Having played fewer games than most of the teams above them, Welling United have dropped into the bottom three and need to start picking up points quickly to keep in touch with the clubs around the relegation zone.

Cup football and postponements haven’t helped their league campaign however that does not hide the fact they have not won a league games since beating Lincoln City at Park View Road over three months ago.

Lack of goals has proved to be the main problem. Welling are the lowest scorers in the Vanarama National League with just 22 goals in 26 games. They are yet to score three times in one league match and have only scored twice in four games.

Whether that is due to them not creating enough chances, or the strikers’ lack of confidence is debatable but it is a problem that needs to be resolved quickly if they are to retain their league status.

All is not lost, however, and should they find the form that saw them win four in a row earlier in the season, they can still escape.

On Saturday, they entertain Barrow and a win would take them to within six points of the Bluebirds.

When Welling visited Barrow in mid October, they went ahead just before the break when Sahr Kabba’s shot was saved by Joel Dixon, only for George Williams to knock the rebound back into his own goal. However, Andy Cook, a threat throughout, equalised eight minutes after the break.

Cook then went on to have an effort disallowed for offside before hitting the post. It wasn’t all one way traffic, however, as Reece Harris and Harry Lee both went close late on and the teams settled for a draw.

Home supporters may get their first chance to see new signings Kadell Daniel, Jake Green and goalkeeper Marek Rodak. Kevin Lokko will still be absent but Sam Corne and Zach Fagan should be back in contention.

It could be a pivotal game in Welling’s season. Full back Ben Jefford is adamant that the games at their Park View Road ground are key. ”We should be winning most games at home. We should be making that a fortress. People come there and they don’t like playing there. They shouldn’t be coming away with points.”

After last week’s F.A. Trophy defeat at Havant and Waterlooville he shook fans’ hands and thanked the supporters that follow the team. “The fans are frustrated and we totally understand that. We respect them and we want them to keep coming because we need their support. When we’re having a tough time we need the fans to get behind us and we do appreciate that they do spend their money.”

He and his team-mates will hope that the Welling supporters make some noise and cheer them on to a much needed three points on Saturday.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.