On Saturday, Welling United undertake their longest journey of the season, travelling to Barrow in Cumbria.

Their hard earned victory over a very good Lincoln City side on Tuesday will certainly have them in the right frame of mind.

Despite not being at their best, football-wise, the character and determination they showed helped them grind out the win. The first goal was a prime example.

Sam Corne rose to head Ricky Wellard’s cross goalwards, but when Chris Bush cleared off the line, he showed the will to get to the loose ball and bundle home.

Not for the first time this season, Welling conceded immediately after the break but showed  excellent spirit not to cave in under some heavy pressure. The back four were immense and although Tom King made a couple of excellent saves, he was protected well for most of the half.

Wellard had a goal disallowed as Welling showed they could be a danger on the break. After Lincoln midfielder Bradley Woods was dismissed, the Wings took full advantage and claimed a winner through Afolabi Obafemi.

Head Coach Matt McEntegart said afterwards “The thing is, for sure, a lot more of that character and desire will be needed on Saturday up there, a million miles from home.”

It’s very unlikely that Zach Fagan or George Porter will be fit enough for inclusion in the squad, however, Harry Osborne will be available again following his one game ban.

Barrow have won five, drawn two and lost just once at home (3-1 v Aldershot) this season and recovered from a 5-0 hammering at Bromley to claim a morale boosting 1-0 win at Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday.

Reports suggest that the hosts are sweating on the fitness of a couple of players too. Centre half Danny Livesey and striker Anthony Wilson are nursing groin and hamstring injuries respectively but both hope to recover in time.

Welling manager Loui Fazakerley is happy that it is a good time to be going there before winter conditions risk postponements. “It’s a long old journey. It’s better to get it out of the way. We’ll go into the game on the back of a great result so the boys are going to be very motivated and pumped up. It’s a good time to play them.”

They won’t fear the journey as their last long journey north saw them claim a fine win at promotion hopefuls Gateshead and the hardy Welling supporters making the journey will be hoping for another celebratory journey home.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.