Welling United return to F.A. Cup action this weekend with a home tie against Luton Town.

The last time Welling reached the first round was 2006 when visiting Huddersfield Town. 1988/89 was the last time the Wings were drawn at home at this stage (v Bromsgrove Rovers). The eight subsequent first round appearances were all away draws.

Two weeks ago, Welling defeated Brislington away to put themselves into the hat. They had to battle their way through and were thankful that Lee Clarke was on the spot to head the only goal of the game.

Jamie Day, Welling’s manager, has made it clear that finishing as high as possible in the league is his priority. However he will remember from having played against Huddersfield, the buzz that the players get from these F.A. Cup ties.

He was buoyed by the return of Doug Bergqvist, Alex Dyer and Ross Lafayette and had enough fit players to mean he didn’t even name himself on the bench.

It wasn’t all good news for Welling, though. A collision in training meant that Loick Pires was hobbling around Park View Road on crutches last Saturday and his ankle and calf injuries may sideline him for a while.

Luton are expected to be without joint leading goal-scorer Andre Gray, former Maidenhead United firebrand Alex Wall, Shaun Walley and Jon Shaw, but their squad is large enough to have strong alternatives.

Although a tight encounter, Welling claimed another ex league club scalp when defeating Lincoln City 1-0 last Saturday. Jake Gallagher notched the only goal, his first of the season. The victory improved the Wings’ current run to just two defeats in their last ten league and F.A. Cup matches.

That was Welling’s second consecutive clean sheet and Fraser Franks’ recall to the England C squad is testament to both his and his defence’s fine form so far this season.

There can be little doubt that the Hatters will provide a very stern test as they are currently third in the Skrill Premier having lost just twice all season. Despite that, they are only three points clear of Welling and the Wings home form suggests that all who attend could be in for a very exciting afternoon.