Youthful Welling United claimed an unlikely but vital point with a late equaliser at home to Altrincham.

Whilst the visitors might be wondering how they haven't gone home with all three points, Welling showed the value of a 'never say die' attitude and claimed a very late equaliser.

They survived an early goalmouth scramble after Altrincham were awarded a highly dubious free kick.

In the visitors next attack Josh Ginnelly broke clear down the wing but his low cross just evaded Michael Rankine.

James Lawrie then tested Welling goalkeeper Marek Rodak with a well struck skimmer.

Eventually, Welling mustered an attack but captain Harry Lee's long range effort went wide of the near post.

Still, Altrincham looked the more likely to break the deadlock and Scott Leather hit the crossbar from close range.

That seemed to shake Welling and Kadell Daniel's trickery created room for him to shoot and Tim Deasy was only able to claim at the second attempt.

Daniel had another attempt from a free kick that curled wide.

It was then Xavier Vidal's turn to let fly but his shot flew over.

Ginnelly almost caught Rodak out with an ambitious free kick from a tight angle that flew past the far post.

He should have done better soon after when evading his marker for a free header from Lawrie's cross, but directed it straight at a grateful Rodak.

They were then allowed to create another attack with a quick free kick that sent Michael Rankine clear but Rodak was out quickly forcing him into a hurried chip that drifted wide.

Two full debutants then combined for Welling to create a chance just before the break. Adeoye Yussuf cut in from the wing, and although he was fouled crudely by Marcus Holness, Luke Wanadio was still able to get a shot away that was beaten out by Deasy. Eventually the ball went out of play and Holness was cautioned.

After the break, Barney Williams made a crucial well timed tackle as the Robins continued to press.

Jonny Margetts headed over before Altrincham went ahead in the 57th minute.

There was little fancy about it as a long ball was launched forward that should not have caused too many problems. Rodak and Michael Chambers hesitated and Rankine nipped in to flick past the keeper before passing into the empty net.

Rankine got in behind again but Rodak made a great save to keep Welling in the game.

Another Daniel shot flew wide before a long Rodak punt had to be watched and saved by Deasy.

Jordan Sinnott shot well wide on a break for Altrincham before Daniel's free kick went wide for Welling.

However, Welling fashioned one more opportunity and they didn't waste it. Michael Bakare's break down the wing presented Daniel with a chance to shoot. Although his effort was blocked by Leather, Sahr Kabba was on hand to rifle home for what could turn out to be a crucial point.

Welling United: Rodak,Williams, Chesmain, Ferry, Chambers, Nortey, Daniel, Lee, Yussuf (Kabba 66), Vidal (Bakare 59), Wanadio. Unused substitutes: McEntegart, Osborne, Wellard.