Following their disappointment on Tuesday, Welling United are back in action on Saturday when they entertain Oxford City.

It was a tough on the Wings on Tuesday evening at Billericay Town. Having conceded just short of the twenty minute mark, Welling had to dig in to keep the hosts at bay but it was not all one way traffic. As half time approached, Gavin McCallum received a pass from Adam Coombes on the right wing, cut in, and arrowed a shot into the top corner.

After the break, Welling were much improved and missed a couple of decent openings. However, when Billericay were reduced to ten with ten minutes remaining, Welling went for the win and left themselves stretched. Twice, Billericay broke but didn’t take full advantage before they won a controversial penalty as the game entered injury time.

Although the foul appeared to be just outside, the referee consulted his assistant and awarded a penalty. Jake Robinson converted and Welling returned home empty handed.

Saturday’s visitors Oxford City lost their first game of the season, three-nil at home to Concord Rangers but are unbeaten since. Two one all away draws, at Chippenham Town and at Eastbourne Borough, were followed by a three-two home win against Hampton and Richmond Borough.

When the two teams met at Park View Road in the corresponding fixture last season, Welling prevailed at the end of an exciting encounter. Kabongo Tshimanga put the Hoops ahead in the tenth minute but Brendan Kiernan levelled just past the half hour mark and the two teams went in at the break on level footing.

David Ijaha put Welling ahead with eighteen minutes remaining, but Matt Paterson, later to join Welling levelled nine minutes later. Just as it looked as though the two teams were going to share the spoils, Anthony Acheampong popped up with a winner.

Even though it’s early in the season, both teams will be looking for a win to take them into the top half of the table so there could be an exciting encounter ahead.

Images courtesy of Dave Budden