Another odd goal defeat, this time at the hands of Chippenham Town, has left Welling United just one place off the bottom of the Vanarama National League South table.

Once again, Welling missed some golden opportunities and, once again, they conceded from a set piece.

They made a solid start and had already had two corners when they created a gilt edged opening. Ryan Blackman, back in the team following a one match suspension, played a superb through ball that sent Dipo Akinyemi through but although he beat Will Puddy in goal, his angled shot went wide of the far post.

Luke Russe put a shot into Danson Park before Anthony Cook also kept the ball retrievers busy with a free kick into the main road.

Nathan Harness was out sharply to claim from Callum Gunner before Lyle Della-Verde’s long shot was saved by Puddy.

Marlon Jackson twice came close with deflected shots, the first one going just wide and the second clipping the bar on its way over. However, it was Welling who had the last chance of the half when Della-Verde spun and shot and it went just past the post with Puddy struggling.

Early in the second half Akinyemi did superbly well to create space for himself but shot straight at Puddy before again using his strength to hold off the defence and allow Ade Shokunbi to burst through but Puddy made a fantastic save to keep the scores level.

After that, Welling lost their way and a series of misplaced passes let the visitors claim the upper hand. They were caught sleeping from a corner that Joe Hanks passed back to an unmarked Ross Stearn but he ballooned his shot high over the bar.

Callum Gunner then smashed a shot that came back off the bar before Harness saved from Bradley Ash after struggling, initially, with a high cross.

Eventually, the deadlock was broken when Hanks’ near post corner was finished by Ash from close range.

Chippenham might have increased their lead but for saves by Harness from Chris Zebroski and Hanks, the second falling to Ash who failed to hit the target.

Substitute Matt Everitt chipped a shot towards the top corner but Puddy saved however the last chance fell to Ash who should have finished the game off in injury time.

Welling have little time to dwell on the disappointment as they start their F.A. Trophy campaign on Tuesday and will need an improved performance if they are to see off Oxford City at Park View Road.

Welling United: Harness, Johnson, Cook, Beeden, Hobbs, Olagunju (Isiaka 82), Shokunbi, Della-Verde (Liburd 67), Akinyemi, Blackman, Ilic (Everitt 58). Subs not used: Azeez, Ainsworth.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Johnson, Olagunju, Blackman

Red cards: None

Chippenham Town: Puddy, Jones, Law, Harrison, Parselle, Russe, Gunner, Hanks, Jackson (Ash 58), Zebroski, Bray (Stearn 58). Subs not used: Lolos, Smedley, Hughes.

Goalscorers: Ash (68)

Yellow cards: Puddy, Zebroski

Red cards: None

Referee: Philip Staynings

Assistants: Andy Loe and Robert Cluussen

Attendance: 611

Images courtesy of Dave Budden