Having gone three games without a win, Welling United will be wanting to return to winning ways when they entertain Torquay United in the Vanarama National League South on Saturday.

Last Saturday, the Wings suffered their first league home defeat since Rod Stringer took the manager’s hot seat in January. Newly promoted Chesham United took the spoils with a three-one win. They then went to Hemel Hempstead Town and, despite a much improved performance, went down four-two.

Although Welling had spells on top at Hemel, the Tudors’ goalkeeper, Craig King, made a string of fine saves as they went in at the break one-nil up. Anointed Chukwu levelled nine minutes into the second half and it was against the run of play when the hosts netted twice in quick succession. They added a fourth to give them a flattering scoreline before Gene Kennedy struck a consolation goal.

One day later, Torquay hosted Chippenham Town and won convincingly to extend their unbeaten run to five games. They started quickly and were two up within ten minutes through goals by Lirak Hasani and Ed Palmer. Dan Hayfield added a third in the twenty-sixth minute to complete the scoring.

When the two teams met at Park View Road in April, neither side was guaranteed safety from relegation but Welling took a big step by grinding out a one-nil victory. Jason Adigun scored the only goal just after the half hour mark, five minutes after the Gulls had been reduced to ten men as a result of a rash challenge by Ross Marshall.

Injuries and a suspension will play a part in Stringer’s starting line up. Harvey and Zane Walker are definitely unfit to play and Martell Taylor-Crossdale will be absent while he serves his one match ban.

Former Torquay full back, Chiori Johnson, and Oscar Borg both missed the trip to Hemel then Daniel Martin limped off in the sixth minute. There are doubts on all three however, Leyton Orient loanee, Charlie Pegrum, should be ready for his full debut.

Images courtesy of Dave Budden