In a game of few chances Welling United claimed a point at Hungerford Town.

It could easily have been eleven versus ten from the fourth minute. Matt Berry-Hargreaves grabbed Welling’s George Alexander by the throat and attempted to push him over the hoardings before other payers intervened.

After discussing the incident with his assistant on that side, who had a very close view, referee Robert Ablitt showed great leniency when brandishing a yellow card.

Christie Pattisson looked as though he was in behind but he was thwarted by a great defensive block before Jake Evans shot meekly wide for the hosts from thirty-five yards.

Pattisson was involved in most of Welling’s most dangerous moments and he crossed from the right to George Alexander whose header was saved easily by Jed Ward.

Slick passing created another Welling opening but Pattisson was unable to get a clean connection then Chi Ezennolim burst through. However, he lost his footing as he chased it down the slope and ran out of space.

One more Pattisson shot went wide after another good move involving Stefan Payne and James Dunne.

Alexander went close when found by Ezennolim but his deflected shot went inches past the post with on loan goalkeeper Ward committed to going the other way.

Despite being second best for the majority of the first half, the Crusaders came close just before the break. Dylan Adjei-Hersey cut in from the right and curled a left footer just wide of the far post with Myles Roberts beaten.

Early in the second period a long clearance from Ward sent namesake Christie Ward away but Roberts got down well to make a good save.

Ezennolim then crossed deep for Welling and picked out Pattisson who volleyed into the ground and side netting. Dunne had a shot deflected wide for Welling before Great Evans was off target at the other end.

Pattisson’s game was ended abruptly with a hamstring strain then Rob Howard also had to be replaced when he went down with an apparent back injury.

The hosts had a little more of the game after the disruption and a cross by Ryan Jones found its way to Christie Ward whose first time shot drew a brilliant save out of Roberts.

Adjei-Hersey missed another great chance when Joel Rollinson pulled it back for him before Welling substitute Anthony Papadopoulos almost got rewarded for his perseverance. He charged down the Crusaders’ goalkeeper’s clearance and it could have gone anywhere when it hit him but fortunately for the hosts it rebounded wide.

Papadopoulos shot just wide and, soon after, the referee brought proceedings to a close.

Hungerford Town: J. Ward, McRory, Jones, C.Ward, Gyebi, Berry-Hargreaves, Gunner, Tyler, G. Evans (Ilic 89), J. Evans (Rollinson 36), Adjei-Hersey.

Subs not used: Delaney, Smith, Bailey.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Berry-Hargreaves, Gyebi,

Welling United: Roberts, Howard (Cox 74), Ezennolim, Dunne, Sendles-White, Lyons-Foster, Pattisson (Maloney 66), Payne, Azeez, Alexander (Papadopoulos 80), Elito.

Sub not used: McKenzie-Lyle, Parry.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Dunne

Referee: Robert Ablitt

Assistants: Martin Underhay and Gareth Dunn

Attendance: 461

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.