Welling took a big step towards safety in National League South on Saturday.

After a goalless first half, two goals apiece from Pierre Joseph-Dubois and Alex Cathline did the damage for Wings.

It means Welling are now eight points clear of Gosport, who occupy the final relegation spot, with just four games remaining.

Welling were boosted by skipper Danny Waldren having his red card at Ebbsfleet overturned on appeal while in the dugout, Alex Dyer was at the helm having replaced Billericay-bound Harry Wheeler in midweek.

The home side started brightly enough and big striker Alex Cathline had a ninth-minute shot saved by keeper Nick Jordan.

Sam Hatton, in for Ali Fuseini who was dropped to the bench, sent a rasping 30-yard drive wide of the near post.

Two Rhys Murrell-Williamson set pieces then nearly provided Wings with the opener.

His 23rd-minute free-kick was met by Ben Martin but Jordan brilliantly tipped his header over the bar.

Then six minutes later another Murrell-Williamson delivery saw Waldren head wide at the far post.

Gosport offered little up front with Phil Walsh and particularly Martin commanding in the air at the heart of the Welling defence.

It took Welling just 20 seconds in the second half to go ahead. Cathline used his strength to turn his man and cross for Joseph-Dubois to convert from close range.

Gosport were almost level within a minute but Welling keeper Chris Lewington did well to turn behind Tony Lee's low drive for a corner.

Joseph-Dubois was on hand again seven minutes later, converting a Dan Walker pull back this time after the wideman chased what appeared to be a lost cause.

It was 3-0 on the hour mark as Welling worked their way down the left wing and crossed for Cathline, who took a touch before firing home from the edge of the box.

Walker nearly added a fourth minutes later but his low left-foot shot came back off the post and into the arms of the grateful Jordan.

Cathline did add a fourth when he converted from close range after the keeper had denied Joseph-Dubois his hat-trick.

Lewington produced another good save to beat away Ben Wright's 20-yard free-kick as Gosport went in search of a consolation while Cathline nearly grabbed a hat-trick late on but his low shot was blocked by the legs of Jordan.

Welling: Lewington, Fish, Brown, Hatton, Walsh, Martin (Crawford 81mins), Walker, Waldren, Cathline, Joseph-Dubois (Marsh 72mins), Murrell-Williamson (Richards 80mins). Subs not used: Fuseini, Leacock.

Gosport: Jordan, Lanahan (Bailey 58mins), Bird, Carmichael (Martin 66mins), Sanders, Oastler, Lea, Harding, Lee, Wright, Suraci (Brice 58mins). Subs not used: Walters, Watch.

Attendance: 450.