After yet another break in their season, Welling United return to Vanarama National League South action on Tuesday night at Braintree Town.

The game will be just the eighth league game of the season for Bradley Quinton’s Wings in a stop start campaign. The latest break was over a two week period following a positive Covid-19 test for one of the players which caused the whole squad to self-isolate for two weeks.

It was a tough break for the Wings who had just started to put a run together going three games undefeated before the break with a draw at Concord Rangers, a victory at Hemel Hempstead Town and a draw at home to Billericay Town.

Looking at the fledgling table, it might appear that Welling are in a sticky situation but having played five fewer games than some of the other clubs, it would only take a couple of victories to send them climbing up the table.

Part of the reason for their improved form after a slow start has been the midfield performances of Lyle Della-Verde and Ryan Blackman signed on dual-registration from Enfield. They have both now left Enfield to concentrate on furthering their career development  under Quinton.

Braintree, like Welling have six points but have played two more games than the Wings. However their form has also been on the up recently. They lost all of their opening seven games and manager George Borg handed over the reins to Ryan Maxwell, a one time Welling player. Since he has taken over, he has overhauled the playing staff and they have won two out of two. 

In the first game, at home to Concord Rangers, they had eight players making debuts and won one-nil. That was followed up with a two-nil victory at Tonbridge Angels

On Saturday, Braintree’s game was called off due to their pitch being snow covered so both the Iron and Welling were in action in friendlies. At Park View Road, the Wings beat Erith and Belvedere five-one in a test game for allowing fans back in for competitive fixtures. Five different players were on the scoresheet for Quinton’s team.

Meanwhile, Aveley hosted Braintree and Maxwell’s team ran out two-one winners. The much improved form by both sides means that the game at the Cressing Road Stadium could be an intriguing affair.

Picture supplied by Dave Budden.