After a disappointing FA Trophy exit, Welling United will look to bounce back on Saturday afternoon when they visit Slough Town in the Vanarama National League South.

They were hoping to host Weymouth on Tuesday evening but, despite them making assurances that the pitch would be ready, the local referee who conducted the pitch inspection decreed that the playing surface was unplayable.

On Saturday, they had been on top in their Trophy match with Havant and Waterlooville for the first twenty five minutes before conceding what was described by Welling manager. Rod Stringer, as a ‘preventable’ goal. Welling were still in the game until they conceded a second through a bad goalkeeping misjudgement. 

In the last fifteen minutes, the Wings played at a higher tempo and pulled one back through Alex Lankshear with seven minutes remaining plus another seven of stoppage time. Then, in the final minute of additional time, Anointed Chukwu was denied by a stunning save by Ben Dudzinski.

Meanwhile, Slough were given a tough test at home to Chatham Town. Jordy Mongoy put the Chats ahead in the twentieth minute and they looked in command until Jamie Yila was sent off just shy of the hour mark. Slough’s Lexus Beeden was also sent for an early bath eleven minutes from time however, they levelled in the second minute of stoppage time through John Gilbert. They then went through, winning four-two on penalties.

Scott Davies’ Rebels occupy the final place in the play-offs and have a good home record having won four, drawn two, and lost just once. When Hemel Hempstead Town won there in early September, it was Slough’s first defeat in any competition at Arbour Park for over a year.

Last season, Welling visited Slough in the final game of the season. The match finished level at one apiece. Reece Grant put the Wings ahead with nineteen minutes remaining however, the hosts were level six minutes later when awarded a soft penalty that John Goddard converted.

Both teams will be short of a centre back. Former Wing Beeden will serve his ban for being sent off against Chatham and Welling captain Dave Winfield will complete his two game suspension. Stringer will be monitoring the fitness of Gene Kennedy and Rhys Lovett but is likely to be without Zain Walker.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.