Welling United 2 Bognor Regis Town 3

NEIL SMITH'S reign as Welling player-manager got off to a nightmare start in controversial circumstances at Park View Road on Saturday.

After a quiet opening half hour the game came to life 11 minutes before half-time.

Lloyd Blackman was fouled by Bognor defender Andy Pearson as he was about to turn in Sam Keevil's right-wing cross.

Referee S Long decided only to show a yellow card instead of a red and it proved to be a crucial decision despite Omari Coleman tucking away the resulting penalty.

The visitors were level two minutes after half-time when Mark Knee's left-wing cross fell to Dan Beck to score from close range.

They went ahead on the hour mark when neither side kicked the ball out of play despite two Welling players lying injured inside their own half and Beck ran clear to score beyond Jamie Turner.

Smith's new-look side, which contained eight debutants, drew level after 65 minutes when substitute Michael Johnson curled a 20-yard free-kick past keeper Craig Stoner with his first touch.

But Welling gifted Bognor the win with 15 minutes left when defender Steve May headed past his own keeper despite being under no pressure.

The Wings are away to Cambridge City on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Bromley drew their opening match of the season at home to Bath City 1-1.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Park View Road every week in the Bexley Extra.