Welling United slipped to a narrow defeat at the hands of Maidstone United at the Gallagher Stadium on New Year’s Day.

Despite a brave defensive performance from Rod Stringer’s men, Aaron Blair’s second-half strike was enough to earn the points for the in-form home side.

The Wings held their own during a first half set to the backdrop of a soaking wet and windy afternoon in Kent.

Although the promotion-chasing Stones, who came into the game off the back of a 16-game unbeaten run, looked the more threatening going forward, the visitors were able to limit them and keep them at bay and were more than happy with their showing come half-time.

A dangerous Stones corner early on caused a bit of havoc with a goalmouth scramble, while the dangerous Blair fired wide.

On 24 minutes, Blair forced Rhys Lovett into a good save at his near post before firing his rebound wide and the striker came close on the stroke of half-time when he battled through to poke just wide from a good position inside the box.

For Welling’s part, Josh Redfearn’s header was caught by Maidstone custodian Alexis Andre Jr, while Gene Kennedy’s free-kick from just outside the box was also held by the stopper.

It was more of the same in the second half with the Wings continuing to hold firm at the back.

But as the frustration began to grow for the home side, they did finally break the visitors’ resolve with 20 minutes remaining.

A corner from the left-hand side was met by a header which produced a good save from Lovett, but there was nothing the goalkeeper could do about the follow-up with Blair nodding home from close range.

That proved to be enough for Maidstone, with Welling not able to muster an opportunity to get themselves back into the game at the other end.

The Wings will goo again when they host Weymouth next Tuesday evening for the first home game at Park View Road of 2025.

Maidstone United: Andre Jr, Eweka, Brookes, Greenidge, Fowler, Huggs, Blair, Seaman, Trusty, Wanjau-Smith (Coulthirst 88), Court (Corne 72).

Subs (not used): Brown, Holden, Gurung.

Booked: Greenidge 4 (foul on Johnson), Eweka 59 (foul), Corne 90+1 (foul)

Goal: Blair 69

Welling United: Lovett, Johnson (Alexandrou 74), Statham (Donkor 88), Winfield, Lankshear, Di Trolio, Martin (Z Walker 74), Cornish, Kennedy, Bramble (Andrews 88), Redfearn.

Subs (not used): Grant.

Booked: Statham 56 (simulation), Kennedy 61 (foul), Martin 62 (time wasting)

Referee: Nathan Oakes

Att: 2,750 (284 from Welling)