Farnborough defeat proves to be Rod Stringer’s final game in charge of Welling – with Brian Statham taking temporary charge

Defeat at Farnborough, combined with results elsewhere, meant that Welling United’s relegation fears from the Vanarama National League South deepened.

They now find themselves eight points adrift, with eight matches left to play.

Once again, Rod Stringer made changes. Dave Winfield’s suspension meant that he missed out while Harvey Walker, Scott Kashket and Anthony Grant dropped to the bench. Chiori Johnson returned from injury and was joined in the starting line-up by Sahid Kamara, Josh Redfearn and Maxwell Statham.

Two of the players restored in the line up were involved in Welling’s great start. Kamara sent Gene Kennedy away and he played in Redfearn who finished clinically.

At the other end, Farnborough created a couple of chances from knocked down long throws. Lexus Beeden had a header saved easily before Jonny Stuttle fired over. Jack Bateson headed into the grateful arms of Rhys Lovett but it wasn’t all one way.

Twice, Welling pulled the Farnborough defence around but they were too intricate and nobody took the responsibility to shoot and the attacks fell apart before Dan Quick had a go with a shot that flew well off target.

Five minutes before half time, the hosts levelled and, unsurprisingly, it was from another long throw. Ollie Robinson launched it and it fell into the path of Matty Macarthur who fired home from close range.

Robinson headed wide from a corner before the first half drew to a close.

Hopes for Welling fans that they would push on after the break didn’t come to fruition as the hosts came out the quicker in the second period. Alfie Pavey and Joe Haigh both had efforts for the Boro that came to nothing.

However, the Wings then had a great chance. Garrett Kelly and Deon Moore combined to put it into the penalty area to Gene Kennedy. He knocked it back skilfully to Johnson who shot agonisingly wide from just inside the penalty area.

With 18 minutes remaining, Farnborough went ahead. Pavey, who started his career at Millwall, unleashed a fierce drive that Lovett could only beat out. Stuttle’s follow up was saved brilliantly but it came back to him and he made no mistake when hooking home.

Substitute Bramble had a shot saved comfortably by Jack Turner before Farnborough had a two v one break that came to nothing when Stuttle overhit his pass to Pavey.

Kashket, who was also introduced to the fray with Bramble, had a couple of late efforts but neither were on target and Farnborough saw the game out with little trouble.

That proved to be the end of the road for Stringer as, 24 hours later, he tendered his resignation. Brian Statham takes over as temporary manager.

PICTURE: DAVE BUDDEN