Following two disappointing results, Welling United will look to get their season up and running on Saturday with a game at home to Bognor Regis Town.

Last Saturday they did well to fight back from a first half two goal deficit, courtesy of a brace from player manager Jamie Coyle, but conceded a fluke decider in injury time.

Then, on Tuesday, Welling entertained Chelmsford City and the game looked like a goal-less draw throughout until the visitors were gifted a penalty eight minutes from time.

Manage Jamie Coyle had to bring in a new goalkeeper for the game following the sudden announcement that Chris Lewington had decided to call it a day. Dillon Barnes came in on loan from Colchester United, initially for a month, although the Essex club would be happy for it to be longer term if he fits in well.

In truth, until the penalty, he only had long shots and crosses to worry about and, at the other end, once Sam Beasant had saved with his feet from Bradley Goldberg he also had little to do.

Other changes include the release of Toby Ajala following one appearance at Truro City as his fitness levels are not up to the required levels and Welling cannot afford someone in their squad who won’t be ready for a few weeks.

Archie Johnson has not been in the Welling sixteen for either game and will be going out on dual registration to get some playing time. Coyle explained “Archie’s a youngster who’s a very good player. He’s got a future at the club. I’ve been impressed with him in pre-season and for his own development he needs to be playing games.”

This Saturday, Bognor Regis Town visit Park View Road and they appear to have brought momentum gained from their promotion from the Ryman Premier last season. They shocked Dulwich Hamlet in the play-off decider and have already recorded two good results this season.

On Saturday they defeated Bath City, one of the promotion favourites, 3-2. They saw a two goal lead negated but claimed the winner nine minutes from time.

Then on Tuesday night they travelled to Poole Town. They went ahead early but the hosts equalised midway through the first half. Poole went ahead immediately after the break but the Rocks equalised with six minutes remaining.

Coyle will be well aware that his side have conceded late in both games whilst their visitors have scored late in both of theirs, and will be looking for a reverse in fortunes.