Draw specialists Welling held on for a Vanarama Conference point against big guns Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The two sides meet each other in the league for the second successive Saturday and the familiarity between the teams was plain to see.

It was Welling’s seventh home draw of the campaign, and they remain defeated only once at Park View Road in the league.

Jamie Day’s men were certainly good value for the draw. Solid in defence, tenacious in midfield, where 18-year-old Sam Corne belied his tender years, and with the returning Tyrone Marsh in attack, Welling gave Rovers plenty to think about.

Welling were dealt an early blow when they lost striker Charlie Penny to injury inside 12 minutes but moments later Marsh’s long-range free-kick was only kept out by keeper Fabian Spiess’ fingertip save.

Spiess made an even better stop on the half-hour, turning away Aristide Bassele’s left-foot volley which seemed destined to put the hosts ahead.

Rovers stepped up the pressure after the break, although former Bromley forward Bradley Goldberg shot weakly at Benji Buchel and Ben Jefford had to clear an effort off the line.

Michael Chambers’ excellent block denied substitute Jake Gosling opening the scoring with his first touch and Alex Wall headed over as the chances continued for the visitors.

Welling, though, held on and nearly snatched it at the death as Jamal Fyfield, who was excellent at the back, just failed to connect with Jefford’s deep free-kick after Spiess failed to collect.

Welling: Buchel, Fyfield, Fagan, Penny (St.Aimie 12mins), Marsh, Jefford, Bassele (Hudson 60mins), Chambers, Corne, Williams, Healy (Bush 90mins). Subs not used: Henly, Taylor.

Attendance: 1,176.