Disappointing Welling United crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season at East Thurrock United.

It was the Rocks’ fiftieth birthday and they gave a performance to many former players in the crowd. Despite that, they still ended the afternoon with relegation confirmed.

Little of note happened in the first fifteen minutes but after Mohammed Bettamer had a header saved the Rocks went ahead. A goalmouth scramble ended with Sam Higgins firing home clinically.

Bradley Goldberg had a chance for Welling from Josh Hill’s knock down and despite being hauled back he still managed to get a shot on target that was well saved by Jack Giddens.

Zack Newton picked out Bettamer but again his header was saved comfortably before Steve Sheehan headed a Luke Rooney free kick over his own bar unconvincingly.

Reece Dobson should have done better but bundled wide from close range following good work by Higgins, then Alex Osborn missed a good chance from another good angled cross.

Newton had a thirty-five yard pile-driver saved before Higgins showed his team-mates how to finish. Osborn was the creator with a clever pull back and the Rocks’ veteran striker did the rest.

Welling gave themselves a life-line in first half injury time. Newton had a shot blocked, Goldberg fired across the face of goal and Bettamer finished from two yards out.

However, Welling did not build on it and were two goals behind again two minutes after the interval. Jon Nzengo intercepted Dan Wilks’ clearance and advanced unopposed. He exchanged passes with Steve Sheehan before striking a shot from twenty yards that gave Wilks no chance.

It should have been four when substitute Harry Lee delivered a corner that found Danny Harris but he headed over from close range.

Giddens made a decent save from Goldberg’s near post header. However the Rocks continued to look dangerous and Sanchez Ming did well to get in front of former Dartford player Harris and clear after more good work by Higgins.

Newton sent a fierce drive wide and Caden Genovesi volleyed over before the Rocks added a fourth. Higgins was again in the thick of it and Wilks beat his close range drive out. Harris, following up, sent it towards the far post and ex-Wing Rickie Hayles buried it from close range.

East Thurrock United: Giddens, Burns (Nzengo 39), Sori-Diallo, Nasha, Scott, Sheehan, Harris, Hayles, Higgins, Osborn, Dobson (Lee 46).

Subs not used: Batt, Ekpiteta.

Welling United: Wilks, Ming, Genovesi, Mendy (Anau 58), Hill, Orlu, Agyemang, Rooney (Kiernan 58), Bettamer, Goldberg, Newton.

Subs not used: Braham-Barrett, Mills, Audel.

East Thurrock United:

Goalscorers: Higgins (15), (37), Nzengo (47), Hayles (90+)

Yellow cards: Scott

Red cards: None

Welling United:

Goalscorers: Bettamer (45+)

Yellow cards: None

Red cards: None

Referee: Steve Hughes

Assistants: Alex Bradley and Gary Jerden

Attendance: 566

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.