After the excitement of last Saturday’s game with Tranmere Rovers, Welling United have another attractive home match this weekend.

This time around, they entertain Torquay United, another club with a lot of Football League history.

Against Tranmere, Welling were the better team in the first half but then fell behind within a minute of the restart. It didn’t help that the Rovers goal came from a corner that was awarded incorrectly.

The big talking point of the week came when Tranmere’s Ritchie Sutton flung out an arm and Sahr Kabba went to ground which resulted in the Rovers’ defender’s dismissal.

Three minutes remained when Sam Corne scored an absolute screamer to earn a share of the points.

Coach Paul Barnes believes that Welling can build on the momemtum. “The atmosphere has been very upbeat and positive after another very good performance against one of the so called big teams in our league with everyone delighted for Corney to score such a brilliant equaliser, showing on national TV the potential and ability we have within our squad, capable of competing with the best in our league.”

He had no worries about anyone being flat after the razzmatazz of the previous week. “Lifting the players is something that should not take much doing. All of the lads and staff work hard all week so that we can go out and get three points every match day, regardless of who we are playing and who’s watching.”

Further motivation for Welling comes in the knowledge that they are only three points behind Torquay, with an identical goal difference, so a win would guarantee them moving up the league table.

Torquay’s two victories so far this season were in their first three games. They defeated Macclesfield Town at home before winning 3-2 at FC Halifax Town. Two former Welling loanees, Josh Carmichael and Tyrone Marsh, are currently in the Torquay squad.

Earlier in the week, Barnes, manager Loui Fazakerley, and some first team players, were at Park View Road watching some up and coming players commencing their F.A. Youth Cup campaign.

“It was a great performance by the Youth Team. We know a lot of the lads as we have had them involved with the first team from the start of pre-season, with the likes of Stevie Gunner and Archie Johnson training with us on a regular basis and showing that they have more then enough about them to be around our squad. I was also very impressed with others on the night.”

That is for the future, however, and winning three points against Torquay is the immediate priority. It has been said before, but Barnes emphasised the importance of the supporters.

“The fans at PVR can act as the twelfth man at times in games and throughout the season.”

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.