Weston’s Blue Square South play-off ambitions were dealt a severe setback when they were outplayed by top of the table Welling.

WELLING UNITED 4

WESTON-S-MARE 1

WESTON’S Blue Square South play-off ambitions were dealt a severe setback when they were outplayed by a Welling squad unbeaten in the league at home and now need just one point from their final two games to clinch the title.

The Seagulls have 64 points from 40 games played, while Chelmsford have 63 from 38, Eastleigh 62 from 38 and Boreham Wood 59 from 38 and Sutton United have 58 from 38.

Chief architect of Welling’s win was former Accrington Stanley striker Kurtis Guthrie who scored an 18-minute hat-trick in the first half, for his first goals in 20 games for the club.

From early on Welling took control, with player-manager Jamie Day testing keeper Lewis Carey with a 20-yard rocket and then leading scorer Ross Lafayette cut inside Jamie Price to again test Carey.

Constant pressure paid off on 22 minutes when Lafayette crossed for Guthrie to head past Carey from eight yards and minutes later the keeper knew little about skipper Lee Clarke’s pile-driver that crashed off his legs to safety.

Guthrie struck again on 26 minutes when he cut in along the by-line on the left and beat Carey on his near post from close range. Guthrie was only inches over a few minutes later before completing his hat-trick on 40 minutes after Lafayette worked his way to the by-line. Carey appeared to have punched Guthrie’s header to safety, but the linesman indicated the header had crossed the line.

For the second half, Weston came into the game, playing some attractive midfield football, but the attack lacked penetration, failing to break down a superb home defence.

Welling struck again on 84 minutes when Lafayette and Joe Healy combined for Jake Reed to score from close range. Then skipper Lee Clarke curled an unmarked effort just wide.

To their credit, Weston kept plugging away and were rewarded in stoppage time when Price crossed for substitute Pete Monks beat home keeper Sam Mott with their only shot on target.

WESTON STATS

Goals: Welling, Guthrie (22, 26, 40), Reid (74). Weston, Monks (90+2).

Shots on target: Welling 10, Weston 1.

Shots off target: Welling 5, Weston 6.

Corners: Welling 6, Weston 3.

Offsides: Welling 1, Weston 3.

Free kicks conceded; Welling 7, Weston 10.

Referee: Barry Holderness. Good game.

Bookings: Weston, Kington, Villis.

Attendance: 845.

Weston squad: Carey, Price, Slocombe (Monks 72), Trowbridge, Villis, Laird, Stearn (Ingram 56), Kirk, Hemmings, Kington (Alvarez 62), Grubb. Subs (not used): McClaggon, Irish.

ON Saturday, Weston play their final home game of a memorable season when they entertain Billericay, who are on the point of relegation, being one off the bottom of the table with 37 points from 38 games.

When the sides met in Essex back in November, the game ended scoreless.

After Saturday’s game Weston are holding their presentation evening in their social club, starting with a buffet supper at 6.15pm. Tickets are still available from the club, price £12 for adults.