Although delayed, Welling United hope to play their first away game of 2026 on Saturday when visiting Canvey Island in an Isthmian League Premier match.

Last weekend, the Wings hosted Wingate and Finchley and Lekan Majoyegbe’s goal was sufficient to win all three points. Particularly pleasing for manager Ryan Maxwell was that Welling recorded their first league clean sheet of the season. That was also their third victory in five games and they a greater chance of beating the drop, even though still seven points adrift of safety.

Their hosts, Canvey Island are one point behind Welling, and have played one game more. Last Saturday, they were defeated one-nil at home to Lewes with the only goal being scored nine minutes before half time. That was their second defeat in a row, and they have lost four out of their last five, with their one success being a one-nil home win against Billericay Town, courtesy of a Calum Newsom stoppage time goal.

Like Maxwell, Seagulls manager Gary Kimble has been busy recruiting new players. Former Dartford striker Duane Ofari-Acheampong has been signed and defender Ben Steward has joined the club on loan from Billericay Town. Also coming in is Luke O’Neill who started this season at Welling. He made his Canvey debut against Lewes last Saturday. 

At home, Canvey lost their three in the league before beating Brentwood Town. They then went four games without a win, three draws and a defeat before defeating Whitehawk and Billericay. The two home wins run was ended by Lewes last week.

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Maxwell will be without Jack Paxman, who completes his suspension, and will monitor the fitness of Junior Savane and Chris Arthur. Although Ade Azeez also went off injured last week, he should be in contention for a start and the Wings’ manager will also hope to have the rest of the squad from which to select.

It is advisable that those intending to go should keep an eye out on the two clubs’ social media sites as Canvey Island’s pitch failed an inspection on Tuesday evening meaning that their match against Chatham Town was postponed. Further heavy rain is forecast so Saturday’s match may also be in jeopardy.

Picture supplied by Peter Jozwiak.