It’s back on the road again for Welling United on Saturday when they visit Hemel Hempstead Town in the Vanarama National League South.

Although Danny Bloor’s team have had success in the F.A. Trophy, it has been a barren month in the league partly due to results, but also because of postponements.

Both league games that they have played ended in defeat. At home to Aveley, their loss was as a result of three defensive calamities to gift the Millers three first half goals. Then without their two leading goalscorers, Tristan Abrahams (out of contract) and Kain Adom (transferred to Gateshead), their failings in the final third of the pitch again came to the fore, although they were not helped by the goal that they conceded being a highly questionable penalty.

However, the signing of Joe Ellul and the return of Jack Burchell from injury means that they are less prone to disasters at the back and there are hopes of reinforcements being signed up front so Bloor won’t give up without a fight.

Hemel, managed by former Wings boss Brad Quinton, are in tenth place in the table, but are just two points outside the play-off places. They are particularly strong at home where eight of their twelve victories have been registered. Had it not been for a run of five consecutive defeats (four of which were away) in December, they would have been in a very strong position.

It will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. In August, the game at Welling looked to be meandering towards a draw until Hemel were awarded a penalty with twelve minutes remaining, and George Williams smashed it straight down the middle.

When the two teams met in Hemel last season, Welling looked to be up against it when they went in two down at the break. Josh Castiglione put the Tudors ahead in the second minute, and Jordan Greenidge made it two from the spot in first half injury time.

Five minutes after the restart, Welling pulled one back, and within a further five minutes the Wings added two more. Stefan Payne scored the first from the spot before turning provider for Antony Papadopoulos to level having only come on at half time. Payne then put Welling ahead to complete the stunning turnaround. Ten minutes later, Taofiq Olomowewe got himself sent off. Despite that, Welling weren’t really threatened and were good value for their win.

Other than Quinton and his management team, the travelling Welling supporters may see other familiar faces as Josh Hill, Kaylen Hinds, Alfie Matthews and Josh Oyinsan are all on the books of the Tudors.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.