Having claimed one point in the last nine, Welling United entertain runaway National League South league leaders Wealdstone.
In the three games since they beat Tonbridge Angels four-two, Welling have not managed to score a goal so playing the team who are seven points clear at the top is a massive challenge but the results in the division have been so topsy-turvy this season that anything can happen.
All three of Welling’s home victories this season have been at Park View Road and they will be looking to build on their home form. Wealdstone have won nine out of their ten games this season with their one defeat being on the road at Dulwich Hamlet.
Former Welling striker Ross Lafayette has enjoyed a great start to the campaign with seven goals from the ten games including a hat-trick in a four-three win at Weymouth. However, he is not the only goal threat and Welling will have to keep an eye on Jacob Mendy who has already scored five from midfield.
Jack Jebb’s return from injury has been gradual and he may not yet be ready to play the full ninty minutes but he does give manager Mark Goldberg different options in midfield. However, two players that he will not be able to call on are fellow midfield player Connor Dymond and right back Sanchez Ming as both will be serving suspensions.
When the two teams met at Park View Road last season, Welling had to work hard and keep patient to claim a point. Connor Stevens made the most of a defensive misunderstanding to put the Stones ahead. Bradley Goldberg thought that he had levelled when goalkeeper Jonathan North fell on Matt Paterson and dropped the ball. Goldberg rifled home but the referee decreed it a foul on the goalkeeper and Wealdstone had an escape.
It looked as though the visitors were going to take full advantage of their escape until the final minute when Montel Agyemang’s brilliant reverse pass beat North and Danny Mills did the rest.
Both sides have new managers and new teams so what happened last season will count for little as both will be keen to win for different reasons.
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.