Welling United secure another point on the road after Myles Roberts keeps out late Farnborough penalty

BY MARK DOIG

Welling United played out a goalless draw for the second consecutive away game after a goalless draw at Farnborough.

Three days after drawing a blank at Hungerford Town, Welling again kept a clean sheet but were unable to find a goal at the other end. 

The tightening up at the back will have pleased Wings manager Warren Feeney, but having only scored once in five games, it will be a concern.

In the first half, they were second best at the play-off chasing team from Hampshire, but in the second period, they played some of their best football for weeks.

An injury to Ade Azeez four minutes after the break meant that they had to reshuffle the pack and change their style of play with no target man.

Goalkeeper Myles Roberts played a huge part in keeping Farnborough out. His first outstanding save was for nothing, as an offside flag had already been raised against Harry Parsons. He then made a regulation save from a near-post Parsons header after he met a Jordan Norville-Williams corner.

Jonathon Page played Swindon Town loanee Parsons through down the inside right channel, but he thrashed it over. Ricky Holmes then took a free-kick that looked like it would be saved easily but hit a divot and reared up, requiring a superb one-handed reaction save from the Welling goalkeeper.

As the half wore on, Welling showed a little more attacking intent – Jack Turner making a comfortable save from an Adeez header before Stefan Payne shot wide from 35 yards out.

When Azeez had to be withdrawn, Feeney had no striker on the bench and brought on Aaron Barnes to play right midfield, allowing Amadou Kassarate to play a more influential central role.

Rob Howard had a shot deflected wide. Antony Papadopoulos then sent Payne through, but his first-time stabbed effort flew over.

Payne got in behind again, fed by Kassarate, and Turner was called into making his first serious save of the encounter. Papadopoulos had a shot deflected over, then a low long-range Barnes effort had Turner beaten but rolled just wide of the post.

Barnes headed a Chi Ezennolim cross over the bar before the hosts were awarded a dubious penalty against the run of play with thirteen minutes remaining.

Barnes appeared to have fouled Saied outside the area, but a spot kick was awarded. Much complaining followed, and the referee was persuaded to seek advice from his assistant. His mind was not changed, and after two Welling and one Farnborough players were cautioned, Norville-Williams prepared to take it.

He sent it to Roberts’ right, but the Welling goalkeeper read his intentions and made a full-length diving save.

Neither side had a clear-cut chance in the remaining ten minutes plus five further minutes for stoppage time, and an entertaining match ended with the spoils shared.

PICTURES: DAVE BUDDEN