On Wednesday evening Ebbsfleet United and Welling United meet at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium in the final of the Kent Senior Cup.

It has been a difficult season for both teams so far this season. Ebbsfleet have already had their relegation from the National League confirmed while Welling are odds on to suffer the same fate from the National League South. 

Having only won two league games all season, both one-nil at home, it has been a tough time for the Fleet faithful. On Saturday, they drew two-all at home to Altrincham.

Regan Linney put the visitors ahead from a penalty but former Wing, Aaron Cosgrave equalised just after the half hour mark. Mustapha Olagunju put the Fleet ahead midway through the second half however Justin Amaluzor’s tap in with fifteen minutes remaining ensured that the Robins went home with a point.

Meanwhile, Welling visited Chesham United needing a win but crashed to a four-one defeat. After a non-event of a first half, Nathan Minhas put the hosts ahead nine minutes into the second period.

Riccardo Di Trolio equalised for the Wings before Ryan Upward restored the Generals’ lead. Welling’s leading scorer Gene Kennedy was then sent off and Chesham scored twice more in time added on.

To get to this stage in the Kent Senior Cup, both teams had byes in the first round. Alex Giles gave a young Gillingham team an early lead at Ebbsfleet in round two but Greg Cundle levelled before half time.

Jephte Tanga was introduced by the Fleet for the second period and was brought down in the penalty area. He took the responsibility, himself, and he converted from the spot. Then, seven minutes later, he scored again to ensure victory.

In the quarter finals, the Fleet defeated a youthful Bromley team on penalties after drawing one all. George Evans put the Ravens ahead in the sixth minute but Cosgrave levelled with fifteen minutes remaining. That game also looked set for penalties until Elijah Anthony struck a last minute winner.

Maidstone United visited Welling in the second round and went ahead through Riley Court. However, second half goals by Mitchell Bergkamp and Zain Walker sent the Wings through. 

Then, in the quarter finals it was Welling’s turn to travel, albeit a short distance, with a game at Phoenix Sports. The Wings were two up at the break, through Josh Redfearn and TJ Bramble before the hosts fought back. Richard Pingling (from the spot) and Dehane Dalling restored parity with twenty five minutes remaining. 

Two Elliot Long penalties put the ten men visitors back in charge (Bramble had been dismissed earlier) but they had to endure a nervy finale when Harvey Browne pulled one back, eight minutes from time before progressing. Their semi-final was a home game with Dover Athletic.

It looked as though Eniye Amgbaduba’s first half goal for the visitors was going to be enough to see the Whites through until Di Trolio levelled with almost the last kick of the game. Then, Welling won the shoot-out five-four.

Although neither team would have prioritised this tournament, it is a chance of winning some silverware and both sides are likely to put out reasonably strong teams.