Another week, another 1-0 for Wealdstone, whose early-season flair has been replaced with a gritty determination as they look to re-build their fragile confidence.

A run of one win in seven has been followed by back-to-back single-goal victories in the National League South, the latest at fellow mid-table Welling, courtesy of Ricky Wellard's second-half header.

Again, Wealdstone were more attritional than artistic in their victory, but that will be of little concern to boss Gordon Bartlett, whose side are now four without defeat.

They were only occasionally troubled by a Welling side who have scored 48 goals so far this campaign - only two fewer than fourth-placed Poole Town - and included new signing Ryan Sellers at left-back in a steadfast back four.

Bartlett's men did start the game looking bright, in fact, and created three openings in the first 15 minutes, but Eddie Oshodi and Elliott Godfrey both saw efforts go wide of the mark.

Jonathan North in the Stones goal did need to be in inspired form during the first half in south London, first keeping out Sam Hatton's free-kick with a fine stop, then going one better to divert Danny Waldren's long-range strike around the post.

Once play resumed after the break, a lull in proceedings was brought to a close when Ricky Wellard headed home Tom Hamblin's cross with 62 minutes gone.

Harry Crawford should have levelled up within moments but fluffed his lines at the crucial moment, before Vas Karagiannis skewed wide with their final real chance.

The win keeps Wealdstone 13th, but now 15 points off the play-offs and only four off ninth-placed Bath City ahead of tomorrow night's local derby at St Albans City.

Wealdstone: North, Oshodi, Brown, Sellers, Hamblin, Godfrey, Green, Cox, White (McGleish 88), Wellard (Wright 84), Tajbakhsh (Mavila 86).

Not used: Wright, Parker, Walker.