Following three defeats, Welling United manager Mark Goldberg rang the changes for their game at East Thurrock United.

Sam Hatton, Mitchell Nelson and Jamie Slabber were left out with Julian Banton making his Welling debut.

If Welling's confidence was low, it didn't show when Pierre Joseph-Dubois rose to head Dan Walker's cross into the far corner for a first minute lead.

Moments later it was almost two. Harry Crawford's driven cross struck the Rooks' captain Joe Ellul and but Lukas Lidakevicius made a brilliant reaction stop with his legs.

Danny Waldren then put over a cross that Dean Leacock couldn't get over and his header flew away.

Former Wing, Reece Harris, had the hosts first shot on goal when played in by James Walker but his clean shot was held comfortably by Chris Lewington.

Waldren then had a chance with a free kick but after his first effort came back off the wall, he sliced his follow up horribly wide.

Rickie Hayles then looked for glory against his former club, but after playing a 1-2 with Crawford, he fired his shot well wide.

There was almost disaster for Welling when Sean Francis missed his kick completely and allowed James Walker a run on goal but Leacock's challenge held him up and Jordon Brown came round to clear.

Archie Johnson's directness worried the East Thurrock defence and his audacious chip almost caught out the Rocks' custodian.

More good work from Johnson gave Walker a chance but he could not find the power to worry the keeper.

As the half came to a close, the hosts created a good chance through Joe Gardner's through ball but Lewington made an excellent save from Harris.

Neither side made changes at half time but the hosts tried to impose themselves and Lewington was forced into making a brave save,

Then a high ball into the area caused havoc and Welling were happy to scramble clear.

It then became scrappy as Welling were pushed back

Nelson replaced Brown and was involved immediately with an excellent header away at the far post from Ben Marlow's teasing cross.

Crosses continue to rain in but Francis more than atoned for his earlier mistake with a series of towering headers.

Eventually, the pressure told and once again Welling conceded a controversial penalty. Gardner's tumble was perceived to be caused by a Banton foul and a spot kick and yellow card was the punishment. Ben Marlow stepped up and sent Lewington the wrong way.

Finally, Welling showed a bit of urgency and Bobby Devyne stretched the Rooks' defence before shooting straight at Lidakevicius.

They were unable to fashion another opening but the point got them off the mark for the season and they will look to build upon that when entertaining St. Albans City at Park View Road on Saturday.

Welling United: Lewington, Banton, Brown (Nelson 68), Hayles, Francis, Leacock, Joseph-Dubois (Hatton 53), Waldren, Crawford, Walker (Devyne 63), Johnson. Unused Substitutes: Nelson, Slabber, Smith.