Still searching for their first victory of the season, Welling United host big spending Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

Two home draws and three away defeats haven’t given the Wings the start for which they had hoped but, despite the scoreline, they could easily have come home from Eastleigh with the points. The new team that Jamie Day has assembled had their chances and the Spitfires were thankful to goalkeeper Ross Flitney on several occasions.

Twelve players have made their league debuts for Welling already this season, including Malachi Hudson who celebrated his first full appearance with the opening goal on Monday, and Day is aware that there is plenty of promise in the squad.

Forest Green, managed by former Wings boss Adie Pennock, have made a good start to the season having won three and drawn two. They sit in third place in the fledgling league table and have genuine title aspirations.

Away from home they have recorded a one nil victory at Southport and a one all draw at Aldershot Town. Former West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes has already netted three times in their first five games and will present a real threat. Kurtis Guthrie, a former Wing, is in their squad but has not featured in their sixteen for the last two matches.

In the corresponding fixture last season, Welling stunned Rovers with an exhilarating 5-2 victory. The Wings raced into a two goal lead through an own goal and a second from substitute Loick Pires. Anthony Berry pulled one back then Yan Klukowski equalised from the spot early in the second half.

Welling regained the lead from a penalty of their own, converted by Ross Lafayette. The visitors were reduced to ten men as a result of the foul on Lee Clarke for which the penalty was awarded. Clarke added the fourth and Alex Dyer the fifth as the Wings claimed a well deserved three points.

Whatever the result, the two managers are good friends, Day was a player when Pennock was manager at Park View Road, and will hope to find time for a chat over a cup of tea or a glass of something a little stronger.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.