After two cup defeats in a week, Welling United are back in league action with a visit to Havant and Waterlooville.

Last Saturday, Welling were knocked out of the F.A. Cup losing at home to Haringey Borough. Then on Wednesday night, they were knocked out of the Kent Senior Cup by Charlton Athletic.

Although the outcome in both cup matches was the same, the performances were vastly different. Against Haringey, a number of players ‘went missing’ as Welling were second best against a team from a league two below Welling’s.

However, Charlton brought a stronger team than the expected under 23 whilst Welling gave their fringe players some playing time but the effort and work rate was far better.

Early chances went Charlton’s way and Karlan Ahearne-Grant came close with a shot that hit the post. However, Welling came back and Christie Pattisson fired just over on the turn before Dillon Phillips made an outstanding save from a Sean Francis header.

Three minutes into the second half, Welling’s job got even harder when Jack Jebb was dismissed for pulling back Matt Carter when he was the last man. Despite their disadvantage, goalkeeper Dillon Barnes was largely untroubled until beaten by an excellent finish by Naby Sarr three minutes into injury time..

Now Welling need to take that work rate ethic into their game in Hampshire on Saturday. Havant and Waterlooville were promoted last season and have brought their winning mentality with them and are in seventh place.

At home they have won two, 3-2 against Eastbourne Borough and 4-0 against Whitehawk, drawn 0-0 with Dartford but have also suffered two defeats. Bath City and Truro City both won 2-1 at West Leigh Park.

Jamie Coyle, Welling’s manager will still be without Tom Bradbrook, Bradley Goldberg and Harry Phipps through injury. Ian Gayle is unlikely to be fit after going down under a heavy Charlton challenge but Florent Bojaj may be available for selection again.

Hugo Langton, Welling’s assistant manager, confirmed selection wouldn’t be easy. He said “We’ve got some decisions to make. Christie Pattisson hasn’t played a great deal recently and he was excellent. Olu (Durojaiye) has been excellent too. Olu will give you his all in every game.” He was also impressed with Sean Francis who hasn’t played much recently and all three put a case for a start on Saturday.

Langton knows that the game will be a challenge. “It’s a very very hard place to go.” he said “I’ve been there loads of times. Lee Bradbury’s teams are decent. He’s got some very good players in there and, every game now, we’re going to have to show discipline in the desire to do your job and be proud to wear the Welling shirt.”

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.