VANARAMA CONFERENCE

WELLING UNITED 1

FOREST GREEN ROVERS 1

FOREST Green boss Ady Pennock felt satisfied with a point as his side maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

Fans’ favourite James Norwood started his first game of the season and grabbed a point with a first half stoppage time header after a moment of class from veteran striker Lee Hughes.

Earlier, Welling went ahead when Malachi Hudson ‘s cross from the left saw Zach Fagan tap home from close.

Rovers almost snatched it on 86th minutes when Norwood's corner was met with a flicked header by substitute Luke Rodgers and was hacked off the line.

A third consecutive draw saw Rovers drop to sixth, but Pennock took the positives from the clash at the club, where he cut his managerial teeth.

“This is a tough place to come and we will take a point,” said Pennock.

The former Stoke City coach tinkered with his starting line-up for the first time and drafted in James Norwood and Marcus Kelly - a decision, which enlivened his side.  

Pennock added: " Nors (James Norwood) was really bright and he has been champing at the bit and he did well and I was pleased with Kells (Marcus Kelly)."

Forest Green: S. Russell; D. Pipe, L. Oliver, D. Coles, C. Stokes; J. Norwood (K. Guthrie 90), C. Kamdjo, S. Wedgbury, M. Kelly (E. Frear 82); J. Parkin, L. Hughes (L. Rodgers 72).

Subs not used: E. Oshodi