Welling United take a break from Skrill Premier League action this Saturday to start their F.A. Cup campaign with a trip to Brislington F.C.
Whilst some might underestimate a club placed fifth in the Toolstation Western League, Wings’ manager Jamie Day will be well aware of the danger they pose. Having already upset the form book with 3-2 victories at home to Truro City and at Skrill South Weston-super-Mare, the club based in the suburbs of Bristol are just one round away from a potential first ever meeting with a football league club.
Brislington missed out on promotion last season due to ground standard issues. This season’s league campaign consists of six wins, four draws and just two defeats however Larkhall Athletic appear to be running away with the league with 34 points from their 12 matches played.
Last weekend, Welling crashed to defeat at AFC Halifax Town’s Shay Stadium with striker Lee Gregory notching a first half hat-trick. The team had a week to lick their wounds but that was only their second defeat in nine league games so they should travel in a confident mood.
Injuries have continued to hurt Welling and Alex Dyer missed out on the trip north last week having not recovered from a groin injury sustained in the victory over Tamworth seven days earlier. It is hoped that he will be back in contention for the cup game.
Jack Obersteller also missed the journey due to a bout of food poisoning but should be available again on Saturday.
Baily Cargill, enjoying an impressive loan spell from AFC Bournemouth, may not be allowed by his parent club to play by his parent club as they may not want him cup tied. However Blaine Hudson has now recovered and resumed his partnership with the ever consistent Fraser Franks last week.
It may be too soon for Ross Lafayette to return. If so, Day may choose to give Kiernan Hughes-Mason a place in the starting line-up as he continues to press on his appearances from the bench.
Whichever club prevails will be anxious to hear the cup draw on Sunday with the possibility of drawing a big league club.