2021 has been a difficult year for Welling United supporters and they start the new year with a tough trip to Dulwich Hamlet.

When last season came to an abrupt halt, the Wings were bottom of the National League South. This season has also been tumultuous. Although they have claimed four wins, they have also been on the end of some heavy beatings, twice conceding six, once five and twice four, the most recent being at Maidstone on Tuesday. They are currently sitting in eighteenth place, eight points above Billericay Town who are bottom. 

At the start of the year, Brad Quinton was manager but he departed in the Spring to be replaced by Steve Lovell before the early termination of the season. Lovell continued through pre-season but left the club after defeat at home to Harrow Borough in the F.A. Cup. Mark Goldberg acted as caretaker for one match before Peter Taylor took the reins. Their four wins have been claimed since

then but he is well aware that there is a lot more hard work ahead.

Having had their last two games postponed due to Covid cases amongst their squad, Dulwich have dropped to sixth. However, the league is so tight that, should they win their two games in hand, they would go top. They have only lost one game in their last nine league outings and will have a big crowd behind them for the Welling game.

There has already been one meeting between the two sides at Champion Hill this season but little can be taken from the London Senior Cup tie. Both teams will put out their strongest teams this time out, hoping to get 2022 off to a flying start.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.