Two Vanarama National League South play-off contenders will meet on Saturday when Welling United travel to Billericay Town.

There are two points and two places between the teams with Welling holding the advantage in fifth place.

Both teams come into the game on the back of difficult times, at least off the pitch. Welling manager Steve King has had to release a number of players and two of his coaching staff and will be taking a threadbare squad to Essex.

Full-time Billericay have also had problems and have re-appointed Harry Wheeler as manager having sacked him mid-match earlier in the season. Dean Brennan was brought in as his replacement but lasted just four months before being dismissed.

Wheeler managed Maidstone United in the interim period but his reign there was even shorter than Brennan’s at Billericay before he was relieved of his duties at the Kent club. He is well known to Wings supporters as he had a spell as joint manager at Welling alongside Tristan Lewis two seasons ago.

On Saturday, Welling claimed a hard earned three points against Eastbourne Borough when Brendan Kiernan converted a penalty for his ninth goal of the season. Meanwhile Billericay were thwarted at Concord Rangers when the hosts claimed a ninetieth minute equaliser for a two all draw.

Back in August, Welling were defeated three-nil on a balmy Tuesday evening at home to the Blues although the score-line was very flattering for the visitors.

Jack Jebb hit the post and Welling had another couple of chances before Billericay went ahead against the run of play through an Adam Coombes penalty. The Wings continued to create chances but two goals in eight minutes before an hour had passed killed them off.

Simon Walton, now assistant manager at Maidstone, scored the second and another player now with the Stones, Jake Robinson, added the third.

As well as Wheeler, sports scientist Craig Lewis has worked at Welling and former Wings Coombes, Moses Emmanuel, Ross Lafayette and Danny Waldren also play for the Essex club.

Although Billericay have had a sticky spell of late, they have only won one of their last seven games, King is under no illusion of the challenge ahead. “They’ve got quality players.” he said. “If you look through their starting line up, they’re as good as any in this league.

“Obviously they’re going through a transition. Loads of players have gone. Loads of players have come in. It’s going to be a tough game.”