New-look Welling United had to settle for an opening day point against nine-man AFC Telford United.

The visitors looked on course to claim a smash and grab victory at Park View Road but their shocking lack of discipline saw them lose a player either side of half-time and left them clinging on by the final whistle.

More experienced opponents may well have made them pay for their red cards but Welling's youngsters are still finding their feet at Vanarama Conference.

Telford had two early breaks which threatened to unlock the Welling defence before Mike Phenix found his way into the book for punching in a deep Andrew Owens free-kick after 20 minutes, an offence immediately spotted by referee Nigel Lugg.

The visitors, who defended deeply and played on the counter attack, went ahead on 35 minutes when Kristian Platt's long-range free-kick deceived keeper Lee Butcher.

Welling responded and Harry Beautyman's long-range drive was saved by keeper Jonathan Hedge.

Telford then lost Poku, booked five minutes earlier for a late foul on Charlie Gorman, to a second yellow card after he handled the ball three minutes into first-half stoppage time.

Their plight went from bad to worse five minutes after the break when Phenix, already on a booking, clattered late into Ben Jefford and was correctly shown a second yellow card by Mr Lugg.

Loan forward Tyrone Marsh shot weakly when well placed and Loui Fazakerley's drive was diverted wide as Welling pushed men forward.

Their pressure was rewarded on 66 minutes as a short corner saw Harry Beautyman in plenty of space and he curled a right-foot shot into the far corner to level the scores.

Wings striker Afolabi Obafemi went down under Steve Akrigg's challenge but was cautioned for diving before skipper Jake Gallagher headed over Jefford's cross.

Beautyman shot straight at Hedge before somehow heading wide Jefford's excellent delivery in stoppage time and Jamal Fyfield was also guilty of heading over from a last-gasp corner.