There are only three Kent based clubs in the Vanarama National and two meet on Boxing Day.

Welling United host Dover Athletic in the first of their two meetings, the second of which will be at the Crabble on 2^nd January.

Although both come under the umbrella of the Kent F.A., they are at opposite ends of the county so it hardly constitutes a local derby.

They are equally far apart in the league with Dover fifth from the top and Welling fifth from the bottom.

Both teams come into the game on the back of 1-0 defeats. Hosts Welling failed to ovecome an early Kristian Dennis goal at home to Macclesfield Town last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Dover were beaten by an injury time Padraig Armond penalty at Grimsby Town.

Dover have not won on their travels since 31^st October when defeating Tranmere Rovers whilst Welling’s last home league victory was against Lincoln City on 13^th October (although they have only had three home league games in the meantime).

Four members of the current Dover squad have represented Welling in the past. Former Wings’ club captain Jack Parkinson is the best known to Welling supporters. Toby Ajala spent the second half of the 2013-14 season at Park View Road (before scoring in his first performance against Welling for Torquay United).

Liam Bellamy made nine appearances for the Wings in the Conference South, but is out injured at present, whilst Mitch Walker had a spell at Welling on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. No current Welling players have represented Dover.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Dover completed the double over Welling with a 2-0 win at Park View Road on New Year’s Day. Sean Raggett broke the deadlock in the 64^th minute and Barry Cowan made the game safe for the Whites with twelve minutes remaining.

Supporters of both teams may be feeling a little fragile but the players will be pulling out all the stops to claim the points.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.