On a balmy summer’s day, Taunton Town and Welling United cancelled each other out in a goal-less draw.

Chances were few and far between in a game when the defences ruled the roost and the outcome was a fair result.

Warren Feeney awarded nine Welling United league debuts and it was clear that despite training regularly and playing pre-season friendlies together, they are still learning each other’s movements and off the ball runs.

Anthony Papadopoulos had Welling’s first effort when coming in from the left, but he did not get a clean contact and it did not bother Jack Bycroft in the Taunton goal.

Nick McCootie was a constant threat to the Welling defence and was brought down on the edge of the penalty area, but Jay Foulston curled the free kick over. At the other end, Papadopoulos crossed to Asley Nzala, but he was unable to get enough purchase on his header to worry Bycroft.

Nzala caused further problems when he outpaced his marker, but Bycroft was out quickly and was happy to make a block challenge and hack it away.

In Taunton’s next attack a long ball fell kindly for Jake Wannell but he side-footed over. Then McCootie got free down the left hand side and opened his body but could only guide his shot wide.

Just before half time, McCootie out-muscled his man to create a two on one and sent Dave Sims-Burgess clear but he failed to beat Myles Roberts with his attempt to slot beyond him.

Soon after the interval, Taunton survived a big goal-mouth scramble, but no Welling player was able to poke it home then Taunton again came close when a Lloyd James corner was flicked on, and Roberts made an excellent save just inside the bottom corner.

Ollie Chamberlain cut in and shot but Roberts was behind it and claimed on the bounce.

Chamberlain then did well to get to the bye-line and pull it back, but McCootie headed wide of the far post.

Medy Elito ran into space for Welling but shot wide before Tyrique Hyde burst through but curled just over.

Finishing strongly, Welling searched for a winner and Stefan Payne had a shot blocked before curling his follow up wide.

One last chance came and went when Hyde’s scuffed shot was saved after great work by Palace Francis.

Feeney now has a week to prepare for the Wings’ first home game of the season when they entertain Worthing.

Taunton Town: Bycroft, Budd (Lucas 80), Foulston, Grimes, Ball, Wannell, Chamberlain, James, Sims-Burgess (Lewington 72), McCootie (Warwick 64), Guest.

Subs not used: Tunnicliff, Irish.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Wannell, Grimes

Welling United: Roberts, Howard, Ezennolim, Dunne, Olomowewe, Curran (Parry 46), Nzala (Kassarate 71), Hyde, Papadopoulos (Francis 52), Payne, Elito.

Sub not used: Adegoke, Maloney.

Goalscorers: None

Yellow cards: Howard

Referee: Ross Martin

Assistants: James Long and Steven Swan

Attendance: 813

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.