Welling's battle against relegation in the Vanarama National League looks all but over after a home defeat to play-off chasing Gateshead on Saturday.

The visitors only had a handful of attempts at goal in the 90 minutes but it was all they needed against a goalshy Wings side.

Welling made a bright start, Michael Bakare winning the ball back and firing a shot at goal inside the first 50 seconds before Luke Wanadio showed his intent only to see his shot go off-target.

Clever on-loan Leyton Orient forward Scott Kashket found space between the visitors' defence and midfield and his neat touches with Bakare caused problems.

Gateshead took 33 minutes until they had their first shot at goal but Gus Mafuta shot wide of the upright.

Welling pressed again, Reece Harris' spectacular shot went just over the bar before Ibrahim Kargbo fizzed a right-foot 30-yard effort over the bar.

The visitors went ahead against the run of play on the stroke of half-time. A free-kick on the edge of the box fell kindly for Alex Whitmore, who headed in at the far post.

Welling should have levelled on 52 minutes when Bakare went clean through but keeper Sam Russell made a smart save with his legs as the striker's finish lacked conviction.

The Wings introduced Sahr Kabba and then Kadell Daniel but their positive forward play in the first half was missing after the break.

Gateshead were solid but far from spectacular but they had it relatively easy in the final half-hour.

Welling: Rodak, Chesmain, Wanadio (Daniel 79mins), Kashket, Nortey, Gayle, Lokko, Harris (Kabba 66mins), Williams, Kargbo, Bakare. Subs not used: McEntegart, Chambers, Taylor. Attendance: 500.