Newport County 3 Welling United 1

WELLING fell victim to a late winning goal for the second successive week at play-off rivals Newport County on Saturday.

The Wings looked set for only their second draw of the season but two goals in the last three minutes left them empty handed yet again.

Welling fielded debutant Richard Carpenter, the former Gillingham midfielder, but he had a quiet game alongside Jamie Day.

Welling nearly took an early lead but Steve Harper's near post header went straight at the keeper.

More importantly, they lost centre-back Steve Perkins through injury and the back four never looked as assured from that point on.

Welling took the lead in the 43rd minute when Des Boateng's long free-kick was turned in by Martin Carthy.

But their advantage lasted less than 60 seconds as veteran striker Dean Holdsworth headed in Jason Bowen's left-wing corner.

The Wings had the better of the chances after the break and should have gone ahead in the 58th minute. Carpenter sent Harper away but he shot against the post after rounding keeper Mark Ovendale before Che Stadhart fluffed the rebound.

Ovendale produced a fine save to deny substitute Danny Kedwell while Wings keeper David Wilkinson turned away Bowen's header.

Welling were caught napping when Newport took the lead in the 87th minute as Bowen eventually prodded home and matters were made worse moments later when Holdsworth, who had already netted against Welling for Havant this season, scored his second from long range.

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