Welling United slipped to a 3-1 defeat to league-leaders Torquay United despite an excellent performance at Plainmoor on Saturday.
After going behind to an early goal, the Wings rallied and put in a battling showing in Devon, bagging an equaliser early in the second half through TJ Bramble.
But two late goals from the hosts earned them the points as they secured what was a hugely-flattering scoreline considering the balance of the second-half play.
It was a less than ideal start for the visitors, who found themselves behind after just three minutes with the home side netting from their first delivery into the box.
A free-kick delivery from the left was met by a powerful header from Jordan Dyer which nestled into the back of the net to give Welling an immediate uphill battle to overcome.
That early setback was compounded by the forced withdrawal of Sam Cornish just moments later to injury, with Zain Walker entering the fray in his place.
Indeed, the Wings may have feared somewhat of a first-half onslaught but, in truth, they held their own for much of the half against the table-topping full-timers.
Stopper Dylan Berry batted away Sam Dreyer’s effort from just inside the box, while Cody Cooke missed a gilt-edged opportunity to double the Gulls’ lead on the stroke of half-time when he headed over from close range, and although the visitors were yet to create anything clear-cut themselves, they were well in the game going into the break.
That very much showed as the second half began with the Wings getting well on top after the restart.
Gene Kennedy’s stinging volley forced James Hamon into a good save on 52 minutes, tipping just over the bar, before the keeper made another impressive stop to keep out Dave Winfield’s diving header, although the flag had gone up regardless.
On 57 minutes, the pressure paid off and Welling had the equaliser they deserved.
Kennedy’s clever through-ball unlocked Maxwell Statham who clipped in an inch-perfect cross for Bramble to head home from close range.
The Wings were continuing to to look the more likely in what was a competitive game, but with 14 minutes left, the hosts regained their lead against the run of play.
Dyer got on the end of a deep ball into the box, bundling in from close range to secure his brace.
The Londoners looked for another response and came close from a corner when Winfield’s stooping header was diverted just over the bar.
But the final nail was put into their coffin in the 86th minute after Cody Cooke took advantage of Riccardo Di Trolio’s slip to slot home and add a flattering gloss to the scoreline.
In truth, the Wings could be extremely proud of their efforts at Plainmoor and can take great heart going into their next challenge as they host Hampton & Richmond at Park View Road on Tuesday.
Torquay United: Hamon, Craske, Dyer, Dreyer, Young (Palmer 86), Threlkeld, Cooke, Hayfield, Moxey (Carson 60), Davies (Mussa 69), Morgan (Wood 69).
Subs (not used): Hasani.
Booked: Hayfield 82 (foul)
Goal: Dyer 3, 76, Cooke 89
Welling United: Berry, Johnson, Statham (Kamara 84), Winfield, Di Trolio, Martin, Grant (Alexandrou 84), Cornish (Z Walker 7), Kennedy, Bramble, Redfearn.
Subs (not used): Burchell, Taylor-Crossdale.
Booked: Kennedy 29 (foul on Davies), Z Walker 41 (foul on Moxey), Johnson 73 (throwing ball away)
Goal: Bramble57
Referee: Harrison Blair
Att: 3,794 (29 from Welling)
