On Sunday Welling United entertain Carlisle United in the F.A. Cup second round at Park View Road.

It is only the fifth time in the Wings’ history that they have reached this stage and, should they progress, they will equal their best ever F.A. Cup campaign.

Few who attended the game against Blackburn Rovers in 1989 haven’t longed for a repeat of that feat, and Welling are just 90 minutes away.from achieving it. However, they will have a big challenge to overcome first if they are to make it into the draw alongside the Premiership clubs.

Sunday’s visitors Carlisle United are currently sixth in League Division 2 and have only lost one of their last six league games. The travel won’t trouble them too much either. In the first round they had a trip to Devon where they beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0.

Manager Loui Fazakerley hasn’t hidden his desire to progress in the cup but the preparation will be no different to any other game. “We will approach the game in the same way.”

That will start by looking at their last game, an encouraging draw at Lincoln City. “We always analyse each game. We do a video analysis session with the players. We explain where we could have done better.” He felt the game at promotion chasing Lincoln was a good springboard for the Carlisle tie “We will approach it in good spirit.”

In fact, it could have been even better. Welling scored a great team goal just before half time. Ricky Wellard set the attack in motion and the Wings’ made the most of their overload in attack when George Porter passed unselfishly to Reece Harris. Harris did not err with a clinical finish for his second goal of the season.

Fifteen minutes remained when the Imps equalised through a Jack Muldoon thunderbolt but Welling held out for a deserved point and could have nicked a winner at the end.

Tickets are selling well and Welling are expecting a good gate, however Head Coach, Matthew McEntegart does not expect the young Wings team to be overawed.

“You look at the big games that our boys have been part of this year. You look at the football they have played in those games. The people that have turned up to watch have been very, very, very, very very surprised at the football they’ve seen.

“Our boys do love the big occasion.”

Although advance tickets have sold well, admittance for cash will be available on the day for those wanting to see Fazakerley’s team attempt to make club history.

Pictures supplied by Dave Budden.