Welling United 2 FC Halifax Town 1: Pearson’s red card costs as Penny strikes

Midfielder Matt Pearson was sent-off for Halifax, who went in level at half-time thanks to Lois Maynard’s equaliser, but conceded Charlie Penny’s winner two minutes before the dismissal.

Aspin said: “We’re not having a good run at the moment, that would be an understatement.

“I expected a difficult game today – Welling have only lost one game at home. I felt the players at least couldn’t be faulted for effort and commitment, which was very poor last week.

“But the sending-off was crucial to the game. I’m disappointed with the nature of both the goals we’ve conceded. It’s been a recurring theme over the last few weeks that we’ve not defended properly.”

Simon Ainge and Adam Smith both saw efforts go narrowly over within the first 15 minutes. Richard Peniket then went close with two headers in quick succession.

The opening goal was in keeping with the scrappy nature of the game as Aristede Bassele scrambled the ball over the line following a corner.

Maynard levelled five minutes later with a super looping header from the edge of the area.

Penny restored Welling’s lead when he converted left-back Jamal Fyfield’s low cross.

It went from bad to worse a couple of minutes later when Pearson was sent-off for kicking out at Beautyman.

Substitute Kieron St Aimie squandered a great chance to seal the win when he headed wide.

Welling United: Buchel, Williams, Chambers, Fagan, Fyfield, Day, Corne, Bassele, Hudson, Beautyman, Penny (St Aimie 73). Unused substitutes: Henly, Taylor.

FC Halifax Town: Glennon, K Roberts, M Roberts, Ainge, McManus, Maynard, Pearson, Marshall, Smith (Bolton 61), Peniket (Jackson 77), Dyer (Boden 61). Unused substitutes: Senior, Schofield.

Referee: A Bromley (Plymouth).

Man of the match: L Maynard.