After a difficult season last time around, Welling United’s supporters were hoping for a less stressful one this time around.

Unfortunately, results so far have not reflected the clubs hopes. One win in seven games played so far is not what they had wanted although it should be remembered that this is a ‘start from scratch’ squad and the three defeats suffered have all been by the odd goal.

Last Saturday, Welling put in a performance at Oxford City described as “lethargic’ by manager Jamie Coyle, but they did improve in the second period and claimed a point.

However, they started poorly again on Monday, conceding in the fifth minute, and this time they were unable to claw it back.

Assistant manager Hugo Langton feels that the main problem is Welling’s finishing. “We’ve got to be more ruthless in front of goal when the chances come.” he said “In every game we’ve created chances but you’ve got to take them. I’d like to see the midfield chipping in with a few.”

Now they have two difficult away games ahead of them starting with another long journey, to Bath City on Saturday. The Romans started the season in confident mood having beaten Cheltenham Town and Bristol Rovers XI’s leading up to the start.

Langton continued “We’ve got to go to Bath, which will be a very, very tough place to go, and believe that we can beat them. We’ll look forward to it”

Bath were amongst the bookies favourites but crashed to three consecutive defeats, two at home, before kick starting their campaign with a 2-1 win at Truro City.

That was followed by another win on the road, at Havant and Waterlooville, before a 1-0 win at Tweton Park over Poole Town completed three successes on the trot.

On Monday, their run was ended with a 2-1 defeat at Gloucester City.

When the two teams met in the corresponding fixture at Twerton Park in April, Bath won at a canter. It was the last game of the season and Welling had already ensured safety. They also had the Kent Senior Cup Final against Dover Athletic to play two days later so played with very little intensity.

Their performance was so lacking that Alex Dyer, manager at the time, made a double substitution just past the half hour mark. By then, they were already two goals behind, scored by Nick McCootie and Andy Watkins.

Sam Hatton pulled one back with eight minutes remaining with a 35 yard screamer into the top corner but it was too little too late and the league campaign fizzled out disappointingly.

There will be a decent Welling following and they will expect to see much more this time around.

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.