Strangely, as the end of October looms, Welling United play their first National League South midweek fixture.

They entertain Hampton and Richmond Borough at Park View Road looking to extend their unbeaten run.

On Saturday, the Wings visited Hemel Hempstead Town on the back of two successive wins but struggled to impose themselves. They had goalkeeper Jack Sims to thank for keeping them in the game in the first half but finally, he was beaten three minutes before the break.

However, ten minutes after the interval, Welling equalised. Olumide Durojaiye was brought down in the penalty area and Daniel Carr converted confidently from the spot. After that, the game fizzled out with neither team creating a clear cut chance.

Two new Wings made debuts at Hemel. Maxwell Statham, son of former Welling player/coach Brian, started and Danny Parish came on as a second half substitute. There may be one or two further newcomers in the next week or so as Peter Taylor rings the changes.

Visitors Hampton have made a solid start to the season and are just one point outside the play-off places. Away from home, they started with a five-nil win at Eastbourne Borough before their only defeat on the road at Concord Rangers. Since then they have drawn at Tonbridge Angels and at Oxford City.

It will be the first meeting between the two clubs at Park View Road since October 2019 as the corresponding fixture last season was cancelled when the season was declared null and void.

Image courtesy of Dave Budden