Vanarama National League South football returns to Park View Road on Saturday when Welling United host league leaders Worthing.

On Tuesday evening, the Wings were defeated at home by Hemel Hempstead Town in Brian Statham’s first match as caretaker manager. For the first twenty-five minutes Welling looked to be in control before Hemel created and missed chances. After the break, the visitors took control but didn’t go ahead until thirteen minutes from time, mainly due to a string of saves by Rhys Wilmott.

Five minutes later, Sahid Kamara levelled but, despite Welling needing the points more, it was Hemel who showed the desire to win and they did so when converting from the spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Saturday’s visitors, Worthing, didn’t play on Tuesday and their last game was also at home to Hemel Hempstead. They fared a lot better than the Wings, winning three-nil. Danny Cashman put the Rebels ahead on the half hour and Temi Babalola added a second in first half stoppage time.

Liam Nash notched a third soon after the hour mark allowing them to cruise through the remainder of the game. As a result, the Rebels are four points clear at the top and have played one game fewer than the chasing pack.

When Welling and Worthing met for the first time this season, back in October, the Rebels claimed the three points with an only goal win scored by Mo Faal midway through the second half.

Away from home, Worthing have won eleven, drawn three and lost five. They are top of the form guide having won their last five games and only Dorking Wanderers have scored more goals than them.

In last season’s corresponding game between the Wings and Worthing at the J Hearnden Skip Hire Community Stadium, the hosts claimed all three points in an exciting game. Anthony Grant put Welling ahead just before half time, and Reece Grant added a second just short of the hour mark.

Ollie Pearce pulled one back from the penalty spot but Sonny Fish scored in the tenth and the eleventh minute of stoppage time in a thrilling finale.

Statham have captain Dave Winfield available for selection, following the completion of his two game suspension, and the Welling manager is looking forward to the challenge. “It doesn’t get much tougher.” he said. “They keep coming. What a great game to play. We’ve got to bounce back so why not go up against the league leaders and see if we can put a dent in their promotion push. 

“I say it’s not a free hit because I have a level of expectation of performance and I expect that of the players and coming into the game on Saturday, I expect us to perform against the top side and make it very difficult for them.”

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.