Eastleigh 3 Welling 1

A GOALKEEPING howler by Jamie Turner proved decisive as Welling left play-off chasing Eastleigh empty handed on Saturday.

The Wings were more than a match for their big-spending hosts and looked the more likely to take the points after Orlando Smith's 56th-minute equaliser, but Turner was left red-faced by Mark Marshall's goal direct from a corner 10 minutes later and the Wings never recovered.

The only moment of note in a drab first half came in the fourth minute when Welling defended poorly and Warren McBean scored from close range.

Manager Andy Ford introduced Smith at half-time and he had an immediate impact with a stunning equaliser. Richard Carpenter's corner was only half cleared and Smith cut inside before unleashing an excellent right-foot shot from 20 yards for his second goal in three games.

Welling then let the points slip away and Eastleigh added a third 12 minutes from time when Chris Piper scored from close range.

The Wings are in action at home to Newport in Blue Square South on Wednesday.