by Matthew Panting

Dean Cracknell scored the decisive goal 13 minutes from time to hand Welling victory over rivals Bromley in Blue Square Bet South on Saturday.

Cracknell reacted first after Loick Pires headed down skipper Jack Parkinson’s deep cross to hand Welling maximum points.

Both teams had early chances before Welling went ahead on 25 minutes. Joe Healy, Lee Clarke and Jack Obersteller all combined down the left-wing and when a cross was half-cleared, Scott Kinch volleyed home from 20 yards past a stranded Joe Welch.

Bromley should have equalised within five minutes but clever work by ex-Gillingham man Albert Jarrett down the left-wing was wasted when Danny Waldren, one of the best midfielders in the league, inexplicably missed his kick from close range.

Anthony Thomas wasted a good chance for the visitors before the break but it took them just five minutes after the break to draw level.

Clarke almost scored an own goal when he diverted a cross against the upright but Hakeem Araba reacted first to score the equaliser from close range.

Welch beat away Healy’s powerful drive before Luis Cumbers just failed to turn in Pires’ cross-shot as Welling looked to respond.

Once ahead, courtesy of Cracknell’s left-foot finish, Welling had only one scare late on when Pierre Joseph-Dubois turned Clarke in the box but keeper Craig Holloway turned his near-post shot behind for a corner.

Both teams are in action on Tuesday as Welling host Weston while Bromley entertain Staines, who are also at the wrong end of the table.