Neither Welling United nor Dartford won on Saturday so both teams will want to get back to winning ways.

Hosts Welling United have only claimed two points from the last nine and are again having to cast a cautionary glance over their shoulders at the relegation trap door.

Visitors Dartford could only claim a point at Oxford City following a home defeat against Chelmsford City one week earlier. That leaves them seven points adrift of Ebbsfleet United and Maidenhead United at the top of the Vanarama National League South Division.

Defeat at home to Wealdstone demonstrated to the Welling caretaker managers just how important it is to get in a replacement for Adam Coombes who has moved to Sutton United.

They tried Dan Walker in that position on Saturday but he is an attacking player more suited to running at defenders rather than holding up the ball and bringing other players into the game.

Tony Burman may also be considering his options up front after just one Ryan Hayes goal in 180 minutes but he will not want to interfere too much with his team as the consistency has been key to their current third place in the league table.

Both teams have fringe players getting some game time at Thamesmead Town. Welling’s wide man Archie Johnson is there on dual registration with Dartford’s Kaka Dembele on loan.

There have already been two meetings between the clubs this season. At Princes Park in the league earlier in the season, the Darts won 2-1. Alex Brown put them ahead after Chris Lewington had saved Elliot Bradbrook’s penalty but a Coombes free kick levelled the scores. Bradbrook atoned for his earlier indiscretion when bundling home at the far post in the second half.

However, Welling enjoyed a degree of revenge when they met at Park View Road in the Kent Senior Cup. Harry Crawford headed Welling in front but Ryan Hayes equalised before the break.

After the break Keaton Wood put Dartford ahead with a close range header but Welling equalised late on when a shot from Matt Fish hit Wood and looped into the net.

Even then, there was still time for Sam Hatton to miss a spot kick before the game went to penalties. Harry Girling was Welling’s hero saving three penalties whilst Welling converted all four of theirs to oust the holders.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.