Welling United’s second pre-season runout ended in a 2-1 defeat to Cray Wanderers at Hayes Lane on Saturday.

The game was another vital step in Danny Bloor’s preparations for the new season with players getting 45 more minutes into the legs.

Welling showed some good spells of attractive football early on with Crossley Lema bombing down the right to get in a number of crosses which threatened the hosts’ defence.

Frankie Raymond came close for the hosts just before the half-hour with a free-kick which dipped just over the bar and the former Bromley midfielder had the chance to open the scoring from the spot just after the half-hour mark when the Wings’ trialist goalkeeper clashed ankles with George Porter, but the keeper dived to his right to touch it into the post before Raymond skied his rebound.

Cray would take the lead on 39 minutes, however. The trialing stopper made another good save to keep out Nyren Clunis’ initial shot, but Louis Collins was on hand to turn in the follow-up.

Once again, half-time brought about wholesale changes and there was little to report in the second half until the 76th minute when the hosts doubled their lead in controversial fashion.

Cam Thompson was a good few yards offside when he was sent through one-on-one and fired home with no flag forthcoming, much to the surprise of most in the Hayes Lane.

With seconds left on the clock, the Wings pulled a goal back, netting their first goal of pre-season when Trialist J sent a firm finish low into the bottom right-hand corner, reducing the deficit to one.

Although the game ended in defeat, it was another step in Welling’s pre-season prep and they will now prepare for another 10 days of training before the next friendly test in the form of a clash with Dulwich Hamlet at Park View Road on Tuesday, July 18th.

Welling United first half:  Trialist A, Lema, Trialist B, Wood, Dickenson, Papadopoulos, Vaughan, Trialist C, Odusanya, Trialist D, Trialist E.

Welling United second half: Trialist M, Lugboso, Olomowewe, Curran, Trialist F, Andrews, Trialist G, Lisbie, Trialist H (Muwonge 80), Trialist I, Trialist J.

Cray Wanderers: Rowley, Raymond, Holland, Black, Collins, Porter, Clunis, Mascoll, Rye, Campbell, Jerald.

Subs: Taylor, Wood, Derry, Cook, King, Ijaha, Thompson, Evans, Penford, Nebechukwu, Sharp.

Goals: Collins 39, Thompson 76

Att: 271