Two consecutive wins have given Welling United a massive boost ahead of their fixture against Vanarama National League bottom club Kidderminster Harriers.
Assistant Manager Barry Ashby has not been surprised with the upturn of form. “The results have been coming. Previously, we’ve been in games every game we’ve played in, just haven’t taken our chances when we need to, and at times with young lads things have let us down. Overall, in the last three games, it’s come together a little more.”
There will be a different type of pressure on them on Saturday as they will go into the game as favourites. However, they have been hampered by injuries and several players will have late fitness tests before Dean Frost can name his starting line up.
Michael Bakare will have to miss out as he completes a three match ban. Sahr Kabba and Ibrahim Kargbo both missed the trip to Tranmere and will need to be assessed before a final decision is made.
Joey Taylor was withdrawn during the second half at Prenton Park but should be fit to return against Kidderminster. Zach Fagan, however, is out for the season whilst both Harry Lee and Harry Osborne continue to miss out.
George Porter has made two cameo performances off the bench and will be another week closer to full fitness.
It has not been an easy season for Kidderminster. They started the season with an encouraging two all draw at home to Grimsby Town in front of a crowd of just under 3,500. However three defeats followed before they picked up another point. Once they hit bottom of the league, they stayed there.
Finally, they claimed their first victory of the season on 31st October, a 2-1 win against Woking.
During their barren spell they hosted Welling and the Wings came away 1-0 victors. Porter scored the only goal of the game when he smashed home a free kick. Once Jordan Tunnicliffe had been dismissed, there was little doubt on the final outcome.
When the two teams met at Park View Road last season, Welling claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory. Jake Gallagher put Welling ahead and Kieron St. Aimie claimed the second, although there was a suspicion that it actually flew in off a defender. Sam Corne added a third in the second half.
Should Welling repeat that result, it would give them a great springboard for their impending consecutive visits to the North West. It would also make for a very Happy 21st Birthday on Sunday for current captain Barney Williams.
Picture supplied by Dave Budden.