A dreadful defensive display saw Welling crash out of the FA Trophy at lower-league East Thurrock on Saturday.

Welling, who needed a replay to see off Thamesmead in the previous round, let in two sloppy goals and it could have been more as they were outplayed at times.

Cup specialists East Thurrock, who reached the first round of the FA Cup, have already taken the scalp of Blue Square Bet South Eastbourne this season and an upset looked on the cards as early as the fourth minute when Kris Newby crossed for the unmarked Matt Hall to fire home.

Newby and Sam Collins both sent free-kicks narrowly off target while Andy Pugh (pictured), Joe Healy and Loick Pires all wasted chances at the other end.

Pugh collected Pires’ crossfield pass before slotting home his 18th goal of the season to level the scores in the 30th minute.

But two minutes later, Jordan Johnson’s backpass from near the halfway line bobbled in front of keeper Dan Thomas and with the ball never properly cleared, Jack Parkinson gave away another needless free-kick. Having had two sighters, East Thurrock made no mistake third time around as Sam Higgins found the top corner with an unstoppable strike.

Within a minute, Pires headed wide when it seemed easier to score and the same player was involved in controversy seven minutes before half-time when he was booked for a late challenge on Tony Stephens, with home players chasing the referee demanding a red card.

After the break, the quiet Tamer Tuna crossed for Healy, whose shot into the ground was tipped over by keeper Richard Wray.

Jamie Day’s free-kick was beaten away and Healy saw another attempt saved by Wray but it was largely one-dimensional from the Wings, who were unable to break down East Thurrock’s defence for a second time and could have easily conceded more on the counter attack.

Do you think Welling can bounce back from their Trophy disappointment by winning promotion from Blue Square Bet South? Have your say below.