Hopes of starting the season with a victory were dashed when Welling United were held at Taunton Town.

Chances were at a premium as the two teams played out a stalemate.

No fewer than nine Wings made their Welling full league debuts and although they have been playing pre-season friendlies, and have been training together, it was their first competitive match as a unit.

Antony Papadopoulos had the first shot for Welling but he miscued and Jack Bycroft saved easily.

Nick McCootie’s strength and hold up play was a big threat to Welling in the first half and, after he was brought down on the edge of the penalty area, Jay Foulston got his free kick over the wall, but also over the bar.

Ashley Nzala couldn’t get enough power on his header from a Papadopoulos cross to worry Bycroft and Nzala was again in the thick of it shortly after when outpacing his man only for Bycroft to charge out and block wide at the cost of a corner.

For the remainder of the first half, the hosts had the better of the half chances. Jake Wannell got in behind but he could only side-foot volley over. McCootie was then played in by Joe Guest but guided his shot wide of the far post.

Their best chance came just before the half time interval. McCootie used his strength to create a two versus one chance and drew the last defender before squaring to Dave Sims-Burgess to send him clear. However, his attempt to finish failed as Roberts made himself big and blocked with his left foot.

Roberts was in action again early in the second half when getting down well to stop a flick on from a corner from sneaking in at the far post.

McCootie headed wide from an Ollie Chamberlain cross but Welling enjoyed most of the possession and territorial advantage in the last twenty minutes.

Medy Elito shot beyond the far post after finding himself space then Tyrique Hyde burst through the midfield but curled just over from outside the penalty area.

Stefan Payne had a shot blocked but managed to pick up the rebound but shot wide. Hyde had one last chance but he scuffed his shot and Bycroft cleaned up.

Warren Feeney, the Welling manager, will have learned a lot and will look to build on their hard earned point when they entertain Worthing next Saturday.

Welling United: Roberts, Howard, Ezennolim, Dunne, Olomowewe, Curran (Parry 46), Nzala (Kassarate 71), Hyde, Papadopoulos (Francis 52), Payne, Elito. Subs not used: Adegoke, Maloney.

 

 

 

Welling United