Welling have beaten non-league big guns Torquay and Aldershot to the signing of teenage striker Jason Williams.

The Wings have signed Williams on loan from League 2 Southend for the remainder of the season. Another Vanarama Conference side - reported to be Lincoln - were interested in the forward who has made four appearances for Southend's first team.

Welling boss Jody Brown said: "He's had a fairly prolific spell at Chelmsford this year and has attracted attention from some big Conference clubs.

"We've needed a centre-forward, and we've managed to secure one for the rest of the season.

"Phil Brown (Southend manager) was very helpful with this deal and we are grateful for his help."

Williams scored six goals in eight games for Chelmsford earlier this season.

Southend boss Phil Brown told his club's website: "Jason’s going with a view to giving him experience at a higher level than Chelmsford. He’ll find it more of an experience than he did at Chelmsford.

“Welling are in a fight towards the bottom of the Conference and he’ll learn a lot playing for them. We wish him all the best, and hopefully when he comes back to us, he will be stronger and better off for it, ahead of next season.”