by Matthew Panting

Lee Clarke's second-half header ensured Welling got the better of a dogged Weston side in Blue Square Bet South on Saturday.

Clarke headed in Loui Fazackerley's 70th-minute free-kick in a game that always looked destined to be decided by one goal.

Welling created plenty of first-half chances but their finishing never matched the approach work as Luis Cumbers, Andy Pugh, Loick Pires and Lee Clarke all saw openings come and go.

Cumbers had perhaps the best chance just before half-time but he headed over from close-range.

Weston, unlike previous visitors to Park View Road, passed the ball well and looked dangerous on the break.

Their insistance on passing the ball out from the back nearly proved their downfall on more than one occasion although a neat move in the 44th minute nearly saw Nabi Diallo turn in Sahr Kabba's cross-shot.

Although Fazackerley and Pires both went close after the break, Weston should have taken the lead when Martyn Slocombe's twice-taken free-kick was headed against the upright by Kane Ingram.

Once ahead, Welling hardly gave the visitors a sniff of an equaliser. Infact, the hosts should have extended their lead as Pugh's attacking play proved wasteful and Fazackerley's shot was tipped over the bar by keeper Lloyd Irish.

Welling stay fifth in the table, four points ahead of Dover who have played a game less.