Rod Stringer’s Welling United claimed the point needed to avoid relegation with a home draw against Weymouth.

When he and Kevin Watson took over at the end of January, survival in the Vanarama National League South appeared to be a tall order, but just two defeats in eighteen league matches have guaranteed them safety with a game to spare.

It is widely considered that fifty points is the target required to ensure safety, and Welling achieved that two matches ago when beating Torquay United. It may well transpire that it is the case again this season, however, the point earned against the Terras, combined with results elsewhere made certain of Welling’s continued stay in the league.

Had they been demoted, it would have ended their sixtieth season with only their third ever relegation and their first from level six. They were inaugural members of the National League South, or Conference South as it was then, and have competed in it ever since, other than three seasons in the National League.

Part of the reason for their success since Stringer and Watson have come in has been their astute reading of the game, and not being afraid to make changes, however early in the game. Against Weymouth, they were stymied by having to make two substitutions due to injuries in the first half. Riccardo Di Trolio and Antony Papadopoulos both had their afternoons finished early.

Recent difficulties in goalscoring meant that the Welling management looked for an alternative front two with Adam Roscrow given a rare start alongside Papadopoulos from his normal attacking midfield position.

However, the problem persisted and it was Welling’s defence that were the busier after a quiet opening. Reice Charles-Cook made the first save of the match, a smart low diving stop from Harry Parsons’ deflected shot.

Papadopoulos had Welling’s first opening when beating his man and lobbing Harvey Wiles-Richards but it dipped just too late and hit the crossbar on the way over. Charles-Cook was then called into action again when pushing over a Harry Jones shot from wide.

Excellent build up football by Papadopoulos and Jason Adigun created an opening for Roscrow, but he was unable to mark his recall with a goal when he shot beyond the far post. In their next foray Cameron Green sent Adigun through and his low shot was blocked by Wiles-Richards who then claimed the rebound off Terras’ defender Corey Panter.

Early in the second half, Charles-Cook made a stunning save from Roberts whose effort flew towards the top corner. The Welling custodian then saved Panter’s volley that was struck at him.

Despite only having one substitution left, Stringer made his final change ten minutes into the second half when replacing Roscrow with David Amoo.

Lachlan Byrd, who has had an outstanding season, made a brilliant tackle to stop Brandon Goodship from having a one-on-one with the Welling custodian. Adigun then played his part in Welling’s clean sheet when a brave block with his face kept out a Goodship free kick.

Frankie Monk hooked over late on for the visitors before Welling had the last attempt with an Amoo overhead kick that flew over after Joe Ellul had headed Gene Kennedy’s corner back across goal.

Next Saturday, Welling finish the campaign with a visit to Slough Town and Stringer will be looking to end on a high.

Welling United: Charles-Cook, Lema, Green, Burchell, Byrd, Di Trolio (Ellul 32), Adigun, A. Grant, Roscrow (Amoo 55), Papadopoulos (R. Grant 45+1), Kennedy. Subs not used: Johnson, Munns.