Welling's search for a first Vanarama Conference win continued but they took plenty of heart from a draw with big-spending Forest Green.

The Wings welcomed back former boss Adrian Pennock, now in charge of Forest Green, but he had a tough afternoon at the office as his side did not have things all their own way.

Welling more than held their own in a much-improved display that should give their young squad enough confidence to believe they can survive at this level.

A fast start from both sides saw plenty of chances at either end but no early goals. Jon Nouble shot over from the edge of the box for Welling before Keiron St.Aimie failed to connect properly wth Jamie Day's free-kick. At the other end, Jon Parkin headed straight at keeper Jamie Turner, who then denied James Norwood after a long punt over the Welling defence.

Welling made the breakthrough on 36 minutes. Day and the impressive Malachi Hudson combined down the left-wing and the latter burst into the penalty area before his low cross was turned into his own net by Forest Green's Norwood.

That was a rare blemish for Norwood who was comfortably the best player for the visitors and it was no surprise when he headed in Lee Hughes' cross a minute into first-half injury time to draw Forest Green level.

Welling were almost back ahead before the interval after David Pipe presented the ball to Hudson but the teenager cut inside and fired a right-foot shot narrowly over the crossbar.

The Wings had penalty appeals for a foul on skipper Jake Gallagher declined four minutes into the second half before Gallagher won the ball back and then saw his effort cleared by Luke Oliver.

Norwood forced Turner into a long-range save while Rovers nearly snatched an undeserved winner late on but substitute Luke Rodgers' header from Norwood's corner was saved by Turner at the near post.

Former Wings forward Kurtis Guthrie came off the bench in the 90th minute but neither side could find a late winner and both took a deserved point.

Welling: Turner, Fazakerley, Gallagher, Fagan, Bush, Beautyman, St.Aimie, Jefford, Nouble (Corne 74mins), Hudson (Marsh 64mins), Day. Subs not used: Butcher, Gorman, Williams. Attendance: 501.