Depleted Welling United slumped to their seventh Vanarama National League South home defeat of the season at the hands of Braintree Town.

They came into the game off the back of an excellent result at Slough Town but had to make changes and rarely looked threatening. Aaron Powell’s loan spell from Peterborough has expired so Chi Ezennolim was restored to the starting line-up and Taylor Maloney’s injury resulted in just a second league start for Cameron Andrews. James Dunne and Stefan Payne’s suspensions only exasperated Warren Feeney’s selection difficulties.

Despite the issues, Welling still started the stronger and should have gone ahead in the opening exchanges. Chi Ezennolim received a clever pass from George Alexander and fired in a low cross that only needed a touch to turn it in but nobody threw themselves in to apply it. Andrews then shot into the side netting after being given the opportunity by Amadou Kassarate.

Feeney’s problems worsened midway through the first half when defensive midfielder Taylor Curran had to be replaced and, with no like for like on the bench, Kyrell Lisbie was brought on with Andrews being given Curran’s role. Two minutes later, the Iron went ahead. Chris Regis launched it forward, Alfie Pavey nodded it on, and Aaron Blair smashed it into the roof of the net.

Alexander shot wide for Welling before the visitors went close again when Pavey’s header was saved brilliantly by Myles Roberts.

Their second goal came just after the hour mark. Alfie Matthews delivered a free kick that Roberts couldn’t hold and Baris Altintop forced it home from close range.

Pavey headed over from a Kyron Farrell free kick before he had a shot well saved by Roberts.

Lisbie fired over for Welling but they rarely threatened and former Wings goalkeeper Jack Sims kept a clean sheet without having to make a save.

On Saturday, Welling host Chippenham Town and Feeney will be looking for a reaction.

Welling United: Roberts, Howard (Parry 78), Ezennolim, Curran (Lisbie 23), Sendles-White, Lyons-Foster, Kassarate, Elito, Alexander, Azeez, Andrews (Pattisson 68). Sub not used: Barnes, Vendrells-Parcerisa.