Despite the absence of eight potential first team players, Welling United stunned Braintree Town with a stunning victory ahead of Saturday’s game with Tamworth.
In six previous games at Cressing Road, the Wings had managed just one draw and five defeats, but despite being the underdogs, they were good value for the 3-2 win that knocked the Irons off 3rd place whilst Welling climbed to eighth.
Possibly for the first time this season, Jamie Day is going to have to make some tough choices in his starting line up. Jake Gallagher and Blaine Hudson, two of this season’s leading lights, are back in contention. Their replacements, Day and Baily Cargill were arguably Welling’s best performers at Braintree so it will be interesting to see who starts.
It is unlikely that Ross Lafayette, Welling’s leading scorer, will start so the combination of Kurtis Guthrie and Loick Pires may well be given the option to continue building their understanding. Kiernan Hughes-Mason will offer a different option and, having come close to notching a winner against Barnet, will be ready for his chance.
Tamworth have shown that it is possible for part time clubs, who have not played in the Football League, to survive at Skrill Premier level. Following last weekend’s matches, statistics published suggested that they had won the most corners and conceded the most free kicks this season.
Two former Wings will be representing Tamworth. Scott Lindsay is the Lambs assistant manager whist right back, Jack Evans, played for Welling on loan from Gillingham two seasons ago.
Anyone producing Premier League or Championship season ticket can take advantage of reduced admission prices. Welling deserve a good, and noisy, turnout for what they have achieved so far this season.