Still seeking their first league victory since 13th October, Welling United travel to Vanarama National League leaders Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
Although, it may appear a daunting proposition on paper, there will be no expectancy so they may be able to play with more freedom.
New Welling manager Dean Frost felt the need to make changes when taking over the team and the new squad will have benefited from a week of training together.
Whilst Welling have not won a league match for four months, Cheltenham are unbeaten in 18 league games since losing at home to Tranmere Rovers at the end of September. At present, they are one point clear of second placed Forest Green Rovers having played one game fewer.
As much as he would like to do his friend Jamie Day, Assistant Manager of Forest Green, a favour, Frost wants points to try and narrow the gap between Welling and safety.
He will be pleased to welcome Ian Gayle back into the team following the central defender sustaining a broken nose at Braintree Town. He was forced into missing last Saturday’s game with Altrincham while his protective mask was being fitted but will be raring to return.
It will be the first time that the two teams have met since the last day of the 1998-99 season. That match ended goal-less meaning the Robins claimed the championship by four points from Kettering Town.
Travelling Welling supporters were less happy as they needed a victory to avoid finishing in the relegation zone. As it turned out, they were given a reprieve due to Barrow’s financial troubles resulting in them being demoted.
Another youthful Welling team will take to the field at the World of Smile Stadium on Saturday. In the game against Altrincham last weekend, only 23 year old Luke Wanadio, making his full Welling debut, was over the age of 21 in the starting team.
He is relishing the challenge and is excited about the rest of the season. “We will start to gel. The management are great and I’m happy to be here to show what I can do. As games go on I know I’ll get better and we as a team will give our all.”
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.