On Saturday, Welling United visit Slough Town in another important Vanarama National League South fixture.

Last Saturday, Peter Taylor’s Wings won a crucial three points at home to Chippenham Town with Ade Shokunbi scoring the only goal. The win was especially important as fellow relegation threatened clubs, Billericay Town and Braintree Town, were also victorious.

Then on Tuesday night, they hosted Dulwich Hamlet with the hopes of increasing the gap between them and the two Essex clubs. Unfortunately, they were unable to claim back to back victories being decidedly second best in their three-one defeat, They were three down soon after the break and Dipo Akinyemi’s penalty was a mere consolation. 

Currently based in thirteenth in the table, Slough are eight points adrift of the play-offs and six points above Welling, having played a game fewer. At home, they have won five, drawn four and lost four however, their excellent two-one victory at Ebbsfleet United was their first win in eight games.

When the two teams met at Park View Road in September, the points were shared. Aaron Kuhl opened the scoring for the visitors in the sixth minute but Welling levelled through Bradley Stevenson in first half injury time. Ben Allen put Welling ahead ten minutes into the second half but Ryan Bird scored the equaliser with two minutes left on the clock.

Last season’s corresponding game in Berkshire was a crazy affair behind closed doors. Stefan Ilic put Welling ahead in the third minute but they were pegged back by a goal by Bird. Akinyemi notched a brace before Anthony Cook made it four-one five minutes into the second half.

Matt Lench pulled one back with twenty minutes remaining but Welling missed further chances before Daniel Boateng picked up two yellow cards. Once down to ten men, the Wings came under heavy pressure however, they appeared to be holding out, only to concede twice in injury time with Warren Harris and Max Worsfold scoring the goals.

It is sure to be a tense affair as Welling search for the points that they need.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.