Roberts no chance with a confident finish.

On Monday evening, Warren Feeney will give his fringe players a run out in an exhibition game against an American Universities team. Dunne’s suspension, along with Payne’s two game ban plus injuries, means that impressive performances on Monday might be rewarded with a start at Slough Town next Saturday.

Welling United: Roberts, Barnes (Kassarate 72), Ezennolim, Dunne, Sendles-White, Lyons-Foster, Elito, Alexander (Gavin 55), Payne, Azeez, Maloney (Lisbie 81). Sub not used: McKenzie-Lyle, Parry.