Taking a break from league football, Welling United have another big challenge when they entertain Vanarama National League North club Brackley Town at the J. Hearnden Skip Hire Community Stadium. 

Having beaten National League South leaders Yeovil Town convincingly in their last home game, and drawn at fourth placed Aveley on Monday, despite playing over half a game with ten men and an outfield player in goal, Welling will have no reason to fear the team who are fourth in the northern division. However, they will know that they will need to be on the very top of their game. 

On Tuesday evening Brackley were beaten one-nil at Chester. Overall, the Saints have an away record of won three, drawn three and lost five. Their F.A. Cup run was ended at Braintree Town and to get to this round of the F.A. Trophy, they beat Stafford Rangers four-two on penalties after a goal-less draw. 

Danny Bloor is still building his Welling team but has been hampered by injuries to key players. However, his recent reinforcements have fitted in well. Anthony Grant has come in to midfield and been appointed as captain, experienced Reice Charles-Cook has come back for a second spell, and full-back Ike Orji has come in on an initial month’s loan from Gillingham to cover for an injury to Crossley Lema.

Charles-Cook looked unlucky to be dismissed on Monday for what appeared to be ‘double jeopardy’ but his suspension won’t come into effect until after the Brackley game.

What Bloor will want from his team is the football that Welling played against Yeovil, and the spirit that they showed at Aveley, when they greet their guests on Saturday. If they combine those regularly they may be able to put together a decent Trophy run while climbing up the league table.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.