Amidst a run of four away games out of five, Welling United host Slough Town on Saturday afternoon.

Last Saturday victory the Wings claimed their third consecutive victory when winning at St. Albans City. Just like at Hemel Hempstead Town one week earlier, it was another professional performance and well deserved win.

Dipo Akinyemi followed up his first Welling goal one week earlier with a good finish then doubled the Wings’ lead with a long range effort in the second half. An uncharacteristic error soon after let St Albans back into the game but the Wings’ defence did not come close to being beaten again. Had it not been for some brilliant goalkeeping at the other end the scoreline would have been heavier.

However, Saturday’s game will be a totally different. Slough are third in the table seven points behind Wealdstone and look to be well on course for their highest finish since moving back into their home town. Away from home, they have won six, drawn three and lost four.

Their recent good unbeaten run came to a surprise end last weekend when they were defeated one-nil at home by Oxford City. That was only their second league home defeat of the season.

When Welling visited the Rebels for a Tuesday night game in October, the hosts claimed a one-nil win. Neither side registered a shot on target or even won a corner in the first half. The deadlock was broken with fifteen minutes remaining when substitute Ben Harris headed home. There were five minutes left when Welling finally showed some urgency and created three good chances with Nathan Green having the best one when drawing a reaction save out of Jack Turner.

Green missed the St Albans game with a groin strain but is expected to be back in contention for a starting place against Slough. Rob Swaine is less sure through injury and Bradley Rolt still has two games left on his ban to serve.

Last season’s corresponding game at Park View Road ended in a two-one win for the Wings. Adam Coombes put Welling ahead after two minutes but James Dobson equalised immediately after the break. Welling and Coombes weren’t to be disappointed though and the Wings hit-man converted from the spot with eight minutes to go after Jordan Gibbons was brought down in the penalty area.

That game will have no bearing on Saturday’s encounter as only three of the sixteen players in the Welling squad that day are still with the Wings.

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.