Victory over F.C. Halifax Town on Saturday will give Welling United a huge confidence boost going into their game at Braintree Town.

Possibly aware of the Wings’ weakened substitutes bench, the Shaymen adopted a very physical approach and Harry Beautyman, in particular, appeared to be targeted for some very rough treatment.

That was to prove to be Beautyman’s last game in a Welling shirt. His eleven goals from midfield for Welling this season alerted scouts from a number of football league clubs. His goal for England C last Tuesday, along with his overall impressive performance, heightened the interest and the scouts present at Park View Road will have noted the way he dealt with the provocation from Halifax. He has now signed for Peterborough United on an ’emergency’ loan prior to a permanent signing in January

Jamie Day will be able to call on Jake Gallagher and Joe Healy following the completion of their suspensions but the ‘curse of the armband’ struck again on Saturday as Jamal Fyfield picked up his fifth caution of the season in the final minute of stoppage time. He will now have to sit out the game at the Amla Stadium.

Ben Jefford looked close to a come back from injury when warming up before Saturday’s game but the game at Braintree may be a little too soon. Young exciting academy prospect, Joey Taylor may make his first league start.

Braintree Town will also be confident following their impressive win at AFC Telford United on Saturday. Three first half goals ended the game as a contest and although the Bucks pulled one back early in the second half, the Iron saw the game out comfortably.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Welling were outstanding and the 3-2 scoreline flattered the hosts. Charlie Strutton, who scored twice on Saturday, put the Iron ahead but a Day free kick levelled four minutes later.

Lee Clarke and Alex Dyer scored second half goals and the Wings were cruising until Jordan Cox pulled a goal back with a minute remaining. Cox missed an opportunity to claim an unjust equalise two minutes into injury time but Welling were not to be denied.

At home, Braintree have won five, drawn three and lost three at home in the Vanarama Conference Premier this season, whilst Welling only have one win and one draw from eleven league away games so the hosts will start as favourites. The records do not tell the full story however, and Welling will go into the game looking to claim a result that will help to ease them away from the bottom four.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.