It’s long distance derby day on Good Friday when Welling United host Dover Athletic in a Vanarama National League South match.

Last Saturday, Welling lost for just the second time in thirteen matches when Chippenham Town beat them in Wiltshire. Although the Wings controlled the first sixty-five minutes, they only had Jack Burchell’s goal to show for it and ended up on the wrong end of a four-one scoreline. That leaves them two, maybe three, wins away from safety.

Meanwhile Dover also surrendered a one goal lead, scored by Nick Dembele, and lost three-one at home to Farnborough. Other results meant that they weren’t relegated on that day, but even if they win at Welling the mathematical chances of them staying up might be extinguished.

When the two teams met in a Tuesday evening game at the Crabble in November, the honours were shared. Jephte Tanga and TJ Bramble gave Welling a two goal lead with under thirty minutes on the clock. However, Paris Lock pulled one back six minutes after the break and both teams missed chances to score. Dover kept plugging away and levelled in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Charlie Naylor fired home.

At home, Welling have won seven, drawn seven and lost six. Their last home defeat was at the start of January when Aveley beat them. On their travels, the Whites have won just once, at Slough Town at the start of August, drawn five and lost thirteen. A grain of comfort for them comes from the fact that they are a bit of a jinx club to Welling. They have won five and drawn four of their last nine league meetings.

When Welling hosted Dover last season, two late goals resulted in stalemate between the clubs. Manny Parry put the Wings ahead with fourteen minutes remaining but parity was restored five minutes later when Chike Kandi was sent clear to finish calmly.

Another tight game is likely on Friday as the two clubs look for the derby bragging rights. 

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.