A midweek South East Counties Football League Premier Division local derby between Welling Town and Erith Town promises to be an intriguing affair.  

Both teams will hope to bounce back after dropping points as a result of late goals on Saturday. The Boots appeared to be on their way to an excellent point against Sheppey United but Jack Midson scored from the spot with three minutes to go to claim a three-two win.

Meanwhile, the Dockers looked to be heading for victory at Canterbury City when Alfie Eldridge put them two-one up with seven minutes remaining but Rob Lawrence equalised with ninety minutes on the clock.

Despite the dropped point, Adam Woodward’s Erith are still in fifth place in the league having won six, drawn one and lost two while Welling are in sixteenth place with one victory, two draws and four defeats.

However, a local derby can often go against the form book especially with a possible new manager in charge for the Boots. Owner and founder of the club, Kevin Oakes, announced that he was standing down from the manager’s position and a new management team has been appointed. 

Darren Manning, and assistant James Wakeling, have joined from Hullbridge Sports in Essex following a successful four years there. They will be joined by player/coach Kwabs Osei and assistant coach Ryan Madder.

Last season’s corresponding Welling Town v Erith Town league game was also an October midweek fixture. That was a tight encounter. Fred Obasa put the visitors ahead two minutes after the break but Jacob Kalonda levelled four minutes later. However, five minutes after that, veteran striker Michael Power stabbed home and, this time Erith held on for the three points.

Many players have represented both sides and that often adds additional spice to games between teams in the same locality so, hopefully there will be a good turn-out.

Picture supplied by Rory Milner.