Victory over Chelmsford City guaranteed Welling United a place in the league play-offs.

Two first half Bradley Goldberg goals set them on their way and although they lost their way a little in the second half they had enough in their tank to claim the points.

It took just one minute for Goldberg to put the Wings ahead. Craig Braham-Barrett sent a controlled high ball down the wing, Danny Mills flicked it on and Goldberg went clear. His first touch wrong footed Chelmsford goalkeeper Nathan McDonald before he fired home into the bottom corner.

After that the game became tight although the few chances that did develop were in favour of the Wings. Clever play by Brendan Kiernan presented Mills with a half chance but he was off-balance when it came to him and he fired wide.

Dan Wilks had to be alert at the other end when a long Chris Whelpdale throw caused problems and Richard Orlu headed towards his own goal but the Welling custodian made a good save.

Goldberg looked like he was in again when he went past Elliot Omozusi but McDonald was out quickly to block his shot.

Orlu had a chance at the other end when Gavin McCallum delivered a corner but the centre half was crowded out and could only put his close range header wide.

Soon after that, Welling increased their lead. Kiernan got clear and was about to shoot but Chez Isaac sent him crashing to the ground. Referee Matty Buonassisi pointed to the spot before conferring with his assistant to confirm that Isaac had not made a challenge for the ball before showing him the red card.

Despite the wait, and the efforts of McDonald to distract him, Goldberg despatched the spot kick confidently.

Although it may have been expected for Welling to push on in the second half, the then men Clarets came out strongly and made the Wings work hard for their win. Jonny Giles slung in a free kick and Chris Whelpdale headed towards the far post but Braham-Barrett was on hand to clear.

Rhys Murphy then had an effort but Braham-Barett was again on hand to make a crucial clearance.

Whelpdale had a long range shot saved comfortably by Wilks before Murphy went for a spectacular effort but his overhead effort flew over.

Max Porter’s free kick was met by a flicked header by Anthony Church but Wilks claimed comfortably.

Braham-Barrett shot over for Welling before Jordan Chiedozie had a shot for the Clarets that again brought an easy save out of Wilks.

Michael Spillane headed wide from a free kick before Chelmsford should have pulled one back. Chiedozie crossed low from the bye-line but Whelpdale made a total hash of his shot and it dribbled wide.

Well into injury time, Goldberg came close to completing his hat-trick. Luke Rooney delivered a free-kick and Goldberg headed goalwards only for McDonald to tip over acrobatically.

The win leaves Welling two points behind second placed Woking and four points ahead of fourth placed Chelmsford City with two games remaining.

Welling United: Wilks, Ming, Braham-Barrett, Mendy, Audel, Orlu, Kiernan, Ijaha (Achempong 90), Mills (Bettamer 82), Goldberg, McCallum (Rooney 74). Subs not used: Newton, Genovesi.