DESPITE going two goals behind at runaway league leaders Newport County, Welling United’s never say die attitude and the clinical finishing of Tommy Whitnell earned the Wings a fully deserved point.

It was to their credit that they won this by continuing to try and play football rather than desperate hoofing in the hope of something happening, especially bearing in mind that Newport had not conceded a home goal since September.

Player-manager Jamie Day had the luxury of being able to name an unchanged team for the first time this season and the continuity after the comings and goings earlier in the season has played a major part in their climb up the table.

They suffered an early set-back when Danny Rose’s free kick from the right hand side was touched just inside the far post by Jamie Collins to give the Exiles the lead.

Day was harshly cautioned soon after as Welling struggled to contain Newport’s lively start and Craig Reid came close to converting another Rose free kick, but could not quite get the connection he wanted.

Reid did net soon after but was well offside.

Good build up play by Welling allowed Andy Pugh to have his teams first shooting opportunity but his effort was blocked by on-loan Torquay United defender Chris Todd.

Kerry Morgan, lively throughout, had Newport’s next chance when he cut in from the left wing but shot wide.

Whitnell’s hard work produced Welling’s next opening. Collins attempted to shepherd the ball out for a goal kick but the Wings striker embarrassed him by dispossessing him and working the ball back to Loui Fazakerley.

Sam Hurrell rushed in to meet the delicious cross but was unable to keep the ball under the bar from close range.

Charlie Mitten’s first save was comfortable as he caught a long distance effort from Wayne Turk and soon after Morgan again failed to hit the target.

Hurrell hit a long distance Welling shot well over before Welling were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Jack Obersteller was unable to get the kick over the wall and under the crossbar.

Mitten made a good block just before the break keeping out a close range effort from Sam Foley.

The visitors came out strongly and Glyn Thompson worked hard to ensure that the threatening deliveries from Day and Obersteller did not produce an equaliser.

Although Foley had a long shot saved it was against the run of play when the Exiles went two up in the 58th minute.

A route one pass was well collected by Reid and his clever pass found Morgan in a lot of space. His side footed shot was clinical giving Mitten no chance.

Four minutes later and Welling were back in the game.

Hurrell received the ball from Graeme Andrews in acres of space and his pass inside found Whitnell.

The leagues player of the month in October swivelled and struck home off the inside of the post from the edge of the penalty area.

Newport made two changes and Reid soon had an effort saved by Mitten but Welling still looked the better team and deserved their 75th minute leveller.

A Fazakerley corner caused bedlam in the penalty area and Whitnell was on hand to control the ball and lash home from ten yards.

After Jack Parkinson had made a crucial tackle Pugh had a great chance to put Welling ahead.

Although his initial chance was well saved by Thompson, he attempted to lob the out of position goalkeeper but failed to get enough loft with well positioned team-mates screaming for the ball.

As both teams went for the winner Lee Clarke then made a double goal-line clearance and at the other end another Fazakerley corner caused more mayhem before Thompson took command and bravely claimed the ball off the toes of Carl Jenkinson.

Welling United: Mitten, Jenkinson, Obersteller, Day, Andrews, Parkinson, Fazakerley, Clarke, Whitnell, Pugh, Hurrell (Finn 81). Subs not used: Cutler, Bakare, Sambrook, Cracknell.