ALTHOUGH not crowned as champions officially, Welling United’s 1-1 draw at Boreham Wood meant that only a combination of freak results can rob them of the title.

Salisbury City are six points behind Welling, with a game in hand, but with a sixteen goal deficit, it seems very unlikely that the Wiltshire side can overtake the Wings.

Suspensions for Jake Gallagher and Ben Martin meant that Jamie Day had to re-shuffle his back four.

Thankfully, Loui Fazakerley was able to return following an injury sustained in January.

Fraser Franks moved into central defence alongside Anthony Acheampong whilst Joe Obersteller slotted in at left back.

Joe Healy had Welling’s first chance of the day when picking up Ross Lafayette’s fine header down, but his shot was deflected wide of the far post.

Healy then slung in a cross that was punched out unconvincingly by James Russell then Kurtis Guthrie, full of confidence following his previous week hat-trick, had two efforts blocked.

Another Healy shot, this time from long distance, failed to hit the target before former Wing Loick Pires registered a shot on target that Sam Mott gathered comfortably.

Early in the second period, Lee Clarke found Jake Reid and the on loan striker cut in before shooting wide.

Franks, who put in a commanding performance, ended a dangerous run by Graeme Montgomery but Welling were soon on the attack again and Ben Nunn was booked for a foul on Guthrie.

Jamie Day put in an excellent delivery that was met well by Reid, but headed over by the dangerous striker.

That proved to be his final contribution of the afternoon as Kiernan Hughes-Mason replaced him, and the substitute almost made an immediate impact with a cross that Lafayette touched just beyond the far post.

On 64 minutes, Welling went ahead. Healy’s delightful pass put Clarke away and the Welling skipper flicked the ball beyond Russell and into the back of the net.

Greg Morgan had a long range shot saved before Boreham Wood equalised five minutes after going behind, courtesy of a fine finish by Chez Isaac.

Lafayette almost restored Welling’s lead but Callum Reynolds cleared off the line before Charlie Moone had a shot saved by Mott.

After Lafayette shot well wide, Fazakerley went on a long run but his shot was blocked into the grateful arms of Russell.

Moone was cautioned for a late challenge on Day and Lafayette’s chip went just beyond Hughes-Mason.

Guthrie was withdrawn with Theo Fairweather-Johnson coming on but the game petered out, suiting Welling who were able to start their celebrations as soon as the final whistle sounded.

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Welling United: Mott, Fazakerley, Joe Obersteller, Day, Franks, Acheampong, Healy, Clarke, Reid (Hughes-Mason 58), Lafayette, Guthrie (Fairweather-Johnson 86). Unused substitutes: Fakinos, Kinch, Craddock.