On Saturday, Welling United take another break from Vanarama National League South action with a home F.A. Trophy game against Barnet.

It is a tough challenge for the Wings, who are deep in a relegation battle, to take on the team who are third in the National League and with hopes of returning to the football league.

Last Saturday, Welling were held to a goal-less draw at home to Taunton Town following two wins on the bounce. The Wings had looked the more likely to win it until Dominic Odusanya was sent off. Then, on Wednesday, a much changed Welling team were knocked out of the London Senior Cup by Charlton Athletic U21s.  

Not many of the Welling team who started against the Addicks will be in the first eleven against Barnet. One who may get a starting place is Sonny Fish who has signed on loan from Crawley Town until the end of the season. Tristan Abrahams and Dominic Odusanya both miss out to start three match bans while Chiori Johnson and Lewis White have long term injuries.   

There has not been a meeting between the two teams since the 2014-15 season when Barnet completed the league double over Welling. When they met at Park View Road, John Akinde put the Bees ahead midway through the first half before Joe Healy levelled one minute before the break. The game appeared to be heading towards a point apiece however Akinde had other ideas and scored a last minute winner. 

To get to the fifth round, Welling beat Taunton and Brackley Town, both on penalties before defeating National League leaders, Chesterfield, in the fourth round. On that day, the Spireites put out a very young side. Barnet are taking the opportunity to go to Wembley more seriously and will give Rod Stringer’s team a much sterner test. 

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.