This evening Welling United host Dover Athletic in a Kent Senior Cup Semi Final.
It has been a difficult season for Welling in the National League South, and they have now dropped into the bottom four. On Saturday, they lost one-nil at home to Dorking Wanderers. Although the league leaders scored early, the Wings had the better chances but couldn’t find an equaliser.
Meanwhile, Dover were having an equally difficult afternoon in their Isthmian League Premier Division match at home to Whitehawk. Like Welling, they conceded early and were unable to convert chances to level. Deep into second half stoppage time, the visitors scored again to guarantee the three points. The Whites still hold a play-off place despite dropping one place in the table.
To get to this stage in the Kent Senior Cup, both teams had byes in the first round followed by home wins in the second. Although Riley Court scored first for Maidstone United at Welling, second half goals by Mitchell Bergkamp and Zain Walker sent the Wings through.
Jeremiah Gyebi put Dover ahead at home to Cray Valley (PM). Although Julien Anau equalised, Eniye Amgbdaduba put the Whites back ahead early in the second half and George Nikaj added a final minute third goal.
In their respective quarter finals, Dover saw off Deal Town two-nil thanks to goals by Ruben Soares-Junior and Nikaj. However, Welling’s progress was not as straight-forward at Phoenix Sports. The Wings were two up at the break, through Josh Redfearn and TJ Bramble, however, Richard Pingling (from the spot) and Dehane Dalling restored parity with twenty five minutes remaining.
Two Elliot Long penalties put the ten men visitors back in charge but they had to endure a nervy finale when Harvey Browne pulled one back, eight minutes from time.
Although neither team will be prioritising this tournament, It is likely that the managers may take the opportunity to give some of their squad players who haven’t played much recently, or personnel coming back from injury, some competitive action.
Whoever wins will play either Ebbsfleet United or Tonbridge Angels in the final on a date and at a venue, yet to be decided.
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.