Difficulties in the attacking third of the pitch again came to the fore for Welling United when they were held at home by Taunton Town.

New manager Rod Stringer played the same eleven that had beaten Hampton and Richmond five days earlier, albeit with adjustments to the formation. Although Tristan Abrahams was sent off in that game, suspensions don’t come into effect until seven days later in the Vanarama National League South, so he was free to play.

He almost made his mark in the first minute when heading over from Cameron Green’s cross. Antony Papadopoulos then shot wide from twenty-five yards. After that there was little excitement in the first half with plenty of passes going astray by both teams. Nick Grimes headed over for Taunton and Rabby Tabu-Minzamba shot well wide.

They had one last opening before half time when Zac Smith met Zac Bell’s low cross at the near post but Reice Charles-Cook was alert to the danger and smothered the chance.

Just as they had in the first half, Welling started the second quickly and Abrahams sent Adam Roscrow away. Sadly for both him and the Wings he was off balance when he shot and it went wide of the near post. Green then got forward and had a shot deflected wide although a goal-kick was awarded.

Welling continued to enjoy the territorial advantage without creating chances until Green unleashed a drive that Dan Lavercombe did well to push over.

Seventeen minutes remained when Welling were reduced to ten man for the second consecutive match. Dominic Odusanya’s challenge was tough but didn’t look excessive however, referee Jack Bloxham thought otherwise and dismissed the Welling midfielder.

That gave the Peacocks a sniff of taking all three points but Charles-Cook wasn’t busy until the five additional minutes of stoppage time. First he saved from substitute Ross Stearn and Green tidied up. Then he saved a low shot from Bell. Finally, Stearn was sent clear but he came out quickly to block out as far as Anthony Grant who cleared.

Next Saturday, Welling are in F.A. Trophy action when hosting National League Barnet.

Welling United: Charles-Cook, Lema, Green, Grant, Ellul, Byrd, Papadopoulos, Odusanya, Roscrow (Alemanji 70), Abrahams (Adigun 75), Wood (Johnson 79). Sub not used: Holness, Burchell.