Welling United slipped to a narrow defeat to Chelmsford City at Park View Road on Boxing Day.

After a close-fought post-Christmas battle, it took a late goal for the Essex side to claim the points on a frustrating afternoon.

There was very little to separate the sides during the first 45 minutes, although it was the home side who enjoyed the better openings.

With seven minutes gone, Gene Kennedy pulled back for Daniel Martin just inside the box, who fired just over the bar from a good position.

At the other end, Martin made a goal-saving tackle when he tracked back to dispossess Kane Crichlow just as he was about to pull the trigger, while Rhys Lovett got down well to keep out Osman Foyo’s firm effort shortly after.

Chiori Johnson was next to be denied by a good block, while Redfearn came inches away from a killer touch in the six-yard box when a low ball across the face of goal evaded him by inches.

Into the second half and the action remained somewhat cagey. Redfearn saw a shot smothered by the Clarets’ defence when the ball fell nicely to him in the box, while Dave Winfield headed straight at visiting stopper Ted Collins from the resulting corner.

Chelmsford, meanwhile, came close just before the hour when Charlie Ruff’s header went inches wide and it would be the away side who would eventually break the deadlock late on to win the game.

A ball into a crowded box was met by Foyo, who poked home from close range to inflict defeat on the Wings.

Welling did come close in injury-time when sub Zain Walker’s half-volley took a nick off a defender which took it just over the bar, but there would be no breakthrough for Rod Stringer’s men who go again at Maidstone United on New Year’s Day.

Welling United: Lovett, Johnson (Burchell 70), Statham Winfield, Lankshear, Martin, Cornish, Kennedy, Bramble (Z Walker 87), Redfearn (Taylor-Crossdale 76), Alexandrou.

Subs (not used): Donkor, Grant.

Chelmsford City: Collins, James, Bendle (Donaldson 60), Hyde (Kalala 82), Crichlow (Barnum-Bobb 90+6), Penney, Ruff (McConnell 68), Oguntayo, Foyo, Williams, Edwards.

Subs (not used): Bland.

Booked: Penney 26 (foul on Bramble), Bendle 54 (foul on Johnson), Williams 78 (foul), Foyo 85 (unsporting behaviour)

Goal: Foyo 85

Referee: Dan England

Att: 960

(Photo: Roger Robinson)