For the third consecutive round Welling United have been drawn away in the F.A. Cup, this time travelling to Boreham Wood on Saturday.
In the second qualifying round they made the short trip to Dartford and won three-two courtesy of an Antony Papadopoulos hat-trick. Then they travelled to Gosport Borough and, despite outplaying the hosts, they were indebted to a late equaliser by Tristan Abrahams. In the replay Abrahams and Crossley Lema scored a brace apiece to see them through.
Those three games are part of their five game unbeaten league and cup run. Last Saturday, they hosted Farnborough and were held to a two-two draw. Dominic Odusanya put the Wings ahead in the first half but Ollie Pendlebury levelled in stoppage time before the break. TJ Bramble restored Welling’s lead with three minutes remaining, but Dan Gifford equalised two minutes later.
While that game was going on, Boreham Wood were being defeated two-nil at home to National League pace setters Chesterfield. The Wood are just two points outside the drop zone after a tough start to the campaign. At home, they have won two, drawn two and lost four, having beaten Hartlepool United in their game prior to the Chesterfield reversal.
Danny Bloor, Welling’s manager, is looking forward to the tie. He told the Welling United website “They are the favourites. I love going in as the underdogs. Luke Garrard is a top top manager and they’re a top club. They’re the favourites but the favourites don’t always win.”
They will be without Bramble. Bloor said “The frustrating thing with TJ is he’s got an international call up again. He’s one of our better players but he’s not getting in the team because of his international calls.”
When Welling last visited Boreham Wood, in a National League game in October 2015, the hosts won two-nil with goals by Jamie Lucas and Joe Devera. They completed the double on the last day of the season that Welling were relegated with a three-nil victory.
Welling supporters may see familiar faces in the opposition ranks as Chris Bush, Jamal Fyfield and Tyrone Marsh are all current Boreham Wood players.
Images courtesy of Dave Budden