Bishop's Stortford 1 Welling 2

SONNY Cobbs capped a man-of-the-match display with a late winner to give Welling a much-needed boost on Tuesday night.

The on-loan Brighton youngster fired home from 25 yards with 12 minutes left to move the Wings four points clear of the Blue Square South relegation zone.

It was no more than Welling deserved as they recorded only their second league win in 17 games.

Delighted manager Andy Ford said: "Sonny played central-midfield and put in a great performance.

"He has never played there before but he really enjoyed it and made us solid. I've got a lot of time for him and I'm delighted that he got the goal, he showed great determination and character."

Sam Gargan had already seen an effort cleared off the line by the time Welling took a seventh-minute lead when defender Max Hustwick headed in Ellis Green's right-wing corner for his first goal for the club.

Orlando Smith, playing in a more attacking role, was denied by a fine Andy Young save before the home keeper denied him again from close range.

Welling debutant Michael Kamara cleared off the line from Ahmed Deen before Welling gifted Stortford a soft equaliser.

Robbie Ryan's backpass lacked conviction and weight, allowing Greg Pearson to nip in and round Jamie Turner before slotting home.

The turning point arrived six minutes before half-time when Deen missed an open goal after neat work by Roy Essandoh and Pearson.

Welling took full advantage as they were the better side in the second half. Gargan was denied by a second goalline clearance after brilliant work by Smith before the latter was thwarted again by Young.

Welling's pressure finally paid off on 78 minutes when Cobb won possession in midfield and drove forward before finding the bottom corner from long-range.

Ford added: "We looked solid, I thought Orlando Smith did well up front.

"I've worked with him for a month and he has been unlucky not to play more but I think I have found him a position.

"I've felt sorry for him and I've told him that because he has got plenty of ability.

"I was also pleased with Jamie Turner, who showed plenty of character after what happened at the weekend."

Ford, who signed Kamara ironically from Bishop's Stortford, has also added Dorchester forward Elliott Bent to his squad. Omari Coleman and Amos Foyewa have both been released.