by Matthew Panting

Liam Harwood salvaged a point for Bromley in their Blue Square South derby with Welling at Hayes Lane on Saturday.

The Wings looked to be heading for an undeserved smash-and-grab victory, but Harwood scored at the second attempt after keeper Dan Thomas had produced a stunning one-hand save.

Welling made three changes from the midweek defeat to Boreham Wood with leading scorer Andy Pugh missing through injury and they lacked any sort of cohesion. Indeed it took them until the 38th minute to produce an attack of note when Loick Pires had his near post shot turned behind by keeper Tommy Forecast, himself a loan signing from Southampton.

Bromley fielded former Welling players Marlon Patterson and Orlando Smith and both impressed in a first half dominated by the hosts. Patterson slashed an early shot wide before Leon McKenzie somehow missed his touch in front of goal after Gareth Williams’ flick-on.

Danny Waldren also headed off-target for Bromley before half-time and Williams saw his volley saved by Thomas.

Welling went ahead against the run of play when Jamie Day’s free-kick was redirected by Joe Healy. When Forecast could only parry Patterson’s cross away, Luis Cumbers (pictured) had a simple tap-in from close range.

Bromley immediately made three substitutions but they didn’t look like scoring until Welling gave away one free kick too many and ultimately, paid the price.

Supporters of both sides will be hoping that next week’s FA Cup tie is a better spectacle.