The caretaker manager duo of Andy Ballard and Ross Jenkins made three changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Billericay Town. Charlie Rowan, Jacob Bancroft and Zac McEachran all came into the side, whilst Alfie Potter returned to the bench.

Nineteen minutes into the game, Reece Fleet came to City's rescue. Adi Shokunbi’s mazy run through to the by-line caused the Hoops defence major problems and an inch-perfect cut-back found its way to Mason Saunders-Henry. However, his shot was blocked off the line after a superb block from the City captain.

Both teams had the problem of familiarising themselves to the bobbly pitch and the hosts’ home advantage seemed to be making a real difference.

However, it was City who would next come close to an opener. A deep cross from Zac McEachran found Jacob Bancroft inside the box and his deft touch sent the ball crashing against the crossbar and off the line.

Then it was Welling’s turn to clear off the line. Joe Iaciofano was savvy enough to intercept the ball and round Goalkeeper Jack Sims but Arthur Penney was alert enough to track back and scoop the ball off the line. There was still time for Saunders-Henry to hit the woodwork a second time before the interval as he sent a shot crashing against the post from a tight angle.

Half-time: Welling 0-0 Oxford City

The second-half started in the same way as the first-half ended, with both teams looking for an opener.

Welling stiker Dipo Akinyemi raced through the City backline and forced a solid save out of Ben Dudzinski before Shokunbi’s cross floated onto the crossbar.

Then, five minutes before the hour mark came the opener! Nana Owusu’s cross fell to the feet of Iaciofano before the striker created the space for a shot and drilled the ball into the net; despite the desperate attempts to clear by Welling centre-half Penney. 1-0.

City were far from ‘shutting up shop’ in the latter stages of the game but couldn’t find a second goal. George Harmon’s shot deflected inches past the post and Iaciofano was denied multiple times by Welling 'keeper Sims.

As the clock ticked down, Welling, shooting towards their fans, started to throw the kitchen sink at City. Dudzinski had to be at his best to deny Saunders-Henry and Parish. However, City held on for all three points.

ATT: 479