Although one point may prove to be of little use in Welling’s battle to avoid relegation, they will be happy with the character they showed to win it.

They were three-nil down and had missed a penalty with just over 15 minutes to go before they staged their dramatic come-back.

Goals by Michael Bakare, Sahr Kabba and Ian Gayle negated three earlier Southport strikes.

It was the first time, this season, that Welling had notched three times in the Vanarama National League.

There was not much to suggest what was to come in the early stages as the two sides struggled to create a clear cut chance however the deadlock was broken by the hosts in the 37^th minute.

Andy Wright got up well to head a corner towards the far post and Mike Phenix stole in to touch home at the far post.

Their lead should have lasted for only one minute as Welling were awarded a penalty for a clumsy tackle in the area. Scott Kashket stepped up to take it but his shot lacked conviction and Max Crocombe saved easily.

They might have been awarded another penalty when Reece Harris appeared to be brought down but the referee played on.

After the break, Welling came out strongly, but after twice coming close, they conceded again.

Substitute Liam Nelson’s cross was headed out but Josh Thompson volleyed back into the top corner from 25 yards.

Things went from bad to worse for the Wings two minutes later when Mark O’Brien finished at the far post from Adam Blakeman’s corner.

It could have been even more dire as with the Wings in disarray, Craig Westcarr missed a sitter at the far post.

To their credit, Welling recovered and pinned the hosts back. After enjoying a good spell, they pulled one back when the strength and skill of Bakare opened up the Southport defence allowing him to fire home at the near post.

They continued to press, winning a series of corners and eventually it told when Kashket swung won in that Kabba helped home inside the far post.

Visibly shaken, it was almost inevitable that Southport would concede again and a near post Kashket corner was met by Gayle who gave Max Crocombe no chance with a firm header.

Noah Chesmain had a long shot saved but the Sandgrounders held on for a point that was far more valuable for them than it was for Welling.

 

Southport: Crocombe, Challoner, Blakeman, Wright, O’Brien, Thompson, Rutherford (Nolan 55), Phenix (Hewitt 74), Westcarr, Almond (Allen 66), Jones (G).

Unused substitutes: Viscosi, Bishop.

Goals : Phenix (36), Thompson (56), O’Brien (58)

Booked : Wright, Blakeman.

 

Welling United: Welling United: Rodak, Williams, Chesmain, Kargbo, Gayle, Lokko, Wanadio (Kabba 79), Nortey, Bakare, Kashket, Harris.

Unused substitutes: Taylor, Daniel, Vidal, Adeloye.

Goals : Bakare (73), Kabba (80), Gayle (88)

Booked : Chesmain

 

Referee: Simon Bennett

Assistants: Daniel Middleton and Jane Simms

4^th Official: Stuart Richardson

 

Attendance: 746

Welling Star Player: Barney Williams

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.