Welling United 2 v Havant & Waterlooville 2

A high quality game  yesterday at Park View Road as The Wings took on second-placed Havant & Waterlooville in front of over 1100 fans. It was 'Non-League Day' and there were plenty of Addicks about. Welling took the lead twice but had to settle for a point as the visitors' persistence paid off late on.

Welling rode out an early storm as they were penned into their own half for twenty minutes. Joe Newton, the Hawks left-back was rampaging down the Welling right flank and creating opportunities which Welling did well to contain. Keeper Myles Roberts had a fine game (my MOTM) and pulled off a stunning save high to his left when he stopped a shot heading for the top corner. When Welling  did manage to break out after 30 minutes, Ade Azeez was on hand to finish a fine right wing raid when he did well to hold off a covering defender before beating ex-Addick, Ross Worner. Within minutes Havant were level after a Jamie Sendle-White own goal as he attempted to cut-out a raking cross. It was bad luck for Welling whose defence had dealt so well with the visitors up until then.

The first-half ended with Welling re-taking the lead. Another break down the right flank had Havant & Waterlooville in trouble and Taylor Maloney managed to beat Worner having taken a touch from the centre and making a yard to get his shot in.

The second-half was a more cagey affair and we saw a bit less of the visitors although Roberts made a few more critical saves to maintain the lead. Welling were comfortable in defence and it looked very much like ending 2-1. In the 87th minute Chi Ezenholim did brilliantly to get past the last man and cut into the box. He slid a terrific ball across the face of goal and there was Stefan Payne at the back post to surely wrap-up the three points. Somehow, he managed to hit the woodwork and as the inquest started on the terraces, Havant & Waterlooville showed why they are unbeaten by storming down to the other end and heading an equaliser.

It was a real kick in the teeth but probably a fair result. Warren Feeney will be disappointed but he will know that the performance showed continuing progression and Welling are sitting deservedly in fifth. Dover visit on Tuesday night when the Wings get a chance to consolidate a good start to the season.