Just one defeat in their last five games has left Welling United in control of their own destiny as they aim to avoid the drop.

A few weeks ago, they appeared to be in serious trouble with just two teams below them but Loui Fazakerley and his management team have led a revival and a win at Park View Road on Saturday would guarantee safety.

Visitors Southport will have their own motives to gain at least a point in the season closer as they are not mathematically guaranteed survival. However Alfreton Town would have to pull back an eight goal deficit on the Sandgrounders but are away to Bristol Rovers who could still be crowned Champions should they win and Barnet fail to defeat Gateshead at the Hive.

Regardless of that, and not having finished things off last week, Fazakerley is approaching the game in the same manner. He said “Doesn’t affect anything. Even if we had won we would have still gone into the game looking for a win. The boys are playing well. The boys are working hard. The atmosphere is good. The team spirit is great.”

Fazakerley has been rewarded for his efforts by having his interim manager role made permanent and was quick to confirm Matt McEntegart and Paul Barnes as his assistants.

Saturday’s game may be a tempestuous affair as the Wings lead the league in red cards whilst Southport have had more bookings than any other club. Two of their players, Lukes Foster and George have each had fourteen cautions, two more than any other player in the league.

Injuries to Reece Harris, Anthony Jeffrey and Tashan Adeyinka will keep them out whilst Harry Osborne’s suspension means he is also unavailable for selection. There is an outside chance that Jamal Fyfield will be able to play, but it is very unlikely.

When the two teams met earlier in the season, it was a tempestuous affair with Welling collecting two of the twelve red cards they have picked up this term. Goalkeeper Jamie Turner was dismissed four minutes before half time following an altercation with Richard Brodie who was booked.

Despite playing the second half one short, it looked as if Welling would earn a point until Brodie set up a last minute winner for Joe Connor. As the game went into injury time, Jamie Day saw red in more way than one and was given his marching orders for a nasty foul on Brodie.

The match kicks off at 17:15 and after two consecutive home wins, Fazakerley believes the crowd can help the team get over the finishing line. “We want our home support behind us, get the win and it’s all done and dusted.”

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.