On Saturday Welling United return to Vanarama National League South action at Park View Road when they entertain Gloucester City. 

Last Saturday the Wings’ F.A. Cup campaign was ended at Woking when they went down 1-0 to a late goal. It was tough on Welling as they controlled the game until Julien Anau was dismissed. Even after that, they looked good to take the game back to Welling for a replay but one lapse of concentration from a corner was punished.

Although Welling pressed for an equaliser, and Bradley Goldberg drew a brilliant save out of Craig Ross, they were unable to get the draw that they deserved.

Now they need to dust themselves down and look to cement their place amongst the league leaders. They sit in second place at present, two points off the top but know that they won’t be in for an easy ride.

Chris Todd has taken over the management reins following Marc Richards’ departure and has immediately made his mark. Although they have lost their last two games, both were 1-0 and both very tight.

Last Saturday they knocked out of the F.A. Cup by Bromley and the week before they were beaten by league leaders Billericay Town, and by all accounts the victors’ goalkeeper was man of the match.

As well as Anthony Acheampong, Jack Jebb and Richard Orlu missing due to injury, Welling manager Steve King will also be without the suspended Anau and David Ijaha who both serve one match bans.

However, he will have an interesting decision to make up front. Adam Coombes has one game remaining before the end of his loan spell and scored twice in his only appearance so far. He also has at his disposal Matt Paterson who is yet to make his Wings debut.

When the two teams met last season at Park View Road, Gloucester went home with the three points. After a goal-less first half Karnell Chambers put the visitors ahead just shy of the hour mark but Goldberg levelled two minutes later.

Christian Nanetti then fired into his own net but then atoned for the error by winning a penalty and Goldberg converted. Gloucester claimed the spoils with an injury time winner by Ed Williams.

That should have little bearing on this weekend’s game as both managers have changed, it’s virtually an entirely new Welling squad and a much changed Gloucester squad.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.