Welling United 1 Havant & Waterlooville 1

WELLING had to settle for only their third league draw of the season despite a strong second half showing against fellow play-off contenders Havant at Park View Road on Saturday.

The Wings did well to get back into the contest after a sloppy start to the afternoon.

Keeper Jamie Turner returned to the starting line-up for the first time since January but he could do nothing to prevent Havant taking a 10th minute lead.

A right-wing corner was nodded down in the penalty area and Jamie Collins turned the ball home from close range.

Former Gravesend striker Jefferson Louis should have headed a second, while strike partner Rocky Baptiste saw his low shot saved by Turner.

The Wings, who had hardly put a move of note together, were fortunate to go in level at the break. Their equaliser came two minutes before half-time when Jamie Day's deep free-kick was met by Ben Lewis, whose looping header beat keeper Shane Gore.

The Wings were a different side after the break and Steve Harper's near post volley almost gave them the lead three minutes after the restart.

Substitute Tony Battersby made a nuisance of himself up front as the Wings forced Havant back.

Danny Kedwell's header was turned behind before Chris Moore's volley was blocked on the line.

Welling, however, were indebted to keeper Turner for a fine injury time save to deny Louis a winning goal.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Park View Road every week in the Bexley Extra.