Following their defeat against Gloucester City last weekend, Welling United entertain St. Albans City on Saturday looking to bounce back.

They had hoped to show their ability to put a bad performance behind them when visiting Bognor Regis Town but that was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. However, had it been played, it would have been on a quagmire of a pitch and very energy sapping. Now, they should be fresh and raring to go

Their disappointing display last Saturday was unexpected as Welling had won their three previous games. Having got in at half time level, manager Jamie Coyle had expected his team to push on in the second period with the advantage of the slope.

Sadly, three or four players were below par and and despite Bradley Goldberg equalising twice, they conceded once more in injury time and had no response.

Bailey Vose and Ryan Hall made their debuts against Gloucester following the departures of Jonathan Miles and Harley Willard. Jamie Coyle has added to the squad this week by bringing in Jamie Philpot on loan from Millwall to add extra competition up front.

Fifth placed St. Albans are six points off the top but with two games in hand so will be keen for the points to strengthen their title challenge. They are unbeaten in the league since losing at Hemel Hempstead Town on New Year’s Day and their last two results, both at home, have been very impressive. They beat East Thurrock 7-2 and league leaders Dartford 4-0.

It is two weeks since their last game following a postponement at Hungerford Town so their manager Ian Allinson will be keen to keep their momentum up.

When the two teams met earlier in the season, Welling returned home with three excellent points. Joe Healy put Welling ahead when he picked his spot from the edge of the area just before half time.

Midway through the second period, Healy turned provider when he sent Jack Jebb away and the former Arsenal youngster gave Dean Snedker no chance in the St. Albans goal. Although Nathaniel Pinney pulled one back two minutes into injury time, it was too little too late.

If St. Albans win on Saturday, it could take them to within three points of the top. But should Welling prevail they could be within two points of the play-offs so both teams have plenty of motivation to claim the points.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.