Defender Jamie Coyle has backed rookie Welling keeper Tom Lovelock despite his howler gifting Dartford a point on Tuesday night.

Lovelock joined the Wings from Leyton Orient on work experience only hours before kick-off after Mitchell Walker was recalled by Brighton.

The teenager was caught out by Ryan Hayes' 83rd-minute free-kick - in the 1-1 Blue Square Bet South draw - but Coyle (pictured) said he deserved nothing but praise.

“I don’t think anyone was expecting that so you can’t blame the keeper really,” said Coyle.

“To be fair, I thought the keeper was excellent. It was his debut, he is only a young lad and we were happy with him.

“He came out for a lot of crosses and had good communication with the back four.”

Coyle - who left the Darts to join Welling in the close season - was hoping to mark his return to Princes Park with all three points but Hayes' late equaliser put paid to that.

“It was really disappointing,” said Coyle. “They started well in the first 20 minutes and we were under the cosh a little bit. But I thought we dominated in the second half and were going to get the three points.

“Hayesy crossed one in the top corner – he might tell you it was a shot but I’m sure it was a cross!"

Welling's home league game against Maidenhead on Saturday will kick-off at 2.30pm due to ongoing problems with the floodlights at Park View Road.