Brendan Kiernan’s injury time penalty gave Welling victory over Chelmsford City to take them to the National League South play-off decider.

In a game that ebbed and flowed, it was Welling who prevailed and who will now travel to Woking next Sunday.

Dan Wilks was the first goalkeeper called into action when making an easy save from a free kick by Billy Knott.

He was again in action shortly afterwards when Max Porter’s shot bobbled into his arms.

After a slow start, Welling got into the game and Danny Mills burst through but Chelmsford goalkeeper Nathan McDonald was out quickly to hack clear.

Bradley Goldberg then crossed but Mills headed over however Welling broke the deadlock soon after.

Chris Whelpdale brought down Jordan Gibbons down the right and side. Gavin McCallum delivered, it was flicked on and struck Anthony Acheampong. It came back off him and Goldberg knocked forward and followed up to stab home as a bemused defender looked on.

Brendan Kiernan then crossed but Mills header hit his marker’s head and McDonald claimed comfortably.

Goldberg then hit a shot that was too hot for McDonald and a defender hacked it away for a corner from which Welling doubled their lead. Thierry Audel rose high to head goalward but it came back off the post, struck the back of McDonald’s legs and went in off the other post.

Scott Fenwick drew an easy save out of Wilks after cutting in and shooting towards the near post.

Gibbons went on a long run but it bobbled as he went to shoot and it flew high into the park behind the goal.

One minute remained before the break when Chelmsford were given a lifeline. The Clarets were awarded a soft free kick, Knott delivered and Tom Wraight headed on to give Wilks no chance.

Immediately after the break, Welling almost restored their two goal lead. McCallum pulled it back and Kiernan fired narrowly wide.

Mills then rose high but headed wide from Gibbons’ cross before Michael Spillane had a header claimed by Wilks.

Substitute Lamar Reynolds looked to be in for Chelmsford as they upped the tempo but Kiernan made a brilliant recovering tackle to keep Welling ahead.

When Fenwick flicked a header wide it looked as if Chelmsford were running out of ideas but with seven minutes remaining, the pulled level. Jonny Giles hit a speculative but Wilks attempt to push it over was not strong enough and it floated in just under the bar.

That appeared to awaken Welling and Mills’ header from Kiernan’s cross went just wide.

Josh Hill then had a chance for Welling but headed just beyond the far post and it looked as though extra time was looming.

However in the last minute of time added on, Kiernan skipped into the penalty area and was clipped by Chez Isaac. After a full two minutes had passed, the referee allowed Kiernan to take it. Although McDonald got two firm hands on it, Kiernan’s power was enough and it flew into the top corner.

Now Welling have a week to get over the mental and physical strain of such a tight match and will head to Woking next Sunday for the winner takes all promotion decider.

Welling United: Wilks, Gibbons, Braham-Barrett, Mendy, Acheampong (Hill 46), Audel, Kiernan, Ijaha, Mills, Goldberg (Bettamer 73), McCallum. Subs not used: Hajizadeh, L’Ghoul, Anau.