Defeat at home to Chelmsford City put Welling United back in relegation peril in the Vanarama National League South.

They are now one place above the bottom four although they still have an eight point buffer.

Chiori Johnson and Daniel Martin were restored to the starting line up following their injuries whilst Theo Alexandrou was given his full debut on loan from Dorking Wanderers. They replaced Jack Burchell, Martell Taylor-Crossdale and Zain Walker, all of whom were named on the substitute’s bench.

Martin had Welling’s first chance having started the move when he sent Theo Alexandrou away down the left. The Dorking Wanderers loanee found Gene Kennedy who worked his way in from the touchline and waited for Martin to arrive before laying it off to him on the edge of the area. He struck his shot cleanly, but just too high.

He then had to show his defensive prowess when racing back to make a brilliant tackle after Charlie Ruff had sent Osman Foyo through. The Clarets’ striker, who had played for Welling one season earlier, was given another opportunity. This time, he was able to get a shot away only for Rhys Lovett to make a comfortable save.

Josh Redfearn then missed a great chance to put Welling ahead. Kennedy sent over an inviting low cross but the Wings’ hit-man failed to turn it home from five yards out.

Just before half time, there was a goalmouth scramble in the Clarets penalty area that fell just out of comfortable reach for TJ Bramble, and he could only stretch and turn it into the grateful arms of Ted Collins.

Both teams had half-chances until the hosts had another big chance after the hour mark. Redfearn nicked possession and burst past two defenders to put himself clear but his shot crashed back out off the crossbar.

Cameron James shot over and Kane Crichlow fired wide before Chelmsford claimed the winner with five minutes to spare. Kalvin Kalala was allowed to get a cross over and Foyo gave Lovett no chance with an effort that flew into the far corner.

Rod Stringer’s team were unable to fashion another real opportunity and ended 2024 with back to back defeats.

Welling United: Lovett, Johnson (Burchell 70), Martin, Statham, Winfield, Lankshear, Kennedy, Cornish. Redfearn (Taylor-Crossdale 75), Alexandrou, Bramble (Walker 87). Subs not used: Donkor, Grant.