On a day that was far more conducive to football than had been encountered by both clubs in recent pre-season friendlies, Margate and Welling United continued their pre-season preparations with a goal-less draw.
David Hughes was the first goalkeeper called into action saving a header from Margate’s John Beales.
Alex Dyer’s first Welling appearance could have produced an early goal but having cut through, he chipped well over.
Ross Lafayette had a good claim for a penalty when clipped close to the bye-line and Lee Clarke’s header was cleared off the line by Elliot Cox as Welling enjoyed more possession.
Lafayette and Kiernan Hughes-Mason had shots saved by Gate’s Daniel O’Neil.
Warren Whitely had a chance for the hosts but delayed his shot before firing over.
Phil Walsh headed wide for the hosts before becoming the second Margate player, after Beales, to be withdrawn in the first period.
Following the half-time break, Lee Butcher replaced Hughes for his first Welling appearance. Dyer was also withdrawn with Jake Gallagher coming into the game.
Healy shot over, Kurtis Guthrie’s chip was saved, Lafayette fired wide and Hughes-Mason flicked Loui Fazakerley’s cross just wide of the far post as Welling spurned a series of chances.
Matt Bodkin’s cross gave Butcher a taste of the action but he tipped over comfortably.
The closest Welling came to scoring was when a great passing move gave Healy the opportunity to dummy O’Neil before ‘passing’ against the foot of the post.
Fazakerley’s shot from a tight angle was beaten out by O’Neil and Clarke headed over however the hosts almost had the last laugh when Bodkin broke away to set up Chico Danadio but the Margate substitute failed to find the target.
Margate: O’Neil, Cox, Dolby (Whitelock 65), I’Anson, Beales (Bodkin 20), Murphy, Kinch, Avery, Craddock, Whitely, Walsh (Danadio 44).
Welling United: Hughes (Butcher 46), Fazakerley (Joe Obersteller 73), Jack Obersteller, Dyer (Gallagher 46), Franks (Bergqvist 70), Hudson, Hughes-Mason, Clarke, Guthrie (Webb 60), Lafayette, Healy.
Referee: Peter Conn
Attendance: 250