Basingstoke 2 - 2 Welling

WELLING missed the chance to go top of Conference South after drawing at fog-bound Basingstoke on Tuesday night.

The Wings, however, were relieved to escape with a point after falling 2-0 down inside the first nine minutes.

Welling manager Adrian Pennock admitted: "I should be happy that we went away from home and got a point after being 2-0 down but it was the way that we conceded the goals that disappointed me.

"We had stopped doing what has been making us successful since the start of the season. Players were doing their own thing and taking too many touches."

The manner of Basingstoke's goals must have given Pennock most cause for concern. A right-wing corner on eight minutes was turned in by James Taylor before an identical delivery 60 seconds later was met by Gravesend's on-loan midfielder Ben Surey.

Che Stadhart rounded home 'keeper Rob Bullivant but saw his effort hacked clear before Lee Shearer headed in Jamie Day's free-kick to reduce the deficit on the half-hour.

The fog, that had been around since kick-off, got worse towards the end of the first half but the match survived a half-time inspection by referee D Sheldroke to continue.

Steve Perkins missed a great opening to equalise before a left-wing corner was only half-cleared and Stadhart pounced to level the scores on 59 minutes.

Stadhart missed a great chance to win the game with 20 minutes left as the Wings got on top but, without injured top scorer Danny Kedwell, they lacked enough firepower in front of goal.

"I thought it was the right decision by the referee to see the game through," said Pennock.

"But you have to take the supporters into consideration and I'm not sure they could see the far side of the pitch. If had been 0-0 at half-time then I'm sure he would have called it off."

The Wings return to Basingstoke on Saturday for a FA Trophy third qualifying round tie.