Rod Stringer’s tenure as manager of Welling United ended when they were defeated at Farnborough.
Twenty four hours after another defeat on the road resulted in Welling United dropping further adrift of safety in the Vanarama National League South, he decided to end his spell at the club.
Failure to beat Farnborough meant that Welling missed out on their last chance of completing a home and away double during the 2024-25 season. It was also their tenth defeat in fifteen league matches since the turn of the year.
They made just the start that they wanted when going ahead in the sixth minute. Sahid Kamara sent Gene Kennedy through and he played in Josh Redfearn who made no mistake with a clinical finish that gave Jack Turner no chance.
Looking to win throw-ins that were launched into the danger area by Ollie Robinson appeared to be Farnborough’s main form of attack and Lexus Beeden got on the end of one with a header that was saved easily by Rhys Lovett. Jonathan Stuttle had an opportunity when another missile was knocked into his path but he blasted well over.
Jack Bateson got on the end of a Farnborough corner and headed straight into the arms of Lovett however, it was not all one way and Welling got into some promising situations and stretched the Boro defence without anyone taking the responsibility to shoot. Dan Quick, captain in the absence of suspended Dave Winfield, chanced his arm from outside the penalty area but his effort flew well off target.
Kamara caused further problems for the hosts, and a foul on him by Joe Haigh was punished by a caution, however, Farnborough levelled soon after. Robinson hurled another long throw that was missed by everyone until it fell to Matty Macarthur and he scrambled it home from close range.
Early in the second half a Haigh free kick went high over the bar before Welling missed an opportunity to go ahead. A wonderful move involving Garrett Kelly and Deon Moore allowed Kennedy to lay it into the path of Johnson but his attempt to place his shot inside the far post was slightly off target and went just wide.
Neither side created much after that until the hosts went ahead with eighteen minutes remaining. Alfie Pavey, who previously represented Welling, Bromley and Dartford amongst others, hit a long range shot that swerved causing Lovett to beat it out. It fell into the path of Stuttle whose effort was saved superbly but to no avail as it again came out to Stuttle who, this time, gave the Welling goalkeeper no chance.
Substitute TJ Bramble went for an optimistic long range shot that Turner saved easily before fellow replacement Scott Kashket had two shots that flew off target.
They proved to be Welling’s last chances as they slipped to a ninth game without a win, and third consecutive away defeat.
Brian Statham will now take control as caretaker manager for the rest of the season with the Wings requiring a miracle to escape the drop.
Welling United: Lovett, Statham, Johnson (Kashket 76), Quick, Burchell, Di Trolio, Kamara (Bramble 76), Kennedy, Redfearn, Moore (H. Walker 60), Kelly (Cornish 85). Sub not used: Grant.
