Welling United slipped to a narrow defeat to Boreham Wood at Park View Road on Saturday.

After holding their own at the back for much of the encounter, a strike early in the second half was enough to down the hosts and extend the in-form Wood’s unbeaten run to 13.

A competitive first half saw the Wings battle well against the promotion hopefuls, who began to turn the screw as the half wore on, but were left frustrated by the hosts’ stubbornness.

Kwesi Appiah fired wide after six minutes, before Femi Ilesanmi came close when he headed a corner wide on 25 minutes.

Matt Rush volleyed well over from a good position, while Ilesanmi came closer still when he hit the outside of the with a low effort at the near post.

But the moment of the half was reserve for Welling stopper Dylan Berry, who pulled off an outstanding save on the stroke of half time, diving to his right to keep out Ilesanmi’s header from close range.

It had been a good defensive display from the Wings in the first 45 and they didn’t come far off opening the scoring early after the restart when Riccardo Di Trolio get his head on a free-kick delivery to nod just over.

But with 53 minutes gone, it would be the away side who would take the lead with their pressure paying off.

Berry made another brilliant save to initially keep out Rush who was through one-on-one, but there was nothing he could do to prevent Appiah from tapping home from close range.

From there, it would prove to be difficult for the home side to get a foothold in the game to draw themselves level, although they would continue to battle to the last.

Berry made yet another eye-catching stop when he tipped over Ilesanmi’s long-ranger, but the Wings were remaining resolute at the back to ensure they would keep themselves in the game and limit the full-timers to any further opportunities.

It was another tireless effort from Rod Stringer’s men who will be grateful for a week of rest before they go again at Weston-super-Mare next Saturday.

Welling United: Berry, Statham (Kamara 86),, Johnson (Z Walker 61), Burchell, Winfield, Di Trolio, Martin, Grant (Andrews 75), Kennedy, Bramble, Redfearn (Alexandrou 65).

Subs (not used): Ondo.

Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Ilesanmi (Abdulmalik 79), Payne (Mafuta 35), Bush, Whelan, Benton, Hare, Appiah, O’Connell, Richardson, Rush (Dixon 90).

Subs (not used): Agbontohoma, Marsh.

Booked: Richardson 48 (foul on Martin)

Goal: Appiah 53

Referee: Jonathan Chadwick

Att: 836