On Saturday Welling United are back on the road in the Vanarama National League South when they visit Chippenham Town.

Their draw at in-form Hampton and Richmond Borough on Tuesday evening took them to six points above the drop zone but manager Rod Stringer knows that there is still work to do before they can consider themselves safe from relegation. However, their current form of one defeat in twelve games gives much cause for optimism.

When they visit Wiltshire, they will play yet another team who are on a good run. The Bluebirds have won their last three games, away to Yeovil Town, at home to Worthing and then on Wednesday night at Taunton Town. At home, Chippenham’s form is not as good as on the road where they have only lost four times. At home, they have won seven, drawn four and lost nine.

In October, the two teams met at Welling’s J. Hearnden Skip Hire Community Stadium and shared the points in a nil-nil draw. The Wings had the better of the possession and territorial advantage but couldn’t make the breakthrough.

This will be the sixth meeting between the two teams in Wiltshire and the honours are shared, The two teams have two wins each with one game drawn.

Last season’s game at the Hardenhuish Stadium, in a march midweek game, was more eventful and ended in a three-two win for the hosts. Taylor Maloney put Welling ahead in the tenth minute but the lead was only held for five minutes when Joe Parker levelled.

Matt McClure put Chippenham ahead and they held their lead until Maloney equalised from the penalty spot eight minutes into the second half. Ed Williams scored what turned out to be the winner with seventeen minutes remaining.

Stringer may bring Joe Ellul and Gene Kennedy back into the starting line-up, and will check for any knocks picked up on Tuesday, but he is unlikely to make wholesale changes as he looks to keep the nucleus of his team together for the run in to the end of the season.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.