Following the end of their F.A. Cup run last weekend, Welling United commence their F.A. Trophy run at Tilbury on Saturday.

Although they play their football three leagues lower, in the Ryman One, North division, Tilbury will fancy their chances of a cup shock having beaten National South Bishop’s Stortford 3-0 in the last round.

They are unbeaten at home in the last twelve matches in all competitions, and Welling will have to be on the top of their game to avoid making the non league headlines on Sunday.

Loui Fazakerley and his management team will have their team well prepared, however. the F.A.Trophy is a competition they are taking very seriously, and a tournament in which the have big ambitions.

Coach Paul Barnes stated “People might laugh but it is one we feel we can go on to win. It is a realistic opportunity for us to go on to Wembley and win it. And why not?

“We’ve shown in the league against the so called big clubs, on our day, we can beat anyone. I think we’ve shown that in our performances. It’s one we’re definitely going to try and go as far as we can, and hopefully, that’s all the way.”

Supporters of the Wings will feel they are due a good trophy run. Two years ago, the went out in the first round, 3-0 at Braintree Town.

Then last season, they went out at the first time of asking when beaten in a replay at home to Ebbsfleet, which was  Jamie Day’s first game in charge of the Fleet following his departure from Park View Road.

Fazakerley should have nearly a full squad from which to select. Other than his long term injury, only the suspended Harry Osborne is definitely out.

A good result could be just the springboard Welling need as they head into the busy festive season league fixtures.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.