Welling United were hoping to make it three wins out of three on Saturday when they welcomed Basingstoke Town to Park View Road. However, the Dragons who themselves are unbeaten this season, were eventually unlucky not to return to the Camrose with all three points and could have inflicted the Wings’ first defeat of the season.

The Wings were quick out of the blocks with Joe Healy having an early chance saved by Ross Kitteridge. Moments later though, Jamie Turner was forced to make a great stop to deny James Faulkner from scoring for the Dragons. A long ball from Sam Tucknott split the Wings defence but Turner was on hand to save low at the feet of Faulkner.

20 minutes in and Healy was again unlucky not to have given Welling the lead. Ryan Martin's through ball found Healy one on one but his shot deflected off the legs of Kitteridge and rolled narrowly wide. Like Healy, Faulkner had an excellent opportunity to put his side in front, as from yards out the striker somehow managed to fire over.

Charlie Sheringham had an effort flash just inches wide but with the Wings failing to take their chances, Basingstoke punished them. A cleared Tucknott free-kick was hit back into the box, where it found Faulkner and his looping header eluded Turner into the back of the net.

Nevertheless, the visitor’s lead would be short-lived as the Wings equalised five minutes later. Sonny Cobbs' effort from outside the box, flew in after taking a deflection off Joe Dolan on its way.

Chances were at a premium in the second period, as neither side created any clear-cut opportunities. The best chance of the half fell to Ellis Green and Rob Quinn. Green's low ball was just waiting for someone to prod the ball home but Quinn could not quite reach the cross and the chance went begging.

Late on and at the other end Dragons substitute David Tarpey should have stolen the points. Tarpey was found unmarked inside the area but the striker dragged his shot wide and the game ended in a draw.

Welling United travel to Thurrock next Saturday before welcoming Fisher Athletic to Park View Road on Bank Holiday Monday.

Come on you Wings!

Report by James Underwood