Jon Meakes' first game in charge of St Albans City ended in a draw at home to relegation threatened Welling United.

The interim boss lost the first part of his job title in the week as the National League South announced him as the permanent replacement for David Noble.

Things didn't get off to the greatest of starts when an own goal from Ryan Blackman put the Wings into a 26th minute lead.

But it lasted just a minute, Shaun Jeffers bagging his 100th goal for the Saints in his 159th appearance.

And 1-1 was how it finished, leaving Saints sixth in the table and Welling still in trouble, fourth from bottom.

Herts Advertiser: Shaun Jeffers (left) and St Albans City celebrate. Picture: JIM STANDENShaun Jeffers (left) and St Albans City celebrate. Picture: JIM STANDEN (Image: Jim Standen)

Meakes said: "We knew it was going to be a tough game, they are the in form team in the league.

"We know how Rod [Stringer] sets up his teams and it was going to be a physical battle.

"They played to their strengths but we dealt with that throughout the game.

"It was the best time to score, when teams are vulnerable, but it was a poor goal to give away. We should have dealt with the cross better and it was a cheap free-kick to give away in the first place.

"But the response, to go up the other end and score, meant we controlled the game again.

"The boys are disappointed in the overall performance. We had enough chances to be in front at half-time.

"Second half we pinned them in and had some glorious balls across the box.

"We just weren't on point to take advantage of them."

He did have time to acknowledge Jeffers' involvement.

Meakes said: "He's a great goalscorer and the way he made the run, getting in behind, is what we've asked him to do.

"I thought he hadn't got his shot off but he shoved it a yard one side and put it in the other corner.

"It was a fantastic goal by Shaun."

The new full-time boss spoke of his appointment as well.

"I'm very happy," he said. "I had a good conversation with the chairman over the last few weeks and the performances showed we didn't have to change much.

"The board made that decision as well, and to keep that continuity, I'm pleased."

Saints' Herts Charity Cup final against Potters Bar Town, scheduled for March 5 at Hemel Hempstead Town, has been postponed to allow the Scholars to fit in a rearranged Isthmian League Premier Division game with Hastings United.