VCD Athletic and Welling United contested a pre-season Bexley Borough friendly with the Conference Premier visitors claiming the spoils.

In truth, the 3-2 score-line mattered little as both sides used the game, and multiple players, to prepare for the season ahead.

Athletic supporters are anticipating their first season in the Ryman Premier and saw plenty to encourage them.

Meanwhile the Wings completed their third win in three to help boost their confidence as they try build on their successful first season back at the highest level of non league football.

After fourteen minutes, Welling went ahead. Barney Williams slung in a fine cross that Moses Ashikodi chested down for Kieron St Aimie to sweep home.

Michael Power showed it wasn’t going to be one way traffic when he brought down a cross and unleashed a volley that Lee Butcher saved sharply.

Jamie Day’s free kick found Sam Corne but his shot was saved comfortably by Nick Blue.

James Duckworth tested Butcher with a decent effort, and the Welling keeper was again called into action to save from Ellis Green.

St Aimie headed wide from Day’s corner before scoring his, and his team’s second goal five minutes before the break when finishing Frankie Beale’s deep cross.

Their two goal lead did not last long however. Power was brought down in the penalty area but was up again quickly to convert the spot kick.

Many changes were made at the break and one of Welling’s replacements, Tarkan Mersin, made an excellent block from VCD substitute Leigh Bremner.

Micheal Fondob went on a long run for Welling but was crowded out when trying to set up a shot and he was one of several players to make way shortly afterwards.

Bremner gave Welling a scare when a rasping drive clipped the bar before Welling increased their lead.

Rod Young had a shot saved but the escape was short lived when Harry Beautyman played Charlie Penny in to finish tidily.

The goal of the game was still to come, however, when VCD triallist, French, fired into the top corner from 25 yards.

Jon Pilbeam and Bremner both had chances for VCD before Penny curled over for Welling.

VCD Athletic squad: Blue, McDonald, Reeves, Morse-McDougall, Cox, Duckworth, Dawson, Carpenter, Green, Dent, Power, Welham, Phillips, Bremner, Perkins, Pilbeam, French.

Welling United squad: Butcher, Williams, Azaratti, Fyfield, Beale, Day, Corne, Fondob, St Aimie, Ashikodi, Ouani, Axor, Fazakerley, Gallagher, Mersin, Jefford, Beautyman, Healy, Johnson, Gorman, Penny, Young.

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.