Despite being their fourth game in eight days, the threadbare Welling United squad more than matched full time Torquay United but had to settle for a draw.

It appeared that the Gulls had been sent out to try and bully the Welling team as they flew in with some violent challenges in front of a lenient referee from Devon.

However, the Wings stood firm and played some wonderful football in the first half, just missing the finish.

Aaron Downes took Charlie Penny out with a horrible challenge, then Durrell Berry made a cynical challenge on the wing as Torquay tried to out muscle the Wings.

Jon Henly saved from Jordan Chappell at the road end but most of the action was in the other goalmouth.

Chris Bush headed over before Berry was finally cautioned for a tackle that warranted a dismissal.

Aristide headed over from Ben Jefford’s free kick then Joe Healy shot wide with a first time effort.

Angus MacDonald then escaped censure for a nasty off the ball stamp on Zach Fagan as the Gulls continued to try and wind up the Welling players.

Jake Gallagher shot wide, Aristide Bassele curled over and Charlie Penny had an effort saved by Jordan Seabright as Welling continued to out-pass their opponents before Henly had to make another save from Chapell.

Healy came close just before the break, but his shot was defected wide of the far post by Berry.

After the interval, Torquay came out to play with a faster tempo and Ashley Yeoman and Louis Briscoe both had shots saved.

Ben Harding blasted a free kick over and Welling were indebted to a goal-line clearance and a brilliant Henly save as the Gulls continued to press.

However, once the spell had passed, Welling looked comfortable without threatning.

Briscoe fired a free kick over for the visitors before Seabright made an excellent save to thwart Penny.

Brown’s Wings now have a few days to prepare for the visit of Dover Athletic on New Year’s Day.

 

Welling United: Henly, Williams (Corne 46), Jefford, Fagan, Bush, Fyfield, Bassele (Ouani 90), Gallager, Penny,  Hudson (St. Aimie 80), Healy.

Unused Substitutes: Taylor, Kiassos.

Torquay United: Seabright, Cruise, Berry, Downes, McDonald, Harding, Chappell (Benyon 82), Young (Ajala 70), Bowman, Yeoman (Richards 71), Briscoe.

Unused substitutes: Lavercombe, Pearce.

 

Referee: Daniel Cook

Attendance: 808

Welling star player: Zach Fagan