Prior to Saturday, Welling United had played seven and lost seven at Southport but there was no doubt that the point they gained was the least they deserved.
Now the Wings return home for a Skrill Premier League match against Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday 17th September.
The two clubs had a few relegation tussles in the late 1990’s before Welling dropped out of the Conference in 2000, but times have moved on the Goucestershire based team who are now amongst the favourites for the title.
Currently lying in third place, Forest Green are the current top scorers helped by their 8-0 opening day fixture victory over Hyde and harbour dreams of promotion into the Football League for the first time in their history.
AFC Halifax almost shocked them on Saturday but they staged a miraculous finale to pull level in the 92nd minute and they claimed the winner three minutes later to send their supporters home happy.
Whilst the Southport Airshow was taking place to the delight of several thousand spectators on the promenade, Welling fans were equally thrilled when Lee Clarke gave the Wings a deserved lead at the Merseyrail Community Centre.
Against the run of play, the Sandgrounders equalised two minutes later before taking the lead. However, Welling drew level when Loui Fazakerley did well to keep a long Fraser Franks ball in play before crossing for Ross Lafayette The Wings marksman brought the ball down on his chest before firing home for his fourth goal in eight games.
Blaine Hudson missed out through injury on Saturday but Wings’ manager Jamie Day will hope that he is back in contention for this match. Kiernan Hughes-Mason came on as a substitute at Southport to help to ease himself back following his ankle injury. Things are not looking quite so good for Harry Beautyman. He did not travel north and may still be a week or two away from being available to compete for a starting place.
One intriguing duel may occur if Franks marks Rovers’ striker James Norwood. The two of them were team-mates in the summer when representing England C in Bermuda.
Kicking off at 19:45, the game promises much as Welling face another exciting challenge in their first season back in the top tier of non league football.