Sweltering temperatures greeted Welling United and Gillingham as both teams continued to build up fitness and try out new players prior to the start of the new season.

Jamie Day and Peter Taylor both took the opportunity to build fitness to a number of squad players whilst Welling also handed some further trialists opportunities.

Antonio German hit a curler just wide for Gillingham before Afolabi Obafemi’s angled cross almost found Harry Beautyman at the far post.

German was more successful with the next opening giving Lee Butcher no chance when finishing Danny Kedwell’s through ball.

Kedwell headed narrowly wide moments later before Jake Gallagher came close with a header from Loui Fazakerley’s cross.

Amine Linganzi headed wide from a corner before Kedwell had the last chance of the first half cleared off the line.

Doug Loft drove powerfully for the Gills early in the second half but Butcher held on well.

Rod Young went on a mazy run for Welling but his understanding with Beautyman still requires work as he could not time his pass to beat the offside trap.

Two corners in quick succession brought about the 59th minute equaliser. The second was only half cleared and Joe Healy’s acrobatic overhead kick flew inside the post with Gills keeper Glenn Morris an admiring onlooker.

Fifteen minutes remained as Welling brought on a couple of players who have been playing in their Suburban League teams.

Tarkan Mersin came on for his second pre-season appearance and sixteen year old Jack Mallen had his first taste of first team action.

Substitute goalkeeper Ali Axol did well to turn a shot from Luke Norris over before each side had a chance to claim victory.

Devante McKain saw his header strike the bar for Gillingham before Malachi Hudson was sent sprawling by Josh Hare in the area at the other end.

Kieron St Aimie, who had converted one against Charlton, demanded to take the penalty but fired high over the bar.

Although Welling’s run of consecutive wins was ended, both teams maintained their unbeaten pre-season campaign.

Welling United first half: Butcher (Axol 75), Fazakerley (Williams 68), Jefford (Beale 72), Gallagher (Corne 68), Bush (Mersin 75), Parry (De Bunga 54), Beautyman, Gorman (Day 61), Obafemi (St Aimie 61), Healy (Mallen 75), Young (Hudson 61).

Gillingham first half: Nelson, Fish, Egan, Barrett, Borrowdale, Hessenthaler, Stanford, Linganzi, McGlashan, German, Kedwell.

Gillingham second half: Morris, Romeo, Hare, Davies, McKain, Loft, Dack, Dickenson, Millbank, McDonald, Norris.

Referee: Gavin Ward.