Welling 0 Basingstoke 1

WELLING'S goal drought continued as they succumbed to a late Basingstoke winner in Blue Square South on Saturday.

It was rough justice on the Wings who missed a penalty through debut striker Ellis Remy along with a host of other clear-cut chances.

It was the visitors who missed the first opening after just nine minutes when James Taylor somehow fluffed a simple opening after keeper Jamie Turner dropped a right-wing cross, before Tyron Smith's free-kick hit the crossbar from 25 yards.

Welling responded and manager Neil Smith somehow failed to turn home Richard Carpenter's corner from close range before the Wings were gifted a 23rd minute penalty when Steve Laidler handled Joe Howe's goal-bound shot.

The industrious Remy stepped up but saw his spot-kick superbly saved by keeper Chris Tardif.

Charles Ademeno became the first player to miss from a yard when he failed to connect with Smith's cross, before the on loan Southend striker saw his header back across goal go agonizingly wide of the upright.

Chances were few and far between after the break and it was only thanks to a last-gasp tackle from Jason Bristow that Lloyd Blackman did not claim his first league goal for Welling.

The decisive moment came just four minutes from the end when a right-wing cross fell to Ben Surey and his low left-foot shot proved too good for Turner.

The Wings, who missed a hatful of chances, were not helped by some indifferent refereeing from J. McGann, including a throw-in that was allowed to be picked up by the goalkeeper.