By Matthew Panting

Ross Lafayette had the last laugh as Welling made it a record 11 Blue Square Bet South wins in a row on Saturday.

Joint-leading scorer Lafayette (pictured) was the subject of a number of robust challenges from a physical Dorchester side throughout but managed to escape his marker to fire in the winner with 12 minutes left.

Welling had earlier twice led only to see Dorchester level with virtually their only two efforts at goal.

The Wings were without defenders Loui Fazakerley (broken foot) and Anthony Acheampong (groin) as well as striker Kurtis Guthrie (knee). But they had enough to overcome a Dorchester side who beat them by the same scoreline earlier in the season.

Weling went ahead inside six minutes as Theo Fairweather-Johnson’s cross was headed back across goal by Kiernan Hughes-Mason for Fraser Franks to head in.

Lee Clarke went close and the impressive Barney Williams then fed Hughes-Mason but his low shot was comfortably saved.

Dorchester’s only attack early on saw Ben Watson dive theatrically in the area but referee Lloyd Wood – who booked three players in Welling’s Boxing Day win at Hornchurch for diving – opted to wave away the penalty appeal and keep his cards in his pocket.

The visitors did level on 24 minutes when Ashley Nicholls let fly with a stunning 20-yard shot that went past keeper Sam Mott before he had a chance to react.

Lafayette was the victim of an off-the-ball elbow that went unpunished while Charlie Clough was cautioned for a foul on the striker before half-time, although the card count could have been much higher.

Welling regained the lead five minutes after the break as they kept the ball alive on the edge of the box and it was worked to Joe Healy, whose excellent finish was his 14th goal of the campaign.

Dorchester equalised with 16 minutes left with their only noteworthy effort of the half, Neil Martin’s excellent free-kick headed in by the unmarked Clough from close range.

But Welling restored their advantage four minutes later as Healy’s backheel found Lafayette in space and he drilled a low left-foot shot beyond keeper Alan Walker-Harris.

Welling could have extended their lead but Lafayette’s near-post header came back off the crossbar and substitute Jake Gallagher fired a right-foot shot inches over.