After having a recent spell of away heavy fixtures, Welling United are at home for the next three Saturdays, starting with an F.A. Trophy game with Weston-super-Mare.
So far this season, the Wings have failed to win a cup tie and they know that they have a really tough task on their hands against the Seagulls.
Just over a month ago, Welling came away from Weston with a 2-0 victory. Eli Phipps and Joe Healy scored the goals but they were made to battle all the way.
Last Saturday, Weston won 1-0 at Braintree which knocked the Essex team off their perch as league leaders so they won’t be nervous about travelling away.
Meanwhile, Welling were coming back from 2-0 down away to Hemel Hempstead Town to claim a hard earned draw. Tom Bradbrook started the comeback with a headed goal then Joe Healy equalised with a goal from just in front of the half way line.
That was the second time in two weeks that Welling have had to come from behind. Manager Jamie Coyle told a supporters’ forum on Wednesday evening that they can’t keep having to come from behind. He also confirmed that the F.A. Trophy matches were just as important as league games, and that he will play his strongest team available.
Assistant manager Hugo Langton is also aware of the challenge and said “Weston are a very good side. It was really hard when we went down there. I know that we won the game and we got the game plan right but it’s a little bit different when you play at Park View Road to playing away.
“We’ll have to think about what we’re going to do. We’ll do what we always do. We’ll prepare properly and put a plan together and we’ll see where it takes us.”
Jack Richards has returned to Maidstone United and Welling will miss Healy who serves a one match ban for having collected five bookings. Coyle confirmed that Kleton Perntreou attempted to return to training but has had a relapse to his back injury and won’t be in contention.
Better news is that Ben Jefford has completed his three match ban and is available for selection.
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.