After another week without a game, Welling United return to action with a Vanarama National League South match behind closed doors at Eastbourne Borough.

It has been a stop start season for the Wings so far having played a Tuesday night followed by a blank Saturday then a Saturday match, before another empty weekend. That means they have played just three league and cup games, all away, in four weeks.

On Saturday, Brad Quinton’s team continue to play away from Park View Road but it’s unlikely that the game will be as crazy as their last one. That was at Slough Town when they were cruising at four-one up only to surrender it in dramatic style when they conceded twice in injury time. A point wouldn’t have seemed like a disaster before the game, Welling hadn’t even scored in their previous games at Arbour Park, but having appeared to have all three points in the bag, it came as a disappointment.

Both of Welling’s games, so far, have been on artificial surfaces and the run will continue when they visit Eastbourne. The Sports have started the season in fine style and F.A. Cup victories at Dorking Wanderers, at home to Welling’s conquerors Sheppey United, and at home to Dulwich Hamlet, mean that they now look forward to pitting their wits against Blackpool.

In the league they started with a defeat at home to Dorking but have since won at Hemel Hempstead  and drawn at home to Chelmsford City. On Tuesday night they travelled to Hampton and Richmond Borough and won two-one.

When the two teams met last season, in the Christmas period, Welling stumbled to a two-one defeat. The damage was done in the first half through goals by Charlie Walker and Stephane Bombeuenga. Although Moses Emmanuel scored for Welling, it was in the last minute of stoppage time with no time to mount another attack.

That match will have little bearing on what happens in this contest as since Quinton’s arrival, there have been multiple squad changes with only three or four remaining from then. It’s hard to predict the starting line-up for the Wings but Daniel Boateng will miss out through suspension and Chiori Johnson and Kaleem Simon may be injury absentees. However, Crystal Palace loanee, Lewis Hobbs, is expected to be offered a debut.

Image courtesy of Dave Budden