On Saturday afternoon, Welling United host Havant and Waterlooville in the F.A. Trophy.

Two months ago, the two teams met in a very entertaining league game that ended as a two-all draw in front of over eleven hundred spectators.

Ade Azeez put the Wings ahead in the twenty-seventh minute, but the scores were levelled six minutes later when Jamie Sendles-White could only divert a cross into his own net.

After a further six minutes, Welling went back ahead through Taylor Maloney. It appeared that the Wings were going to see the game out, but Jason Prior had other ideas and ensured the points were shared when he equalised with four minutes remaining.

Although, Welling have won just one league game since then, they have drawn five times and are still handily placed, just four points outside the play-off zone.

At the same time, Havant have lost just two league games, both at home, and their three-nil victory at Chippenham Town on Tuesday night eased them back into second place in the table, level on points with Ebbsfleet United. That was their third consecutive win.

Last Saturday, Welling claimed a one all draw at Concord Rangers despite playing seventy minutes with ten men. After the game, Welling manager Warren Feeney, spoke about the team’s preparation.

“Havant’s the only team in the top lot that won today so the pressure’s off us.” he said.

“We had a great game against them last time. They’ve got great players but it’s one of those that the boys will enjoy. We’re going to have a bit of a bonding session this week because it’s been a hard spell with Saturdays and Tuesdays.”

Cup football is unpredictable and both clubs will be keen to progress. They will know their fates immediately after the game as there are no replays in the F.A. Trophy this season with drawn matches going straight to penalties.

Picture supplied by Michael Brown.