It was an afternoon of hard work for Welling United who claimed the three points against Braintree Town despite being far from their creative best.

However, they defended bravely against a team who bombarded them with corners and long throws to no avail.

Jack Sims had to make an early save from Harry Hope but was then protected by his defence who put everything on the line, and wayward shooting from the visitors until second half injury time.

Matt Johnson had a shot blocked into the path of Correy Davidson but he launched it high above the crossbar before Femi Akinwande sliced his shot well wide. Nathan Bertram-Cooper then headed over from a corner.

However, it was Welling who went ahead with a rare moment of true quality. Aaron Barnes was given space to burst forward and his slide rule pass sent Ade Shokunbi away. His quick shot surprised and deceived goalkeeper William Johnson and found its way into the Braintree net.

Alfie Payne’s low shot was straight at Sims who saved easily before Teddy Perkins had to be helped off the pitch and replaced by Che Krabbendam in first half injury time. There was still time for Payne to hook wide and Johnson to drive over from long range before the half time break.

If the first half was lacking in clear cut chances, there were even fewer in the second half as Welling continued to repel all that was thrown at them.

There were less than twenty minutes remaining when an awful challenge by Correy Davidson caused a flashpoint with players flying in. When the fuss dies down, the referee cautioned Dylan Pepe, presumably for his actions in the aftermath, and Davidson. Krabbendam was then withdrawn and replaced by Dipo Akinyemi.

Daniel Carr had a long range shot saved easily by Johnson before Braintree looked to claim the point that they probably deserved deep into injury time however Sims positioned himself well to madk the save from Akinwande’s fierce shot.

Two wins on the spin sets Peter Taylor’s side up nicely for their trip to Hemel Hempstead Town next Saturday.

Welling United: Sims, Barnes, Ezennolim, Pepe, Pearce, Perkins (Krabbendam 45 (Akinyemi 74)), Shokunbi, Durojaiye, Carr (Assidjo 90+2), Stevenson, Stewart. Subs not used: Saunders-Henry, Richards.