Another strong Welling United performance resulted in them claiming a hard fought point at Havant and Waterlooville.

Coming in to the game, Havant knew that only a win would keep alive their fight to stay up. Their defeat at Dartford on Saturday left them on the brink and failure to beat Welling meant that their relegation was confirmed.

Although, mathematically Rod Stringer’s Wings are not safe, the point claimed in Hampshire, moved them a point, and a place, further up the league table.

There was little between the teams in the early stages with both goalkeepers making regulation saves. Reice Charles-Cook claimed Jack Jebb’s effort which took a deflection and looped into the Welling custodian’s arms. At the other end, Ross Worner held Jason Adigun’s effort at the second attempt.

Adigun was then sent free down the right by Reece Grant but was thwarted by a brilliant tackle by Devante Stanley, and the speedy Havant full back was again involved when deflecting Cameron Green’s shot past the post.

James Roberts attempted to curl an effort inside the far post but was just off target before the hosts came close again just ahead of the half time break. Nathan Carlyle crossed to Jonas Mukuna and he looked sure to score only to be thwarted by a brave last ditch block by Riccardo Di Trolio.

Grant fired over from long range early in the second half however, the hosts then went very close to breaking the deadlock. Roberts had a shot deflected that struck the bar and the follow up was blocked. Joe McNerney then headed goalwards but was thwarted by Jack Burchell who hacked it off the goal-line.

Roberts had a great chance that was deflected wide causing Stringer to act with a substitution and change of formation. Jack Munns was introduced for David Amoo and Welling wrestled control.

Green’s outstanding superb cross field pass released Gene Kennedy and he bore down on goal, however, Worner was out quickly and made the block.

Stringer then made a like for like change with Adam Roscrow replacing Grant before Kennedy had another great opportunity when a corner was knocked down into his path but his first time effort flew over.

Neither side was able to create another clear cut chance and the two teams settled on a point apiece.

On Saturday, Welling host Weymouth with both teams looking to guarantee their place in the Vanarama National League South.

Welling United: Charles-Cook, Johnson (Lema 83), Green, Burchell, Byrd, Di Trolio, Adigun, Kennedy, Amoo (Munns 60), R. Grant (Roscrow 66), Papadopoulos. Sub not used: Lema, Ellul, Williams-Lowe.