ROD Stringer says he was proud of Chelmsford City after they drew 0-0 with Welling United in the National League South.

Following defeat to Slough Town last time out at the Melbourne Stadium, the Clarets needed to get their campaign back on track.

Shaun Batt was sent off late on in a match that saw several penalty shouts for the home team turned down and a number of chances come and go.

But Stringer was pleased with a point.

“It was a very tough game,” said Stringer. “They are a big strong side. I thought we gave it a right go and it was a case of winning your personal battles.

“We had a lot more chances than them and had some massive penalty shouts that weren’t given. We weren’t going to win every game.

“I think it is a good point bearing in mind what they have done to opposition this season.”

The Clarets felt they should have been awarded an early spot kick when Rhys Murphy went tumbling, with the first chance falling to Tom Wraight but his lob went harmlessly over the crossbar, with perhaps a conventional shit a better option.

Scott Fenwick shot straight at the goalkeeper before penalty shouts were turned down in both penalty areas.

Substitute Batt saw the game’s biggest penalty shout turned down shortly into the second half and his frustration appeared to boil over in the final moments as a late tackle earned him a second yellow card.

The second half was a tetchy affair with few clear cut chances and a point apiece was fair at the close.

Chelmsford City: McDonald, Young, Anderson, Omozusi, Swaine, Church, Porter (Miles 85’), Spillane, Wraight (Whelpdale 81’), Murphy, Fenwick (Batt 50’)

>Chelmsford will welcome Worthing in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup next Saturday.