Tomorrow’s game at Sheppey United promises to be a real David and Goliath event that only the F.A. Cup can throw up.

Ordinarily, visitors Welling United would have played a number of games at this stage but this year it’s very different.

Whilst the Wings are yet to start their competitive season, the hosts have already played nine league and cup games.

Until Monday, when Sheppey had to come from behind to rescue a point at K Sports, they had a one hundred percent record in all competitions.

Manager Ernie Batten has put together a strong experienced squad, primarily with a view to getting promotion, but also for cup success.

They have already played three F.A. Cup matches so far. At home they beat Sutton Athletic 1-0 and Uxbridge 4-1 on the island and Steyning Town Community 5-0 away. Billy Bennett, Jack Midson and Warren Mfula are all in the goals and there is plenty of threat up front.

Visitors Welling will be an unknown quantity for Sheppey. There are few players from last season remaining in Brad Quinton’s squad and with the Wings manager keeping details of his new players close to his chest, it has been hard for Batten to know what to expect.

In their pre-season friendlies, the Wings only played against one Southern Counties East Football League club when they played Welling Town at a neutral venue and won 5-0 so there is little form guide however one thing that is clear is that Quinton’s team will be prepared.

The Wings boss leaves nothing to chance and will have a squad ready that he will expect to win.

One thing that will go against Quinton and his team is the lack of away support.

As Welling are considered as an elite club, their fans are not allowed to attend (although they would be allowed to go to Corinthian-Casuals v Dulwich Hamlet even though Dulwich fans are not allowed).

Sometimes supporters can be a twelfth man and Batten will be hoping that his team’s supporters can help to reduce the three leagues difference.

It has all the makings of an intriguing encounter.