After much rain during the preceding week, Welling United and St Albans City battled hard on a heavy pitch before having to settle for a draw in their Vanarama National League South encounter.

Credit should go to the ground-staff and supporters who volunteered to come in early and work on draining the pitch of excess water so that by the time the match officials arrived, there was no worry of a postponement.

Coming into the game, Welling were just outside the bottom four however, St Albans were nine points behind them but had played two games fewer so a victory would have given either team a massive boost. A recent resurgence meant that the Saints were enjoying a five game unbeaten run, albeit all drawn. They have also enjoyed visits to Park View Road with Welling not having won a home league game against them since 2018.

Rod Stringer, Welling’s manager, was looking for a reaction following their heavy defeat at bottom club Weymouth seven days earlier and was delighted to have goalkeeper Rhys Lovett back after a six game absence.

His team got off to a slow start and were relieved to see a raised offside flag deny Giorgio Rasulo an opening goal. However, once the Wings had settled, they started to ask questions. Chiori Johnson was about to pull the trigger but David Longe-King got back to make a last ditch challenge.

Dave Winfield then went close when meeting Daniel Martin’s corner with a firm header that was saved brilliantly by Michael Johnson at the foot of the post.

Aiden Dausch had the last effort of an even first half for St Albans with a shot that went beyond the far post.

Zain Walker came on early in the second period and threatened to put the Wings ahead. After Johnson had made a relatively comfortable save from him, the Welling live-wire went on a run down the wing and shot towards the bottom corner, but Johnson got down well to tip into the side netting.

Both teams made changes before Welling went ahead with thirteen minutes remaining. Anthony Grant played it out to Martin who did brilliantly to create space and cross. Jayden Davis evaded his marker before rising to head home off the inside of the far post.

Eight minutes later, the visitors levelled when Brandon Mason crossed, Alfie Bendle got a flick and it struck Winfield which diverted it just inside the far post.

As disappointing as that was for the Wings, they might have ended empty handed when Mason again broke through in stoppage time but Riccardo Di Trolio got across to make a brave block on the goal-line.

That was the last action of the match and the two teams shook hands on a point each.

Welling United: Lovett, Johnson (Redfearn 46), Martin (H. Walker 90), Quick, Winfield, Di Trolio, Davis (Burchell 90), Grant, Alabi (Cornish 78), Kennedy, Ballard-McBride (Z Walker 56). Subs not used: None.