Wings just shade Hatters
Joe Healy's strike just before half-time proved decisive as Welling United progressed to the FA Cup second round with a 2-1 victory over Luton Town, ending the visitors' nine-game unbeaten run in the process.
Welling captain Lee Clarke and Healy had given the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break - both assisted by the impressive Ross Lafayette - and despite Paul Benson's second-half header, the Wings held on.
After 28 minutes, Lafayette beat Alex Lacey to the ball and produced a perfect cross for Clarke to slot home from six yards before the striker should have scored himself, instead hitting the post.
Luke Guttridge then spurned a glorious chance to draw the Hatters level, firing wide with the goal gaping, and he was made to pay as Lafayette threaded the ball to Healy, who finished well just before the interval.
Benson gave Luton a lifeline on 57 minutes, heading home the rebound from his own effort which was saved by Lee Butcher and Andy Parry almost drew his side level two minutes later but the keeper stopped well.
Luton pushed for the equaliser but both Benson and Alex Lawless were thwarted by Butcher at the death as the Hatters bowed out of the FA Cup and taste defeat for the first time in 10 games.
Source: DSG
Source: DSG