Welling United 1 Grays Athletic 4

WELLING'S FA Trophy campaign came to an end at the hands of holders Grays on Sunday.

The Wings gave the Nationwide Conference a scare after taking a fifth-minute lead but three goals in the final 18 minutes saw the Essex outfit progress.

Welling got off to a dream start when Chris Moore headed home after Danny Kedwell returned Jamie Day's corner at the far post.

The Wings had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Gavin Cowan pushed Steve Harper in the box.

Grays equalised with virtually their first attempt on goal, after 35 minutes. Kedwell gave the ball away in the Grays half but the visitors broke quickly and on-loan Gavin Grant's low 30-yard shot deceived keeper Paul Hyde.

Day went close to restoring Welling's lead before half-time but it was full-time Grays who dominated the second half.

Hyde parried John Martin's shot before the visitors took the lead in the 72nd minute through Glenn Poole's header.

Four minutes later, despite the ball appearing to go out of play, Martin made it 3-1 and the scoreline flattered the visitors late on when skipper Stuart Thurgood slotted in the fourth.

Grays, who still face the prospect of relegation from the Conference, progressed to the semi-final while Welling will look to get their promotion campaign back on track at Bognor on Saturday.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Park View Road every week in the Bexley Extra.