Welling United bowed out of the London Senior Cup with a 2-1 first-round defeat to Cray Valley (PM) at the Artic Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The home side started brightly and took an early lead on four minutes through Ibby Akanbi, who pounced on a saved initial shot to slot home the rebound from close range.

It was soon 2-0 to Cray Valley as they doubled their advantage with 14 minutes on the clock. Fumnaya Shomotun took the plaudits with an impressive solo effort, driving forwards before placing an unstoppable effort into the top left-hand corner from just outside the box.

The Wings came close through Cory Adjetey-Brew, whose low effort from the edge of the area was deflected narrowly wide, before the QPR loanee came close again when he forced Shaun Peart-Rowley into an excellent save at his near post.

After the break, the Millers were given the chance to extend their lead further from the penalty spot following a foul in the box. But Jerry Puemo was denied from 12 yards when Kai McKenzie-Lyle dived to his right to keep it out.

With 17 minutes left, Welling got themselves back into the game by reducing the arrears through Logan Dobbs. The Gillingham youngster met Adjetey-Brew’s pinpoint corner delivery to send a header in off the post to give the Wings hope and set up an interesting finish to the tie.

However, the visitors could not muster a comeback to force an equaliser, sealing their fate in the competition for another season.

Welling will now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to Brentwood Town in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

Cray Valley (PM): Rowley, Benedict, Cumberbatch, Aileru, Holness, Harvey, Kpakpe, Adebiyi, Shomotun, Puemo, Akanbi.

Subs: Lema, Barrington, Vigor, Jeffrey, Stuart-Forde.

Goals: Akanbi 4, Shomotun 15

Welling United: McKenzie-Lyle, Williams-Bushell (Ufuah 57), Simmons, Dobbs, Boxall, Adjetey-Brew (McIntosh 86), Allen, Scott (Paxman 46), Thomas, Redfearn, Leahy (Akinwande 73).

Subs (not used): Majoyegbe.

Goal: Dobbs 73

(Photos: Kieran North)