Looking for a quick response from their unlucky defeat at Truro, Welling never really looked like hurting Chelmsford City in a scrappy match that they lost by the only goal.

Although they defended with great tenacity, they only created one clear cut chance and Sam Beasant was a virtual spectator in the second half.

It was not an ideal start to the week when Welling were forced to look for a new goalkeeper following Chris Lewington's sudden retirement and Colchester's Dillon Barnes was recruited on loan.

After ten minutes of testing each other out, Welling created the first opening when neat midfield football allowed Connor Dymond to play an excellent ball behind Craig Braham- Barrett for Bradley Goldberg to bear in. Unfortunately, the former Bromley striker was unable to get it where he wanted and Sam Beasant was out to block at his feet.

Not for the first time ever at Park View Road, Chris Bush earned himself a caution, handling just outside the area. Christian Nanetti tried to sneak the free kick under the wall but the defence got enough on it and it squirmed away from the lurking Joe Healy.

At the other end, Chelmsford had their first clear chance when Kudus Oyenuga laid back a clever ball in and Chris Dickson fired well over when he should have tested the goalkeeper.

Michael West then had a shot that took a massive deflection and looped up for Dillon Barnes to claim.

Matthew Johnson then sent a curler over as the visitors pushed for an opener.

They had a further good opportunity when West slung in a free kick that Oyenuga headed over when he should have done better.

However, they might have been reduced to ten men just before the break when Bush left his foot in as Barnes Cleared bravely but after a long lecture the former Wing escaped a second yellow card.

Neither team made changes at the break and Chelmsford came out aggressively with Anthony Church going straight through Jamie Coyle with late challenge.

Dymond then earned Welling's first caution when leaving a foot in when Elliot Omuzus cleared.

Oyenuga used his strength to get a shot away but Coyle covered with a block for a corner.

Barnes had to be watchful as a long Bush punt flew towards goal but drifted away to safety.

Once more Chelmsford threatened when West skipped through but fired over from 20 yards then Lee Barnard hit a swirling shot that Barnes claimed watchfully.

As Chelmsford continued to push for the goal Johnson tried to trick his way across the penalty area but was crowded out by several defenders throwing their bodies in the firing line

Eventually, the pressure told, but in a somewhat controversial circumstances. The flag was up for a clear offside and the referee awarded a corner to Chelmsford instead. Alfie Pavey made a clumsy challenge in the box and a penalty was awarded. Barnard kept his cool and sent Barnes the wrong way.

There was never any real likelihood of Welling mounting a comeback and Oyenuga came close to adding a second.

Now Coyle will need to pick up his charges quickly as the entertain Bognor Regis Town at Park View Road on Saturday at 15;00.

Welling United: Barnes, Gayle, Jefford, Parkinson, Coyle, Francis, Dymond, Healy, Bradbrook (Pavey 75), Goldberg, Nanetti (Joseph-Dubois 63). Subs not used: Durojaiye, Pattisson, Brown.