After starting the campaign with two consecutive defeats, Welling United have gone four games undefeated.
They now face the challenge of Hampton and Richmond Borough at Park View Road on August Bank Holiday as they look to extend the run.
On Saturday, Welling put in a performance described as “lethargic’ by manager Jamie Coyle but they did improve in the second period and deserved their point.
Conceding one minute before the break may have given them the wake up call that they needed but they cannot afford to await going behind before starting to play.
Thankfully for Welling, they were awarded a penalty with eleven minutes to go, having had a ‘stone wall’ one turned down earlier. Bradley Goldberg stepped up to convert after waiting for the dismissed Lee Henderson to leave the pitch.
Harry Phipps, on loan from Maidstone United, made his Welling debut at Oxford and Olumide Durojaiye, who has appeared as substitute a few times, was given his first start for the absent Joe Healy and Ben Jefford.
Both will be available for the Hampton game and should there be no adverse effect for any players from Saturday, he should have almost a full squad from which to select.
Last season, Hampton finished seventh in the league which was good enough to put them into the play offs due to Poole Town and Hungerford Town being ineligible. This season started well for them with a win and two draws but they have lost their last three, one nil at Hemel Hempstead town, two one at Braintree Town and one nil on Saturday at home against Havant and Waterlooville.
When the two teams met at Park View Road in April, an inspired substitution by Beavers manager Alan Dowson proved the difference. Stiven Rivic was brought on with just over twenty minutes remaining, with the score still goal-less. He opened the scoring with eleven minutes remaining.
Rhys Murrell-Williamson looked to have rescued a point with a brilliant 90th minute free kick but Rivic had other ideas and raced clear to ensure that the visitors claimed all three points.
There should be a carnival atmosphere with it being a family fun day with a Bouncy Castle, Music, Ice Cream and more.