Vanarama National League South relegation for Dover Athletic was confirmed by defeat at Welling United.

Riccardo Di Trolio’s goal for the Wings earned them the three points that went a long way towards ensuring that they would escape the drop. Other than Truro City, all of the clubs below them lost giving the Wings a seven point buffer with five games to go.

Jason Adigun shot well over in the early stages and had another opportunity shortly after but slipped as he lined it up and screwed his effort wide.

At the other end George Nikaj intercepted a sloppy pass out but shot directly at Reice Charles-Cook from a tight angle when a lay off to Freddie Oliver might have been the better option. Adigun then found David Amoo who slipped Reece Grant in but he poked it beyond the far post.

Nick Dembele then spun to create an opportunity for himself but Charles-Cook was out quickly to smother at his feet.

As a low key first half came towards a close, Dover struggled to clear a corner and it came out to Lachlan Byrd whose first time side-foot volley flew inches over.

Early in the second period Dover were awarded a free kick. Although Charles-Cook couldn’t hold Bailey Akehurst’s effort, he recovered to claim it as the Whites’ strikers converged on it.

Amoo had a shot saved by Matthew Rowley at the other end and it came out awkwardly to Oliver who was relieved to see it go over his own bar as he attempted to clear.

Adigun had a drive blocked away before Nikaj’s shot from fully thirty yards flew straight at Charles-Cook.

Charles-Cook then saved from his brother Roman and it came out to Dembele but Byrd got back to clear his effort off the line.

Once more Adigun tried his luck, however, he lost his balance and his shot was deflected wide. Antony Papadopoulos then found Reece Grant and his attempt was blocked bravely for the corner from which the Wings went ahead. Papadopoulos delivered and Di Trolio last his marker to head home from close range.

Two Welling substitutes then combined when Gene Kennedy found Adam Roscrow who shot tamely at Rowley.

George Wilkinson had a shot tipped over for Athletic only for Welling to break away from the corner and create a two on one opportunity. Roscrow drew the defender towards him but his pass to Anthony Grant was too strong and the chance was lost.

Five minutes of additional time was not enough for Dover to create another chance and their last remaining hopes of surviving were laid to rest.

Welling United: Charles-Cook, Lema, Johnson (Green 69), Byrd, Ellul, Di Trolio, Adigun, A. Grant, Amoo (Kennedy 56), R. Grant (Roscrow 75), Papadopoulos. Subs not used: Burchell, Munns.

Goalscorers: Di Trolio (72)

Yellow card: Lema, Di Trolio

Dover Athletic: Rowley, Charles-Cook (Wilkinson 75), Akehurst, Mensah, Holding, Oyenuga (Garrett 88), Naylor, Oliver, Nikaj, Dembele, Young (Stewart 82). Unused Subs not used: Drakes-Thomas, Baptiste.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Young

Referee: Lisa Benn

Assistants: Joel Lamping and Daniel Procter

Attendance: 839

Images courtesy of Dave Budden