Welling United got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at St Albans City at Clarence Park on Saturday afternoon.
Anointed Chukwu’s 15th-minute strike proved to be the difference in Hertfordshire with the Wings putting in an excellent second-half defensive display to earn three deserved point and halting a run of five straight defeats.
After a quiet opening period, the the visitors sprung into life with a series of chances with 12 minutes on the clock.
First, Chukwu tested Saints stopper Michael Johnson at his near post with a volley via a corner, before Welling hit the post through Daniel Martin, who poked an effort past the on-rushing goalkeeper only for it to come off the outside of the left upright.
Moments later, Kwaku Donkor’s good, low cross was diverted wide by Martell Taylor-Crossdale, but it would not be long before the Wings took the lead that they had been threatening with 15 minutes gone.
Gene Kennedy slipped Chukwu into the box and the big forward kept his cool before sending an excellent finish past Johnson to bag his fifth goal of the season and put his side in front.
The home side were struggling to create anything meaningful for themselves, despite getting themselves in some positive positions in the final third, while Welling continued to threaten at the other end.
Another dangerous corner saw Dave Winfield flick on for for St Albans youngster Alex Lankshear, but his outstretched leg could only fire the ball against Taylor-Crossdale and out for a goal-kick.
After the restart, St Albans enjoyed plenty of possession as they searched for a way back into the game.
But despite seeing most of the ball, they could not muster up anything meaningful in front of goal, with the Wings defending astutely.
The hosts’ best opportunity came shortly after the hour when a corner fell to Ken Charles just five yards from goal, only for the Saints’ number seven to squander his chance by heading over.
Welling reminded the home side of their threat at the other end with Kennedy looping a good, first-time effort over from the edge of the box, while Shaun Jeffers’ own first-timer on the half-volley dipped narrowly over for St Albans.
The Wings had the opportunity to seal it very late on when goalkeeper Johnson lost possession to Chukwu some 40 yards from goal, leaving himself stranded. The goalscorer looked to secure his brace from distance, but could only hit the side-netting.
It mattered not, however, with Welling’s rearguard standing strong to secure all three points for the first time in five league outings.
Rod Stringer’s men will now prepare for a clash against Enfield Town at Park View Road on Tuesday evening.
St Albans City: Johnson, James, Charles, Payne (Lench 46), Jeffers, Castiglione, Woodman, Partington, Evans (Akinola 74), Hoddle (Rasulo 74), Moore.
Subs (not used): Long-King.
Welling United: Lovett, Statham, Winfield, Lankshear, Donkor (Pegrum 75), Martin, Cornish, Kennedy, Bramble (Kelly 46), Chukwu (Long 90+3), Taylor-Crossdale (Osew 62).
Subs (not used): Johnson.
Booked: Kennedy 41 (foul on Hoddle), Lovett 83 (time wasting)
Goal: Chukwu 15
Referee: Chay Hathway
Att: 1,662
