After a two week break without a Vanarama National League South match, Welling United return to action when they entertain Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.
Their last two outings prior to their free Saturday had been a disappointing home defeat against Chatham Town to end their F.A. Cup dreams followed by a six-nil trouncing at Boreham Wood.
As a result, Rod Stringer, manager of the Wings, took advantage of the min-break by making some personnel changes. In have come left sided defender Alex Lankshear, on-loan from Blackpool, and two free agents. Paul Osew, who made over fifty first team appearances for AFC Wimbledon earlier in his career, has joined along with Mitchel Bergkamp, whose last club was Bromley. Players coming in means others leaving. Oscar Borg, Reece Grant, Jacob Mensah and Jack Munns have departed.
All three played for the Wings in their London Senior Cup match at Sporting Bengal United on Wednesday evening, After a goal-less first half, Martell Taylor-Crossdale put the Wings ahead just after the hour mark then Cameron Andrews added a second.
The hosts might have come back into the game when awarded a penalty but Rhys Lovett made a great save and Anointed Chukwu rounded off the scoring deep into stoppage time. Further good news for Stringer came when both Chiori Johnson and Daniel Martin got some playing time in the second period following their injuries.
Fourth placed Weston are unbeaten in all league and cup games since losing their first two matches of the season. They needed an F.A. Cup replay to see off Chippenham Town on Tuesday evening after drawing one all in Wiltshire on Saturday. Brandon Bak’s second half goal was sufficient to see the Seagulls through to the fourth qualifying round.
Away from home in the league, they have won two and drawn one since losing one-nil at Enfield Town. Their victories were at Chesham United and Maidstone United. Most recently they drew at St. Albans City.
When the two teams met at Park View Road in March, the game came to an exciting conclusion with the Wings coming out on top. Sonny Fish gave Stringer’s side a half time lead but James Dodd levelled with under fifteen minutes remaining. It looked as though the match would finish level until Antony Papadopoulos put Welling back ahead in the first minute of stoppage time and David Amoo ensured the three points three minutes later.
Harvey and Zane Walker, along with Ben Wells, remain unfit to play, and Charlie Pegrum will be absent while he serves his one match ban. Teddy Perkins picked up a knock at Sporting Bengal that might keep him out however most of the other members of the squad should be fit to play. That will give Stringer, and assistant Kevin Watson, more options than in recent weeks.
Images courtesy of Dave Budden